Supercharge your ice hockey betting experience at Stake
Level up the excitement of watching ice hockey matches by betting on your favourite teams. Before indulging in an enjoyable and rewarding sports wagering experience, choosing the right online sportsbook is essential.
If you want to explore ice hockey betting, look no further than Stake—Japan’s top destination for your sports wagering needs.
- Competitive betting odds
- Wide range of betting markets
- Clean and friendly user interface
- Generous bonuses and promotions
- Crypto-friendly betting features
Rise of ice hockey betting in Japan
Although not as popular as other sports, such as horse racing or baseball, ice hockey has seen a notable surge in Japan, thanks to the significant uptick in online crypto sports betting activities. Through online platforms such as Stake, punters get convenient access to a wide range of betting options for various ice hockey matches or events.
Popular ice hockey leagues in Japan
Explore a multitude of ice hockey leagues you can bet on! While the sport is still gaining traction in Japan, you’ll find many betting opportunities throughout the year, with tournaments happening consistently.
Here are some of the most popular leagues to explore to make the most of your ice hockey sports betting experience:
National Hockey League (NHL)
Established in 1917 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the NHL evolved into a major sports league with teams from Canada and the United States. The pinnacle of achievement in the NHL is winning the Stanley Cup, the oldest professional sports trophy in North America. The Montreal Canadiens hold the record for winning the coveted title 24 times.
The Stanley Cup is a prestigious award that has become a symbol of excellence and success in the world of ice hockey.
American Hockey League (AHL)
The American Hockey League is divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Here, 32 teams from the United States and Canada compete. Much like the NHL's Stanley Cup, the AHL has its own pinnacle event, the Calder Cup.
The AHL serves as the primary developmental league where the future NHL stars are shaped.
Asia League Ice Hockey (ALIH)
The Asia League Ice Hockey was established back in 2003. While it used to feature teams from China and Russia, only Korean and Japanese players partake in the league currently. The league follows a regular season format, with teams competing against each other in a series of games. Playoffs often follow the season to determine the league champion.
Swedish Hockey League (SHL)
The SHL, founded in 1975, is one of Europe’s most prestigious and competitive hockey leagues. It was formerly known as the Elitserien until the name change in 2013.
The league features 14 teams which compete against each other in a regular season and playoffs to determine the league champion. Typically, a regular season consists of 52 games per team, as each team plays 26 home and 26 away matches.
National League
The National League, previously known as the National League A (NLA) until 2017, was established in 1938. Here, 14 teams play 52 games during a regular season. The NL has gained international recognition for its competitive level of play. Swiss teams often participate in prestigious European club events, such as the Champions Hockey League, where they go head-to-head against other top European clubs.
Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
The Ontario Hockey League was established in 1980 through the union of the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League (OMJHL) and the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA).
There are 20 teams competing in the OHL, with 17 originating from Canada and 3 from the United States. Serving as a crucial developmental stage for young players, the OHL only permits participants aged 16 to 19, with exceptions made for 20-year-old players.
Ice hockey betting odds and markets
When betting on ice hockey, you will encounter different types of betting lines/markets and odds. Betting markets are the hockey game outcomes you can bet on. You can predict who wins the game, the final score, and more!
American odds
This format presents the total amount you would win for every $100 bet or the amount you need to wager to win $100. The favourites and the underdogs are each usually represented by numbers with either negative or positive numbers, respectively.
For example, in an NHL match between Boston Bruins (-100) and Toronto Maple Leafs (+150). If you place a $100 wager on the Leafs, it will yield $250, including your original stake. Conversely, if you wagered $100, you will get $200 in return.
Decimal odds
This format is a straightforward representation of the potential payout, including the profit and the initial stake in one figure. To calculate your winnings, multiply your stake by the decimal odds. The result is the total amount that would be returned (including the original stake) if the bet is successful.
For instance, if you wagered $100 on odds of 2.50, it would result in a total payout of $250, including the original $100 stake and $150 in profit.
