Welcome to the second edition of 2 in 2 Out, a sports betting blog analyzing the latest NFL, NBA, and NHL odds and betting strategies. This week we’re breaking down the 1×2 meaning in hockey betting so you can start making smarter bets and winning more often!
Hockeynut Goes International
The first and biggest news this week is the NHL announcing that they would go international with their first season. The league made the announcement that several teams, including the Buffalo Sabres, would be moving or expanding their reach to have an international presence. This will expand the horizons of Canadian and other international hockey fans who can now follow their favorite team and players. With many teams having a global reach, this could lead to increased betting opportunities for international markets. For example, you might see more bets being placed on the Montreal Canadiens to win the Stanley Cup due to the team’s large European fan base.
Moving Forward With Sabre Sports
The Sabres were one of the first teams to establish themselves as a brand in North America, so it’s only natural that they’d be among the first to take the international plunge. Last year they had the 6th highest payroll in the NHL and also made the playoffs, so it’s evident that they’re committed to being a top tier organization.
Another team that’s been a mainstay in the league since its inception in 1972, the Carolina Hurricanes, also made the move to become an international brand. They’ll be playing in the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, which will be the 11th edition of the tournament. This will be head coach Bill Peters’ second Olympics as well as his second stint in charge of the Canes.
What Does 1×2 Mean in NFL Football?
In the National Football League, the 1×2 is a reference to the single-point football betting option. Basically, you’re getting odds of 1.2 ($1.20) on an NFL game. This means you’re paying $1.20 to win $1.00 on that particular game. It’s one of the most popular options among sports bettors because most teams cover the 1.2 spread relatively often. It’s fairly common to see a team win by one touchdown or two point conversions, so the payout for a 1×2 bet is great when a favorite covers the spread.
More On Pari-Mutuel Wagering
One of the biggest developments in the sports betting world this year is the legalization of sports wagering in some states. Delaware, Nevada, and Missouri all passed legislation this year to allow sports wagering legally. This creates a massive market for sports betting, as well as greater opportunities for underdog teams and players. The legalization of sports wagering in these states makes it possible for Canadian and other international sports fans to place bets on their favorite teams and players in the U.S. leagues. The problem is there are still issues with illegal streaming sites creating additional competition for legal betting operators.
NHL Hockey
Last but not least, let’s discuss the National Hockey League and the upcoming 2018-19 season. The NHL made the announcement this week that they’re going to expand their divisional structure to allow for more teams in the playoffs. The new league configuration will see 28 teams qualify for the postseason, which will increase the odds of the most popular teams winning the Stanley Cup.
The playoffs will also serve as the qualifier for the Stanley Cup championship, which will be decided in June. The final game of the season will determine the champion. As a hockey fan, this is exciting news indeed, and it will lead to greater betting opportunities for the 2018-19 season.
The Verdict
Looking at all of this, it’s evident that the 2018 NHL season is going to be a monumental one. Not only are many teams moving to international markets to establish themselves, but the league is also expanding its horizons, allowing for greater betting opportunities. The future of hockey sports betting looks incredibly promising, and that’s good news for fans of the sweet science.