Regulation time, overtime, and shootouts: the key difference in hockey betting

In hockey, a match lasts three periods of 20 minutes of clean time. If the score is tied at the end of regulation, playoff games go to overtime, while in regular-season championships the format is either overtime or straight to shootouts, depending on the tournament regulations. For betting purposes, this is fundamental: some markets count only regulation time, while others include the result after overtime and shootouts.

When you bet on the match outcome with options "W1", "X", "W2", the bookmaker settles the result at the end of the third period — overtime and shootouts are not included. If the game ends in a tie, the bet on a draw wins. The "match winner" or "outcome including overtime and shootouts" market is determined by the final result, including extra time and the series of shots. Always check the settlement rules with bookmakers: they vary, and the market description is published in the rules section on the operator's site.

Main hockey betting markets

Bookmakers offer dozens of betting options on a single match. The most common markets:

• Outcome (1X2): first team win, draw, or second team win at the end of regulation time.
• Match winner: which team will win including overtime and shootouts. A draw is not possible here.
• Puck handicap: you bet on a team with a handicap (for example, -1.5) or with a plus (for example, +1.5). If a team wins 4:2 and you bet on a -1.5 handicap, the bet wins: 4 - 1.5 = 2.5, which is greater than 2.
• Total goals: whether more or fewer than the specified value will be scored in the match by both teams. For example, over 5.5 total wins if 6 or more goals are scored in the match.
• Team total: how many goals a specific team will score, regardless of the opponent's result.
• Period bets: outcome or total within a single period (first, second, or third).
• Correct score: guess the final result of the match.
• First/last goal scored: which team will open or close the scoring.

Settlement rules vary among bookmakers: some count total bets only for regulation time, others include overtime. Read the rules section before placing a bet.

Penalties and empty net: what to consider

Penalties in hockey can change the course of a match. A team plays shorthanded for two minutes (minor penalty) or five minutes (major penalty), and the opponent gains a numerical advantage — the so-called power play. At this moment, the probability of a goal increases sharply. If you're placing a live bet and see a key defenseman penalized, the odds on the total and outcome change quickly.

Empty net is a tactical move at the end of a match. The losing team pulls the goalie and sends out a sixth skater to strengthen the attack. This increases the chances of scoring, but also opens the way for the opponent to score an easy goal into the empty net. If you're betting on over in the final minutes, factor this in: an empty-net goal is a common occurrence.

Live betting on hockey

In live mode, bookmakers update odds as the match progresses. You see the current score, time, penalties, and can bet on the next period, total, or outcome based on what's happening on the ice. The live line is broader than pre-match: markets appear on the next goal scored, on the result of the remaining periods, on the exact number of goals before the end of the game.

Live odds change every few seconds. If a team scores a goal, the odds on its victory drop, while the odds on the opponent's victory rise. A player penalty, a zone exit, an attack on goal — everything affects the line. Bookmakers may temporarily suspend betting during critical moments (a breakaway, a penalty shot) to recalculate odds.

Live betting requires quick reaction and understanding of the game. If you're following a match and see that a team is controlling the puck but the score hasn't opened yet, a bet on over or on a goal in the current period may prove profitable.

Bet calculation example

For example, you bet 20 EUR on team A to win at odds of 2.30. Team A wins the match in regulation time with a score of 3:2. Your payout will be 20 × 2.30 = 46 EUR. Net profit — 46 - 20 = 26 EUR.

If you bet on team B +1.5 handicap at odds of 1.75, and the match ended 3:2 in favor of team A, the bet wins: 2 + 1.5 = 3.5, which is greater than 3. Payout: 20 × 1.75 = 35 EUR, profit — 15 EUR.

A bet on over 5.5 at odds of 1.90: if 6 goals are scored in the match, the bet wins. 20 × 1.90 = 38 EUR, profit — 18 EUR. If 5 goals are scored, the bet loses, and you forfeit 20 EUR.

Beginner mistakes in hockey betting

A common mistake is not checking which result is counted in the bet. You bet on the "1X2" outcome, thinking the bet will settle if the team wins in overtime, but the market counts only regulation time, and the bet on a win lost because of a draw after three periods. Always read the market description in the bookmaker's rules.

Beginners overestimate the favorite. In hockey, the gap in team quality is smaller than in football: an underdog can win or tie even against a championship leader. A bet on a favorite with a large handicap (for example, -2.5) often doesn't pay off.

Ignoring the schedule and team fatigue is another problem. If a team plays three matches in four days, its physical condition drops by the third match. The goalie may be replaced with a backup, key players may be fielded in limited capacity. Check the calendar before betting.

Bets on correct score or complex combinations (for example, "team A will win the first period and the match will end with over 6.5 total") look tempting because of high odds, but their probability of winning is low. For beginners, it's safer to start with simple markets: outcome, total, handicap.

Legality of hockey betting in Latvia

Online sports betting is legal in Latvia only with a VID license for interactive gambling. The list of licensed operators is published on the VID website — this is the only official verification source. Bookmakers with a VID license must transfer winnings to the same bank account from which the deposit was made, verify players against the self-exclusion register, and comply with Latvian law requirements. The tax on interactive games is 15% — paid by the operator, not the player.

Bookmakers from international rankings operate under licenses from other countries — most often Curaçao, Malta, Gibraltar. These licenses are not recognized by VID: from the perspective of Latvian law, such platforms have no right to offer services to players from Latvia. Playing on a platform not licensed in Latvia is an administrative offense; the fine for an individual ranges from 70 to 350 euros. VID maintains a list of blocked domains; providers are obliged to restrict access to them. Latvian law does not protect players on offshore sites: VID does not control their operations, the VID self-exclusion register does not apply to them, and the bank may decline the payment.

Responsible gambling

Hockey betting is available only to persons over 18 years of age. Set a betting budget and do not exceed it. Never bet money you need for housing, food, or other essential expenses. If you lose the planned amount, stop — trying to chase losses often leads to even greater losses.

Take breaks, don't bet for several hours straight. If you feel you're losing control over your gambling, use the VID self-exclusion register: the minimum ban period is 12 months, you can set it longer. The register will protect you from access to platforms licensed in Latvia. Counseling centers and support hotlines for gambling addiction operate in Latvia — contact specialists if you need help.

Author: Jewgienij Ja. · Updated: 22.10.2026