Fractional odds
This is also known as British odds or traditional odds and is a widely used format in sports betting. To interpret the numbers in this format, the first number (numerator) represents the potential profit, while the second number (denominator) is your stake.
If you have odds of 5/1, you can win $5 in profit for every $1 bet. You will get a total of $6 payout, which includes your $5 profit and $1 stake.
Betting markets are possible outcomes for a specific event or game, and each has odds attached to it. Place your bets if you believe it will happen, and if it turns out to be successful, you win money based on the odds.
Here are some of the ice hockey betting markets at Stake:
Winner
The winner betting market is undoubtedly the simplest form of wagering. Bet on the team you believe will win the ice hockey game. The sportsbook will assign odds to the participating teams. These odds indicate the favourite/underdog status and the potential payout you can receive.
Handicap Betting
This market levels the playing field when there is a perceived imbalance between the participating teams. Bookmakers will then offer a handicap on match outcomes, allowing you to wager on a team with a point advantage or disadvantage.
Total (Over/Under)
This involves predicting the combined score for both teams in a game. The sportsbook will set the values, and punters have to predict whether the actual total will be over or under this figure.
For instance, if the set total is 5.5 and you bet on the over, you win if the total goals scored by both teams are 6 or more. Conversely, if you wagered on the under, you win if the total goals are 5 or fewer.
Draw No Bet
This market simply eliminates the option of a draw from a bet. When your predictions are correct, you win corresponding payouts. If the match draws, your wager is refunded.
Double Chance
The double chance betting market allows punters to make a two-in-one bet. You can bet on one of the following:
- 1x: Home team to win or draw
- 2x: Away to win or draw
- 12: Either team to win
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Predict whether both teams in a match will score at least one goal each. The odds are set for both Yes and No outcomes.
Winning margin
Predict the margin by which one team will win a game. This market allows bettors to wager on the specific goal difference between the winning and the losing teams. It adds an extra layer of specificity to traditional match betting.
Ice hockey betting strategies and tips
In ice hockey betting, employing strategies and tips to your approach is vital to improve and maximise your winning chances. Here’s what you should consider for your wagers:
Conduct statistical analysis
An important strategy in ice hockey betting is analysing statistical data of matches and players.
Taking the time to research and analyse such statistical data can help you make more informed bets as you have more insight into a team’s strengths and weaknesses.
Gain players’ insight
Knowing who the key players are is crucial in team-based sports like ice hockey. Injuries or suspensions to key players can impact a team’s performance. Research goal-scoring records, assists, and overall impact on the team to get a better understanding of their capabilities.
Consider home/away performance
A team playing in their home court is considered a match advantage. Generally, teams thrive when they play for their home crowd.
Expect for teams to still exhibit different performances depending on whether they are playing at home or away. Therefore, it’s crucial to research a team’s recent home and away wins and losses.
Implement wise bankroll management
Proper bankroll management is important in preserving your funds. Start by setting a reasonable budget before ice hockey betting. Avoid chasing losses, as this will only put you in a loop, leading to financial strain.
Remember that no strategy guarantees success, and outcomes are unpredictable. Always refine your approach and use strategies as a foundation for your bets. Have a level-headed mindset, and most importantly, have fun.
Bet on ice hockey at Stake.jpn.com
With a range of major and minor ice hockey events, Stake offers numerous betting opportunities. Take advantage of generous promotion offers and bonuses available on their site to maximise your chances of winning real money or cryptocurrency.
To begin your journey at Stake, simply register an account on their site. This will only take you a few minutes. Once you’re ready, deposit funds for wagering on exciting ice hockey matches.
- Go to the Stake webpage
- Click on the ‘Register’ button found at the upper right corner of the site next to the ‘Sign-in’ button.
- Provide a username, password, date of birth, and email address.
- For a faster sign-up process, you can sign up with one of the following platforms:
- Tick the box once you have read and agreed with Stake’s terms and conditions.
- Once you have completed all the steps above, click on the ‘Play Now’ button and begin your Stake sports betting journey!