Hockey is one of the most popular sports in Canada and around the world. Due to its high popularity, there are a lot of online betting opportunities if you know where to look. But with so much competition, how can you ensure you are getting the best odds? Here are 10 things you need to consider before placing a bet on hockey:
The Experience Of Watching The Game
If you’ve never been to a hockey game or watched one live, then you may wonder how to evaluate whether or not to bet on the game. But if you’ve been to one or more hockey games and have a general idea of how the game is played, then you’ll have a better idea of how the odds work. For instance, a lot of people think that watching hockey is basically the same as playing it due to the high degree of movement and action involved. While this may be true for an individual game, it certainly is not the case over the course of an entire season. In fact, as a general rule, the more you watch hockey, the less you will like it. On the other hand, if you’re a hardcore hockey fan, then you may appreciate the more aggressive nature of the sport and how it makes for better viewing. In short, the more you know about hockey, the better your odds of picking the right games to bet on.
The Stadium
When you place a bet on a sporting event, you’re usually placing it at a stadium in the first place. So it’s essential that you consider the quality of the stadium’s venue when choosing your wagering location. For instance, if you’re in Vancouver, look for a seat near the glass or at the very least, near the 50-yard line. Similar requirements apply for any sporting event held outdoors. And if you really want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth, then sit as close to the action as possible. The closer you sit to the pitch (field), the less you’ll lose from the wind blowing in your face.
Line Moves And The Spread
For those who don’t follow baseball or football, the line is the name given to the betting line for a given event. The line moves based on the latest news articles or social media posts pertaining to the game, team or event you’re interested in betting on. If you’ve ever watched a hockey game in person, you’ll know that the lines move a lot before, during and after the game. This is mostly due to the fact that punters have a lot of faith in the integrity of the refs when calling games. Due to this trust, the lines will usually move in the favour of the home team. However, this can change with just a few minutes left to play in the 3rd period. During these last few minutes, the lines will often tighten up as excitement mounts and tension builds. This can lead to some very interesting moments indeed.
Weather
Believe it or not, the weather in a given area can also have a significant impact on the outcome of a game. This is mainly due to the fact that ice acts as a natural insulator and helps slow down the warming effects of the sun. For this reason, the weather in an area can have a significant impact on the play of the game. When choosing your betting location, you need to consider the weather and whether or not it will affect the game you’re interested in betting on.
TV Coverage
Just like the weather, the TV coverage of a game can also make a significant difference. The rule here is the same as for the weather: when choosing your betting location, make sure the TV coverage will be good and that you’re not missing any part of the game. If you don’t have access to a TV or if the coverage is limited, then you should consider another option. Depending on your gaming experience, you may find it frustrating to follow a game from afar if the quality of the TV signal isn’t good enough.
The Referees
Last but not least, we have the referees. Like the lines, the refs’ official decisions can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game. For this reason, when choosing your betting location, you need to consider the integrity of the refs in the area. If you have any doubts, then you may want to look for another location or consider an online option where the odds are mostly in your favour.
The list of things to consider when betting on hockey is not an easy one. But with a little effort, you can find a winning combination that will lead to bigger profits in the long run. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even learn to love the game a little bit more.