Pre-Match Ice Hockey Betting: Markets and Leagues

Every ice hockey fan deserves a place where they can be part of the action on the ice, and VivatBet provides that. Users can find betting lines such as next goal, 1x2, totals, and more across competitions, including the NHL, KHL, Ice Hockey World Championship, CHL, and other domestic leagues. But to access all that, one must first sign up on the sports betting platform and learn the markets and leagues to bet on. Head to VivatBet's ice hockey markets and place your first pre-match bet today.

How to Bet on Ice Hockey at VivatBet?

Once new customers join VivatBet and deposit money into their account, the next step is to place their first bet. Let’s show you how:

Visit the website, claim the welcome bonus, and go to the ‘Line’ section.
Choose ice hockey from the list of sports.
Select the league or competition you’re interested in, e.g., NHL, KHL, CHL, etc.
Now, the user should click on the odds for the market they predict to play out, e.g., team totals, next goal, correct score, 1x2, etc.
Enter the stake and confirm the bet to lock the pre-match betting odds before the puck drops on the rink to start the game.

For those using the mobile betting app, the same process applies, but the navigation will be a bit different.

Ice Hockey Betting Markets

If you’re looking to place your first wager, VivatBet has hundreds of lines to pick from. However, some are more popular among Estonian bettors due to their pre-match odds and simplicity.

1x2: You bet on who wins the match or if it ends in a draw in regular time. 1 means home win, X is a draw, and 2 stands for away win.
Period betting: A prediction on the team that will win a single 20-minute period, not the whole game.
Total goals (Over/Under): This market involves wagering on the combined number of goals both teams will score in the entire game. For example, Over 4.5 wins if there are 5+ goals.
Handicap: You give one side a deficit or advantage to level the playing ground, e.g., -1.5 on a team means they have to win by a margin of 2+ goals.
Team wins: It’s the simplest bet because you’re simply wagering on who wins the match outright.

Markets	Difficulty level	Best for
1x2	Low	Beginners and casual bettors
Period betting	Medium	Those who prefer betting on short and fast windows
Over/Under	Low	Bettors focused on stats
Handicap	Medium	Better value on uneven matchups
Team wins	Low	Beginners

Period Betting - The Unique Ice Hockey Market

Period betting ice hockey markets are popular among fans who prefer to wager on period outcomes instead of the entire match because it settles their bets faster, and it’s independent of the overall result. This means even if their pick loses the game, they can win for a specific duration.

1st period: You’re focused only on the first 20 minutes, where teams are usually cautious, finding their rhythm, or coming out very fast. Good markets are first-period winners, totals 1, etc.
2nd period: The tricky time when teams get tired, line changes are harder, and more goals are scored. It’s where you seek opportunities based on fatigue, goalie form, and momentum.
3rd period: This is the best course for live ice hockey betting because it’s highly volatile. Watch out for games with empty nets (more late goals) or physical fatigue (penalties are more likely).

Period	Bet type	Example	Note
1st	First-period winner	Team A to win the 1st period	Independent of the final game winner
2nd	Over/Under	Over 3.5 goals in the 2nd period	A combined output of 4+ goals
3rd	Handicap	Team B -1.5 in 3rd period	High-risk, high-reward

Leagues and Tournaments: What to Bet On

Most Estonian punters focus on these competitions when speculating:

NHL: This is the number one sports event, and a season has 82 games, making NHL betting one of the most consistent options on the platform. VivatBet provides 1000+ markets per game.
IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship: An annual tournament featuring 16 international teams. Due to unpredictable roster changes, it gives value in futures and player markets.
KHL: The Eastern Europe-based event is widely considered the second-best sports league in the world. It has larger playing surfaces, which often lead to lower-scoring games.
Champions Hockey League (CHL): The premier tournament in Europe, featuring top teams from the strongest domestic leagues.
Baltic and national leagues: Includes niche competitions such as the Optibet Hockey League with teams from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

If this sport isn't your only interest, the platform also covers football betting with markets across major leagues and tournaments.

Responsible Gambling

It’s easy for one to bet impulsively in ice hockey because NHL games alone give you a near-daily match supply in season. But VivatBet provides tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion to help players stay disciplined. It’s an EMTA-licensed platform that encourages responsible gambling and strictly enforces the minimum age requirement of 21+ on online casino Estonia and its sportsbook.

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Ice Hockey Betting Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Pre-Match Ice Hockey Betting?

It entails staking money on outcomes you expect to play out before the match begins and has more stable odds.

What Is Period Betting?

A wager on a 20-minute duration within the entire game, and it’s independent of the final result.

How Is Over/Under Calculated in Ice Hockey?

By adding the total goals in the game and comparing it to the line set by the bookmaker. For example, Over 5.5 wins when both teams score more than 5 goals.

What Happens if a Game Is Canceled?

That voids the bet and prompts the bookmaker to refund your stake.

What Is the Minimum Age to Bet at VivatBet?

It’s 21 years, as required by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board.