What happens if the game goes to a shootout in hockey betting?
Comprehensive guide on hockey shootouts and betting strategies with arbitrage insights.
What happens if the game goes to a shootout in hockey betting?
If a hockey game goes to a shootout, most bets placed on the game’s outcome will be settled based on the shootout result rather than regulation or overtime.
Understanding how shootouts affect hockey betting is crucial because sportsbooks differ in rules for settling bets when games extend beyond regulation time.
Arbitrage betting eliminates the guesswork of shootout outcomes by allowing bettors to secure profits regardless of how the game ends.
What Is a Shootout in Hockey?
A shootout occurs when a hockey game remains tied after regulation time and overtime. It involves a series of penalty shots where players attempt to score one-on-one against the opposing goalie. The shootout determines the winner of the game when no goals are scored during overtime.
- •Shootouts only happen after overtime ends in a tie
- •Each team selects shooters for alternating penalty shots
- •The team with the most goals after the shootout wins
💡Shootout Example
If a game is tied 2-2 after overtime, the shootout will decide the final winner for betting purposes.
How Do Different Bets Settle if the Game Goes to a Shootout?
The impact of a shootout on bets depends on the bet type and sportsbook rules. Common bet types include moneyline, puck line, and totals. Some sportsbooks settle moneyline bets based on shootout results, while others settle only on regulation or overtime results. Understanding these distinctions is vital before placing bets.
- •Moneyline bets often include shootout outcomes as final results
- •Puck line bets may exclude shootouts, settling after overtime
- •Totals bets generally settle after overtime, ignoring shootout goals
Moneyline Bets and Shootouts
Moneyline bets typically consider the shootout winner as the official winner, so your wager wins or loses based on the shootout outcome.
Puck Line and Totals Bets
Puck line bets usually exclude shootout goals, settling instead after overtime. Totals bets also settle after overtime, meaning shootout goals do not affect over/under outcomes.
💡Moneyline vs Puck Line Example
If you bet the home team moneyline and they win in a shootout, your bet wins. However, if you bet the puck line and the game was tied after overtime, your puck line bet may be a loss or push depending on the line.
Challenges and Risks When Betting on Shootouts
Betting on games that might go to shootouts introduces uncertainty because shootouts are highly unpredictable and often involve skill and luck. This can cause volatility in betting outcomes and complicate bankroll management. Traditional betting strategies struggle to mitigate this risk.
- •Shootouts are difficult to predict accurately
- •Rules vary between sportsbooks affecting bet settlements
- •Unexpected shootout results can lead to losses despite strong regulation play
💡Unpredictable Shootout Outcome
A favorite team dominating regulation time can still lose in a shootout, causing unexpected losses for bettors relying solely on match dominance.
How Arbitrage Betting Addresses Shootout Uncertainty
Arbitrage betting offers a superior alternative by allowing you to place bets on all possible outcomes across different sportsbooks, guaranteeing a profit regardless of whether the game ends in regulation, overtime, or a shootout. This approach eliminates the uncertainty inherent in predicting shootout results.
- •Lock in profits regardless of shootout outcome
- •Avoid guesswork by covering all results simultaneously
- •Manage risk effectively even with complex game endings
Using Tools to Simplify Arbitrage Calculations
Calculating arbitrage opportunities around shootouts can be complex due to varying sportsbook rules and odds. Tools like ArbitUp automate these calculations, making it easier to identify profitable bets quickly.
💡Arbitrage Example Around a Shootout
By backing Team A to win in regulation at one sportsbook and Team B to win in shootout at another, you can secure profit regardless of the shootout result.
Bet amounts are adjusted based on odds to ensure total payout exceeds total stake.
Practical Tips for Betting When Shootouts Are Possible
To navigate hockey games that may go to shootouts, bettors should understand sportsbook rules for bet settlements, carefully select bet types, and consider arbitrage betting to reduce risk. Monitoring line movements and using arbitrage software can improve decision-making.
- •Always check sportsbook rules about shootout settlements
- •Consider moneyline bets if you want shootout included
- •Use arbitrage betting to cover all outcomes and minimize losses
- •Leverage tools like ArbitUp to spot arbitrage opportunities efficiently
💡Smart Bet Selection Example
If uncertain about shootout impact, combining moneyline bets with opposing bets on alternative sportsbooks can guarantee a no-loss scenario.
Advanced Strategies Involving Shootouts and Arbitrage
Advanced bettors can exploit discrepancies in sportsbook rules on shootout settlements by placing offsetting bets that guarantee profit no matter the shootout outcome. This requires careful timing and odds comparison. Arbitrage betting tools automate much of this complexity.
- •Identify sportsbooks that settle differently on shootouts
- •Place complementary bets to ensure a positive return
- •Monitor odds shifts closely around game end for best arbitrage windows
Timing and Odds Monitoring
Shootout arbitrage opportunities often appear late in the game or immediately after overtime. Staying alert and using software support is essential to capitalize on these fleeting chances.
💡Arbitrage Timing Example
Placing a bet on regulation winner early and an opposing shootout winner bet right after overtime can lock in profit regardless of final outcome.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️Ignoring sportsbook-specific rules on how shootouts affect bet settlements
- ⚠️Assuming all bet types include shootout goals in their final result
- ⚠️Failing to consider the unpredictability of shootouts when managing risk
- ⚠️Betting on shootouts without hedging or arbitrage strategies
- ⚠️Overlooking the value of arbitrage tools like ArbitUp to automate complex calculations
- ⚠️Placing large bets without understanding payout scenarios post-shootout
- ⚠️Not monitoring line changes close to game end where arbitrage opportunities arise
The Power of Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage betting removes the uncertainty of shootout outcomes by guaranteeing profits through simultaneous bets on all possible results.
- ✓Eliminates guesswork and reduces risk associated with unpredictable shootouts
- ✓Allows consistent profit regardless of how the game concludes
- ✓Simplifies complex betting scenarios with automation tools
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