NHL 4 Nations Face-Off: Betting legally, responsibly

Key Points 

• The inaugural NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament brings together top hockey talent from the U.S., Canada, Sweden and Finland.
  
  

• Sports betting on exhibition-style tournaments is legal in select states but subject to restrictions, particularly for non-traditional formats.
  
  

• Responsible betting practices help maintain a fun and sustainable experience for hockey fans looking to wager.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Birches Health is a specialized provider of gambling addiction treatment nationwide. Care is available virtually from the comfort of home and is covered by insurance. Knowing how to bet legally and responsibly is critical in aiming to reduce the chances of developing a gambling problem. The goal of this article is to help potential bettors do so in a smart, sustainable and healthy manner if they choose to wager on the event. 

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In an effort to shake things up and introduce a creative new substitute for an All-Star event, the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off features powerhouse rosters with teams from the U.S., Canada, Sweden and Finland. 

The event takes place from Wednesday, February 12 through Thursday, February 20, with games hosted in Boston and Montreal. Unlike traditional round-robin international tournaments, this event introduces a unique bracket format culminating in tonight's championship showdown between the United States and Canada.

Each national team showcases NHL stars, making this tournament one of the most talent-packed international competitions outside of the Winter Olympics or the IIHF World Championship. The Opening game between Canada and Sweden was on Wednesday, February 12, with Round Robin play continuing through Monday, February 18th. The championship game is tonight - Tuesday, February 20. And as the excitement around the tournament increases, so does betting interest. So where is it legal to bet on it?

Which states allow betting for the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament?

In 2025, 38 states – plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico – have operational legalized sports betting in some form. Missouri has become the 39th state to legalize sports betting, although it will not be operational until mid-2025. Not all states permit wagering on exhibition tournaments or non-traditional sporting events.

While NHL regular-season and playoff betting are widely available, some states impose restrictions on betting markets for events like the 4 Nations Face-Off due to its exhibition-style format. If you plan to bet, check your state's regulations before placing a wager.

The following states currently allow odds for the 4 Nations Face-Off: CT, IL, LA, MI, NH, NJ, OR, WY, WA, KS, MD, OH, MA, KY, ME, VT, NC (and Washington, D.C.)

History and background of the first-ever 4 Nations Face-Off

The NHL’s All-Star events were not cutting it, and there had been growing demand for high-stakes international competition with NHL players. The NHL 4 Nations Face-Off was created as a response to that demand. With Olympic participation still in flux and the World Cup of Hockey not held since 2016, the NHL designed this tournament to fill the gap.

This event is expected to serve as a testing ground for future international formats, possibly influencing the NHL's approach to Olympic participation and other global initiatives.

If you bet on it, use legal regulated sportsbooks only

When betting on hockey, especially a major international and inaugural event like this one, it's important to place your wagers with regulated sportsbooks. You should AVOID the betting options below at all costs. 

• Offshore Sportsbooks: These sites operate without oversight from U.S. regulatory bodies, meaning your funds and personal information aren’t protected. Withdrawals can be delayed or even denied, and there’s little to no legal action you can take if issues arise.
  
  

• Bookies: While betting with a local bookmaker might seem convenient, they lack transparency and protections. Payouts are not guaranteed, and you could be dealing with unfavorable odds or poor practices. It’s all about trust with bookies (that you’ll get paid if you win), and many have proven to be untrustworthy.
  
  

• Sweepstakes Platforms: These sites offer a gray-area workaround for sports betting, operating under the guise of sweepstakes laws. Many states have started to crack down aggressively on sweepstakes gambling operators, with multiple bills that aim to close the loophole and punish them with felony charges if they continue to be accessible in those states. 

For a safe and fair betting experience, always choose regulated sportsbooks, where your bets are protected, and you have legal avenues to address any concerns.

Betting on the 4 Nations Face-Off responsibly

Betting on hockey requires a disciplined approach, especially for high-profile events. Here are some hockey-specific responsible betting tips:

• With hockey's fast pace, up-and-down nature, it’s easy to get sucked into the speed of the game and bet before you think. Set a betting limit before this new event and stick to it, regardless of how your bets play out.
  
  

• Late-game strategies like pulling the goalie can drastically affect betting outcomes, especially with puck line (-1.5, +1.5) wagers. With extremely talented rosters and players needing to return healthy to their NHL teams, there are more variables in this event. Keep this in mind when placing bets on spreads (the “puck line”).
  
  

• Hockey’s quick swings in momentum make live betting tempting, but placing too many reactionary wagers can lead to losses. Stay disciplined and only bet when you see real value.
  
  

• Player props, like goal scorers and shot totals, can be enticing but also volatile. Make sure you research player trends and ice time before placing prop bets.

Keep your wagers manageable at amounts you can afford to lose completely, and always bet responsibly.

Problem gambling resources and support

Since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, sports betting has surged in popularity, which has also led to an increase in gambling addiction cases. If you or someone you know may be struggling with problem gambling, specialized resources are available. 

Birches Health, offers virtual treatment from the comfort of home, covered by insurance, with specially certified gambling addiction counselors nationwide. .

• Book an appointment 

• Call 833-483-3838

• Email help@bircheshealth.com