Is it legal to bet on the NHL Playoffs? Betting on hockey responsibly

It’s an exciting time in the sports calendar, as playoffs are nearly here on both the ice and the court. In the NHL, the postseason is set to begin on April 20. It’s been a long and difficult season for the 32 teams, but the past few months will all be worth it for a chance at the Stanley Cup. But as the intensity ratchets up during playoff hockey, let’s review the legality of potentially betting on postseason hockey.

NHL and Sports Betting

Partnerships between the NHL and sportsbooks

The relationship between professional sports leagues and the sports betting industry has been complex. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman admits that he changed his opinion on the idea of regulated sports betting having a place in hockey shortly after the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was struck down in 2018. It didn’t take long for several sportsbooks to jump on the opportunity and form relationships with the league.

In 2021, DraftKings partnered with the NHL to become the “Official Sports Betting, Daily Fantasy Sports and iGaming Partner” of the league (DraftKings). In the Spring of 2022, the NHL partnered with FanDuel and BetMGM as well (BetMGM). And then not long ago, Caesars renewed their partnership with the NHL to remain a “Sports Betting and Gaming Partner” of the sport (NHL).

How popular is betting on hockey?

While it is still a popular option, betting on hockey is nowhere near the level of football or basketball. A study done by the CRG Global for Variety Intelligence Platform in October of 2022 showed people wagered more on the NFL, NBA, MLB, college football, and soccer than hockey in most months (Variety). Due to the limited scoring and fewer player prop bets available compared to other sports, gambling on hockey trails the NFL and NBA in handle by a significant margin. 

Have there been sports betting scandals or controversies in hockey?

When Commissioner Bettman opened the door for sports betting to be involved in the sport, he was optimistic about the potential. He said, “I owed it to our fans, I owed it to our clubs, to embrace the evolving world, whether it’s sports betting or changes in technology. In this day and age, you either evolve or become extinct” (Washington Post). However, he was also concerned about the possibility of integrity-threatening scandals that could come with it. 

The NHL is clear that a violation of gambling rules would result in a lengthy suspension, at minimum. And until October of 2023, the NHL had a clean record when it came to players illegally gambling. Shane Pinto, a player for the Ottawa Senators, was the first player to be suspended by the NHL for sports betting in the modern era. He was banned for 41 games, half of the regular season. Before Pinto, the last time the NHL had suspended a player for gambling was in the 1940s (NBC News).

Who is allowed to bet on the NHL Playoffs?

Location Requirements

Sports betting has been legalized in some form in over three-quarters of the country. That means if you are interested in betting on the NHL Playoffs, you must be in one of the 38 states that allow it. However, only 30 of those states have legalized online sports betting. Those locations where it’s available are: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wyoming.

The states where you can only legally bet in person on the NHL Playoffs are Delaware, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin. 

That leaves 12 states that have not legalized in-person or online sports betting: California, Texas, Idaho, Utah, Minnesota, Missouri, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Alaska and Hawaii.

Age Requirements

If you’re interested in legally betting on the NHL Playoffs, you also have to meet the minimum age in which the state mandates. Most states in the country require individuals to be at least 21 years old to gamble online or in person, but a few states require a person to only be 18. Those states include Kentucky, Montana, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., and Wyoming. 

With that said, you must follow the rules of the state you are in. For example, an 18-year-old from Kentucky cannot legally bet on sports in Virginia. 

Can NHL players bet on sports?

Yes, NHL playoffs can bet on sports, as long as it is not their own. The NHL is crystal clear with its gambling policy: "Gambling on any NHL Game is prohibited” (ESPN). That means an NHL player is allowed to bet on any other sports, participate in March Madness squares, or join a fantasy sports league. As long as it is not a hockey game, NHL players can bet on it.

Responsible Gaming tips for betting on the NHL Playoffs

The NHL Playoffs begin in just a few days, which means it is a great time to remember some responsible gambling best practices. These tips should be used when gambling on any sport too, not just hockey. 

• See sports betting as paid entertainment - only gamble what you can afford to lose

• Learn your unit size and stick to it (a unit is generally 1-4% of your betting bankroll, it’s different for everyone)

• Place limits on how often you use an online sports betting app or go to a casino

• Set an amount for how much you will gamble on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis

• NEVER chase your losses (this can lead to losing more than anticipated)

• Don’t gamble under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Gambling Addiction Help and Treatment

Gambling addiction is a very serious and dangerous problem. Fortunately, help is available. Birches Health offers completely online treatment options to help you on the path to recovery from the comfort of home. Between tailored intake and ongoing aftercare, Birches Health will be with you every step of the way. Plus, with their team of trained specialists, 90% of patients feel an increase in quality of life after treatment.

If you believe you or someone else could benefit from the Birches Health offerings email hello@bircheshealth.com. 

Sources:

​​DraftKings Leans in on NHL, Becomes An Official Sports Betting, Daily Fantasy Sports and iGaming Partner of the National Hockey League, and Exclusive Integration Partner of NHL Content on Turner Sports Platforms

NHL Announces First North American Sports Betting Partners | BetMGM

NHL renews partnership with Caesars Sportsbook

The NFL Is the Most Popular Sport to Bet On

The NHL’s Gary Bettman was a sports gambling skeptic. Now he’s a convert. - The Washington Post

NHL suspends Ottawa’s Shane Pinto for 41 games for gambling

What are league rules around gambling on sports? What's forbidden, getting caught and the punishment - ESPN