Ice hockey betting: read the settlement rule before the price
By Kristaps Birznieks · updated October 2026
Hockey is one of the most bet-on sports in northern and eastern Europe, Latvia included, and it has a feature that catches newcomers: the same "who wins" question exists as two different markets depending on whether overtime and the shootout count. This page explains the main markets and what to check before staking. We make no claims about which leagues or limits any operator offers.
Regulation time versus moneyline
The three-way regulation result (1X2) settles on 60 minutes of play. A game tied after regulation is a draw for this market, even if one team wins in overtime or the shootout. Because the draw is a real outcome, prices on both teams are higher.
The moneyline (two-way, including overtime and shootout) has no draw: whoever wins the game wins the bet. Prices are lower, but a late equaliser does not sink you.
Example: home team at 2.30 / draw 4.10 / away 2.90 in the regulation market, versus 1.80 / 2.05 on the moneyline. The regulation price looks bigger because it carries the draw risk. Neither market is better; they answer different questions.
Puck line ±1.5
The puck line is hockey's standard handicap. The favourite at −1.5 must win by two or more; the underdog at +1.5 wins if it loses by one or wins outright. Empty-net goals matter here: a team trailing by one late in the game often pulls its goalkeeper, and an empty-net goal can turn a one-goal win into a two-goal win in the last minute. Check whether the puck line includes overtime — rules differ between bookmakers.
Totals
Totals bet on combined goals, often around 5.5 in many leagues (an example, not a rule). Whether overtime goals and the shootout count is the key settlement question: some markets settle on regulation time, others include overtime, and a shootout is usually counted as one goal for the winner, if at all. Always read the market rules.
| Market | Settles on | Draw possible |
|---|---|---|
| 1X2 regulation | 60 minutes | Yes |
| Moneyline | Including OT and shootout | No |
| Puck line ±1.5 | Depends on rules | No |
| Total goals | Regulation or incl. OT — check | Push on whole lines |
Period bets
Hockey offers markets on each of the three periods: period winner, period totals, first goal. Periods are short, low-scoring samples, so outcomes are volatile and margins on period markets are often higher than on the full game.
Before you stake
Calculate the margin of the market you are using (method in Sports betting), confirm which time segment it covers, and keep stakes within a budget set before puck drop. Fast in-play hockey markets reward discipline more than instinct. Handicaps and totals in general are explained in Bet types; a comparison with basketball shows how overtime rules differ between sports.