HomeNHL Betting in Texas

NHL betting in Texas

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about NHL betting in Texas. From the top betting platforms expected to launch in TX, to how you can get started once Texas legalizes sports betting, this article will have you covered.

Brian Cass By: Brian Cass
| Last Updated:
Table of contents

Best expected TX betting apps for NHL betting

If sports betting in Texas becomes legal, several top apps are expected to offer NHL betting. Here are a few notable ones:

DraftKings Texas

DraftKings

DraftKings offers a comprehensive NHL betting experience with various markets, including moneylines, puck lines, and player prop bets. The app is user-friendly and provides detailed statistics and live updates to help you make informed betting decisions.

FanDuel Texas

FanDuel

FanDuel is known for its robust live betting features and extensive NHL coverage. It offers in-game betting, futures, and player-specific props, making it a popular choice for both casual and serious hockey bettors.

BetMGM Texas

BetMGM

BetMGM provides competitive odds and a wide range of NHL betting options, including parlays and over/under bets. The app also features regular promotions and bonuses, enhancing the overall betting experience for NHL fans.

Caesars Texas

Caesars Sportsbook

Renowned for its strong rewards program and comprehensive NHL betting menu, Caesars Sportsbook offers everything from traditional bets to advanced betting markets. The app’s user-friendly interface and promotional offers make it a top choice for NHL betting enthusiasts.

PointsBet Texas Logo

PointsBet

PointsBet stands out with its unique betting formats, such as PointsBetting, and offers a wide array of NHL bets, including unique prop bets and high-risk, high-reward options. The app provides an engaging betting experience for adventurous bettors.

No, betting on the NHL is not legal in Texas. Despite growing interest and legislative efforts, sports betting remains prohibited in the state. During the 2023 legislative session, House Bill 1942 aimed to legalize sports betting but faced significant opposition. Although the bill passed through the House, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced that it would not be considered by the Senate, effectively ending any progress for the year. The legislative session adjourned on May 29, and the next opportunity to revisit this issue will not be until the 2025 session.

Texas has a long-standing conservative stance on gambling, with only limited forms allowed, such as the state lottery and charitable bingo. Concerns about potential social impacts and maintaining traditional values contribute to the resistance against legalizing sports betting. Until new legislation is passed, betting on the NHL and other sports will remain illegal in Texas. As a result, Texans interested in sports betting must look to other states where it is legally permitted or participate in fantasy sports and other legally sanctioned activities.

Which NHL betting promos could Texas sportsbooks offer?

There are many NHL betting promotions that Texas sportsbooks could offer if sports betting becomes legal. Here are some popular ones:

  • Welcome Bonuses: These are typically offered to new users when they sign up and make their first deposit. Welcome bonuses can come in the form of a deposit match, where the sportsbook matches a percentage of your initial deposit up to a certain amount, providing extra funds to start betting on NHL games.
  • Odds Boosts: Odds boosts are special promotions where the sportsbook offers enhanced odds on specific bets, increasing the potential payout. These can be applied to individual games, player performances, or parlay bets. For example, the odds of a star player scoring a goal might be boosted from +150 to +200, giving you a better return on your wager.
  • Parlay Insurance: Parlay insurance offers a refund if one leg of your parlay bet loses. For instance, if you place a four-leg parlay on NHL games and three legs win while one loses, the sportsbook may refund your original stake up to a certain amount. This promo helps reduce the risk involved in placing parlay bets.

How would I begin wagering on the NHL in Texas?

If sports betting becomes legal in Texas, getting started with NHL betting will be straightforward and accessible. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Choose a Sportsbook: Start by selecting a reputable sportsbook known for its NHL betting options. Look for platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, or Caesars Sportsbook. Ensure the sportsbook is licensed and offers a variety of NHL betting markets, user-friendly interfaces, and attractive bonuses.
  2. Register an Account: Once you’ve chosen a sportsbook, sign up by providing your personal information. This typically includes your name, email address, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number for verification. Some sportsbooks might also require you to set up security questions to protect your account. Be sure to read and accept the terms and conditions.
  3. Make a Deposit: After creating your account, the next step is to fund it. Sportsbooks offer various deposit methods, such as credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like PayPal. Choose a method that is convenient for you and follow the prompts to transfer funds. Many sportsbooks offer deposit bonuses for new users, so be sure to check for any promotional offers before making your first deposit.
  4. Place Your Bet: With your account funded, you can start placing bets on NHL games. Navigate to the NHL section of the sportsbook and explore the different betting options available, such as moneylines, puck lines, and prop bets. Select the bet you want to place, enter the amount you wish to wager, and confirm your bet. Make sure to review your bet slip for accuracy before finalizing your bet.
  5. Monitor Your Bets: Once your bet is placed, keep track of the games and your bets through the sportsbook’s app or website. Most platforms offer live updates and notifications about your bets' status. You can also use these tools to cash out your bet early if the sportsbook offers this feature. Additionally, stay informed about NHL news and statistics to make more informed betting decisions in the future.

