Is it Legal to Bet on the NHL? 2025 Hockey Betting
Author:
Zach Lutz
Reviewed by:
Published:
Oct 9, 2024
,
08:20 p.m.
ET
Updated:
Oct 10, 2024
,
01:27 p.m.
ET
The National Hockey League (NHL) is a beloved sport across North America, with fans eagerly following their teams from the regular season to the playoffs. For many, placing a bet on the games enhances the excitement. But, is betting on the NHL legal? The answer depends on where you live. This guide will cover the legalities of NHL betting, who is allowed to bet, responsible gaming tips and the NHL’s relationship with sports betting.
Who is allowed to bet on the NHL in the United States?
In the U.S., betting on NHL games is legal in most states, but it’s crucial to understand the varying laws and requirements.
Location
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, sports betting laws have been determined by individual states. As of 2024, sports betting is legal in some form in 38 of the 50 states. However, only 30 of those states allow online betting. Here’s a breakdown of where you can legally bet on NHL games:
Online Sports Betting: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada (requires in-person registration), New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee (online only, no retail), Vermont (online only, no retail), Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming offer both online and retail (in-person) betting options.
Retail Only: States such as Delaware, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin require you to visit a physical sportsbook to place bets.
No Betting Allowed: In 12 states, including California, Texas and Georgia, sports betting is not yet legalized, meaning fans in those areas will need to wait for potential future legislation.
Age Requirements
Another critical factor is the minimum age to place a bet. Most states require bettors to be at least 21 years old. However, a few states, including Kentucky, Montana, Rhode Island, Washington D.C. and Wyoming, allow individuals aged 18 and older to bet legally. Keep in mind that you must adhere to the laws of the state you’re physically located in when placing a bet, even if you’re from a state with different rules.
For instance, if an 18-year-old from Kentucky travels to Virginia, they cannot legally bet there, as Virginia requires bettors to be 21 or older.
Who is allowed to bet on the NHL in Canada?
Canada also embraces NHL betting, with hockey being the country’s most popular sport. In 2021, single-event sports betting became legal nationwide, but provinces regulate it individually.
Online Sports Betting: Provinces like Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia allow residents to bet on NHL games through licensed online sportsbooks. These sites offer a variety of markets, from moneyline bets to player props.
Retail Betting: Bettors in most provinces can also place wagers at physical locations like casinos and racetracks.
Canada’s NHL betting landscape is expected to continue growing as more provinces roll out betting options and welcome bonuses to attract hockey fans.
Responsible Gaming tips for betting the 2025 NHL season
Betting on sports, including the NHL, should be a fun and engaging activity. However, it’s essential to approach betting responsibly to avoid the potential pitfalls of gambling. Here are some tips to keep in mind for the 2025 NHL season:
View betting as entertainment, not a way to make money: Set a budget for your bets and stick to it, ensuring you’re only wagering money you can afford to lose.
Set limits on how often you bet: Whether you bet daily, weekly or monthly, creating boundaries helps you avoid over-gambling.
Avoid chasing losses: After a loss, resist the temptation to keep betting in an attempt to recover your money. This often leads to larger losses.
Never bet under the influence: Gambling while impaired by alcohol or drugs can lead to poor decision-making and excessive losses.
Know when to walk away: If betting becomes stressful or stops being enjoyable, it’s time to take a break.
Gambling Addiction Help and Treatment
For some, betting can develop into a gambling problem. If you or a loved one is struggling with gambling addiction, help is available. Birches Health offers online treatment options tailored to your needs, ensuring recovery from the comfort of your home. With a team of specialists, Birches Health supports individuals throughout the process, from intake to aftercare.
If you need assistance or want to learn more about the services, reach out to Birches Health by:
You can also call us at 833-483-3838 or email us at hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with our Birches team as soon as possible.
The NHL’s complex relationship with Sports Betting
The relationship between the NHL and sports betting has evolved rapidly in recent years. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was initially opposed to sports betting, but after PASPA’s repeal in 2018, the league embraced the changing landscape. Bettman noted that the league had to adapt to remain relevant, stating, “In this day and age, you either evolve or become extinct.”
This shift led to partnerships between the NHL and major sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Caesars. These deals have made betting on the NHL more accessible than ever, with official sports betting partners offering exclusive promotions and markets for fans.
NHL sports betting scandals and controversies
Despite the league’s careful embrace of sports betting, the NHL has faced its share of controversies. For decades, the league maintained a clean record regarding player involvement in gambling. However, that changed in 2023 when Shane Pinto, a player for the Ottawa Senators, was suspended for 41 games due to violating the league’s gambling policy.
This suspension was a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity within the sport. The NHL has made it clear that players cannot bet on hockey games, and violations will result in severe consequences. Pinto’s suspension marked the first significant betting-related scandal in the NHL since the 1940s, underscoring the league's commitment to safeguarding its reputation.
