Ice hockey betting: which part of the game are you betting on?
By Ilze Krūmiņa · updated October 2026
Ice hockey has passionate fans, and passion is a common source of betting mistakes. This is not a tips page. It explains how hockey markets work, why "win in regulation" and "win the match" are different bets, and what that means for your slip and your money.
Regulation time versus the final result
A hockey game can end in regulation, in overtime or in a shoot-out. Markets therefore fall into two groups. The "1X2" market usually covers regulation time only, with a draw as a separate outcome. The "match winner including overtime and shoot-out" market has no draw. If you backed a team to win in regulation and it won in overtime, your bet loses. That is the most common misunderstanding in hockey betting.
Markets and their traps
| Market | What counts | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| 1X2 | Regulation time | The draw is a separate outcome |
| Match winner | Final result incl. overtime and shoot-out | Two outcomes, lower odds |
| Total goals | Depends on the market name | Check whether overtime goals count |
| Handicap | Usually regulation time | A shoot-out win may not count |
Empty-net goals
Late in a game, a trailing team often pulls its goalie, and an empty-net goal can flip a total or handicap in the final seconds. It is a normal part of hockey, but worth remembering when you bet "under". Before betting, check whether the chosen total includes overtime goals and the shoot-out winner — rules differ.
Your own team
Backing the team you support is natural, but it is not analysis. If such bets are entertainment, give them a small fixed amount. During big tournaments, betting volume rises sharply and fan sentiment is already priced in, so a bet on your favourites often offers less value than it seems. Set one amount for the whole tournament and stick to it. If a loss makes you want to "win it back" in the next game, that is the signal to stop (Responsible gambling).
Money in open bets
Hockey schedules are dense, and an accumulator across several games may settle only days later. Until then, the money in it cannot be withdrawn. If you use a sports bonus, check the minimum odds and whether bets on "including overtime" markets count. More on Bet types and Bonus terms; withdrawals on Withdrawals.
Other sports
Football, basketball and tennis each have their own settlement quirks. Basics on Sports betting.