Common bet types in ice hockey

There are several types of bets available in ice hockey, offering a variety of ways to engage with the game. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • Moneyline Bets: Moneyline bets are straightforward, where you pick the team you believe will win the game. Odds are set based on each team's likelihood of winning, with favorites offering lower payouts and underdogs higher returns. This is the simplest form of betting, ideal for beginners.
  • Puck Line Bets: Similar to point spreads in other sports, puck line bets involve a 1.5-goal spread to level the playing field between two teams. The favorite must win by more than 1.5 goals, while the underdog can either win outright or lose by less than 1.5 goals. This adds an extra layer of excitement and strategy to the bet.
  • Totals (Over/Under) Bets: Totals bets focus on the combined score of both teams. The sportsbook sets a predicted total, and bettors wager on whether the actual combined score will be over or under that number. This type of bet is great for those who want to bet on overall game dynamics rather than a specific team.
  • Prop Bets: Prop bets are wagers on specific events within a game, such as the number of goals a player will score, the total shots on goal by a team, or whether a game will go into overtime. These bets add variety and fun by focusing on individual performances and unique game occurrences.
  • Futures Bets: Futures bets involve wagering on long-term outcomes, such as which team will win the Stanley Cup, who will be the league MVP, or which team will win a division. These bets are placed well in advance of the event and can offer significant payouts if your predictions come true.
  • Parlay Bets: Parlay bets combine multiple bets into one wager. To win a parlay, all individual bets, or "legs," must be correct. This type of bet offers higher payouts due to the increased risk but can be very rewarding if successful.

NHL betting odds

Understanding NHL betting odds is crucial for making informed wagers. Odds reflect the probability of an outcome and determine your potential winnings. There are three main types of odds: moneyline, puck line, and totals (over/under). Let's use the Dallas Stars, a Texas-based team, to illustrate how these odds work.

Moneyline odds are the simplest form of betting. For example, if the Dallas Stars are listed at -150 against the Chicago Blackhawks at +130, the Stars are the favorites. You need to bet $150 on the Stars to win $100. Conversely, a $100 bet on the underdog Blackhawks would win you $130.

Puck line odds function like point spreads in other sports, usually set at 1.5 goals. If the Stars are -1.5 (+120) and the Blackhawks are +1.5 (-140), betting on the Stars means they must win by 2 or more goals for you to win $120 from a $100 bet. Betting on the Blackhawks allows them to either win outright or lose by just one goal, and you need to bet $140 to win $100.

Totals bets focus on the combined score of both teams. If the over/under for a Stars vs. Blackhawks game is set at 5.5 goals, you can bet on whether the total goals scored will be over or under this number. If you bet the over at -110, you need to wager $110 to win $100 if the total score is 6 or more goals. Similarly, betting the under at the same odds requires the same stake for the bet to pay out if the total score is 5 or fewer goals.

By understanding these odds, you can make strategic bets and manage your bankroll effectively, enhancing your overall NHL betting experience.

Expert tips for NHL wagering in Texas

There are several strategies to consider to maximize your winnings when betting on NHL games. Here are some expert tips:

  • Research Team and Player Performance: Analyzing recent performances, player statistics, and injury reports is crucial. Understanding each team's strengths and weaknesses, as well as individual player stats, can help you make more informed betting decisions. For example, knowing which teams have strong power plays or solid goaltending can influence your wagers.
  • Consider Goalie Matchups: The performance of goaltenders can significantly impact the outcome of a game. Research the starting goalies, their recent form, and their historical performance against the opposing team. A hot goalie can steal a game, making it essential to factor in this variable when placing your bets.
  • Monitor Line Movements: Pay attention to how betting lines change leading up to the game. Significant line movements can indicate where the money is going and provide insights into potential outcomes. This can help you find value bets and make strategic wagers by capitalizing on favorable odds.
  • Evaluate Home and Away Records: Teams often perform differently at home compared to on the road. Evaluate each team's home and away records, and consider factors like travel fatigue and fan support. Home-ice advantage can play a significant role in the outcome of NHL games, affecting your betting strategy.
  • Manage Your Bankroll: Effective bankroll management is crucial for long-term betting success. Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it, avoiding the temptation to chase losses. Use a staking plan, such as betting a fixed percentage of your bankroll on each wager, to minimize risk and ensure you can continue betting over the long term.

FAQ

Will TX sportsbooks offer NHL betting promos?

Yes, if sports betting becomes legal in Texas, sportsbooks are likely to offer NHL betting promotions. These could include welcome bonuses, risk-free bets, odds boosts, and parlay insurance, enhancing the betting experience for NHL fans.

Is NHL betting popular in Texas?

NHL betting is not as popular in Texas compared to other states with colder climates and more established hockey traditions. However, with the presence of the Dallas Stars, interest in NHL betting has been growing among Texas sports fans. If sports betting becomes legal, the popularity of NHL betting is likely to increase.

Author Details

Brian Cass

Brian Cass

Brian Cass serves as a writer for Betting TX. He loves exploring a variety of sportsbooks, always on the lookout for fresh promotions, all while ensuring he has time to cheer on his favorite teams. Brian's work primarily covers the nationwide sports betting scene but he also dedicates significant attention to the most recent happenings in Texas' sports arena.