Easily Avoidable Mistakes Hockey Bettors Need To Dodge

Sports betting is a rollercoaster of excitement, offering players an unbeatable adrenaline rush that few other forms of gambling can match. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that more and more punters want to get in on the action, with hockey emerging as the latest sport to gain betting traction. However, it’s not all smooth sailing, and sometimes even seasoned bettors can experience common pitfalls that can quickly turn their winning streak into a losing one.

One of the most common mistakes is not investing time in doing the proper research about providers. While this one’s not part of our list (but it’s definitely a bonus tip!), it’s definitely one of the first things to avoid at all costs. And while we’re at it, we recommend checking out this William Hill Casino Review written by NoDeposit.Guide. You’ll find that one of the main reasons this operator has such a stellar reputation is because it offers a fantastic sportsbook platform.

From impulsive bets to ignoring the basics of smart betting, let’s take a look at the most popular mishaps and learn how to steer clear of them.

Not Checking Who’s Playing

There are plenty of hockey resources available online that can keep you up to date on the latest suspensions, injuries, and news in real-time. Consequently, not confirming the game’s lineup before placing your bet is essentially betting blindly, as you never know what unexpected issue may arise that could significantly impact your desired outcome. Moreover, don’t make the mistake of solely focusing on the star players, as the goalies have just as much, if not more, impact. For example, if a team uses their backup goalie, they are likely to be at a disadvantage, as backup goalies are generally not as skilled as the primary ones.

Overreacting to Player Injuries

Unlike most professional sports, such as the NFL or the NBA, injuries in hockey often have a less significant impact on the final results. This is primarily because hockey players only play one-third of a game. Therefore, even if a star player gets injured, it may not affect the outcome of a game as much as it would in other sports.

Ignoring the Teams’ Playing Style

Hockey is a dynamic sport in which teams adopt various playing styles and strategies to secure the big win. Therefore, it’s important for punters to consider this before placing any wagers, as one team’s approach to success may vastly differ from another’s. For example, teams employing an offensive style focus on scoring goals, utilizing aggressive forwards to attack the opponent’s net. Conversely, teams that opt for a defensive style prioritize protecting their own net, excelling at blocking shots, and breaking up plays. Understanding the tactical nuances and different competitors’ styles will help make more informed betting decisions.

Forgetting The Home Advantage

Playing on your home turf is generally seen as a huge advantage for teams in all sports, including hockey. This is because of the psychological benefits players get from the support of their fans, the familiarity of their settings, and the avoidance of rigorous travel disrupting their schedules. But don’t just take our word for it. There are plenty of statistics that support this phenomenon, making it quite a reliable gauge on which team to wager on, once you’ve taken all the other factors into consideration, of course.

Overlooking The Referee

Referees play one of the most influential roles when it comes to the results of a hockey game. They have the power to make or break a player’s experience, potentially affecting the outcome of your bets. Just like players, referees all embody different styles, with some being more lenient about rule violations during a game than others. That’s why it’s essential to check who the referee will be and assess their track record to understand their officiating style before placing a bet on any match.

Not Examining Head-to-Head Results

One of the most vital steps all gamblers must take once they know which teams are going head to head is to examine their statistics to determine whether one team is clearly stronger than the other. If one team emerges as the clear powerhouse, then you might want to use that information to back them for victory, even if the odds are quite long. Moreover, since hockey teams tend to play against each other numerous times during the course of a season, there should be plenty of data to consider.

Sticking To One Sportsbook

By far, the most common mistake hockey punters make, especially when they are just starting out, is sticking to one sportsbook. It’s never good to put all your eggs in one basket, as having accounts at multiple online betting sites will allow you to compare the odds and choose the best ones to maximize your winnings. It also doesn’t hurt that you’ll be able to take advantage of a plethora of ongoing bonuses for existing players.