Regular Time and Overtime: The Key Difference in Hockey Betting

In hockey, a match consists of three periods of 20 minutes of clean time each. If the score is tied at the end of regular time, overtime is assigned (5 minutes in 3-on-3 format in the regular championship, 20 minutes in 5-on-5 format in the playoffs) and, if necessary, a shootout. For betting purposes, this means that the match result and the regular-time result are two different outcomes.

Most markets are settled based on regular time (60 minutes). The exception is a bet on the match winner including overtime and shootout. Settlement rules vary between bookmakers, so before placing a bet, read the rules section on the operator's site: it specifies which markets include overtime and which do not.

Main Hockey Betting Markets

The most common types of hockey bets:

• Regular time outcome (1X2): first team win, draw, or second team win after 60 minutes. Overtime and shootout are not included.
• Match winner (2-way): who will win including overtime and shootout. There can be no draw here — the match always ends with one team winning.
• Puck handicap: a conditional advantage or deficit for one of the teams. For example, a −1.5 handicap on the favourite means the team must win by at least two goals. The handicap is calculated based on regular time unless stated otherwise in the rules.
• Total goals: whether more or fewer than the specified number of goals will be scored in the match. For example, over 5.5 total means the teams must score six or more goals combined. As a rule, the total is calculated based on regular time.
• Period bets: outcome, handicap, or total for a specific period (first, second, or third). Only events within the selected period are counted.
• Team total: how many goals a specific team will score in regular time.

Check the settlement rules for each market in the "Betting Rules" section on the bookmaker's site. Pay attention to whether overtime is included and how penalties and empty-net goals are counted.

Penalties and Empty Net

In hockey, a team can play shorthanded due to a player being penalized for 2, 5, or 10 minutes. At that moment, the opponent gains a numerical advantage (power play), which significantly increases the probability of a goal. If you're placing a live bet, monitor the lineup on the ice: a power-play goal changes the match dynamics.

An empty net is a tactical move late in the match when the trailing team replaces the goalie with a sixth skater. This increases the chances of scoring but simultaneously opens the opportunity for the opponent to score into the empty net from anywhere on the ice. An empty-net goal is counted in the overall score and affects the settlement of bets on total, handicap, and team total.

Live Betting on Hockey

Hockey is a fast-paced game; the score can change in seconds. In live mode, the bookmaker adjusts odds depending on the current score, time on the clock, lineup on the ice, and number of shots on goal. The advantage of live betting is the ability to assess the teams' form in the first period and place a bet based on the actual game situation.

Monitor match statistics: number of shots, conversion rate, possession time. If a team is attacking but not converting chances, the odds on their goal may remain favourable. The penalty of a key player or a goalie change after conceding goals also affects the bookmaker's line.

Bet Settlement Example

Suppose you bet 1,000 UAH on team A to win in regular time with odds of 2.10. Regular time ends with a score of 3:2 in favour of team A. Your winnings will be 1,000 × 2.10 = 2,100 UAH. If the match ended 2:2 and team A won in overtime, the bet on a regular-time win is lost because a draw was recorded after 60 minutes.

Another example: a bet on over 5.5 total in a match with odds of 1.85, stake 500 UAH. In regular time, the teams scored six goals (for example, 4:2). Your winnings: 500 × 1.85 = 925 UAH. If five or fewer goals were scored in regular time, the bet is lost, even if another goal was scored in overtime — the total is calculated based on regular time.

These are hypothetical examples. Odds, settlement rules, and available markets differ for each bookmaker. Check current information at the cashier and in the betting rules on the operator's site.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Many novice players do not distinguish between a bet on the regular-time outcome and a bet on the match winner. If you bet on a team to win "excluding overtime" and the match ended in a draw in regular time, the bet is lost — even if your team won in overtime or shootout.

Another common mistake is ignoring head-to-head statistics and current team form. In hockey, the result depends heavily on the roster, match schedule (back-to-back games), injuries to key players, and motivation. Betting on the favourite "blindly," without analyzing the context, often leads to losses.

Do not chase high odds on exotic markets (exact score, first goal, number of penalties) if you are just starting to understand hockey betting. These markets are harder to predict, and even a small losing streak can wipe out your bankroll.

Legality of Betting in Ukraine

Law No. 768-IX of July 14, 2020, legalized the gambling market in Ukraine, including online sports betting. As of April 1, 2025, the main part of Law No. 4116-IX came into effect, transferring regulatory functions to the newly created State Agency of Ukraine "PlayCity," under the Ministry of Digital Transformation. PlayCity maintains a public registry of licensees, which as of December 2025 lists more than 30 online casinos; bookmakers can also obtain a license under the same conditions.

All four bookmakers in the rating — SpinBetter, Pinnacle, Slotoro, and Unibet — do not hold a PlayCity license and are considered unlicensed in Ukraine. Their sites are subject to blocking, and players receive no protection from the Ukrainian regulator. According to the head of PlayCity (July 2026), the agency has blocked more than 9,500 illegal sites and mirrors. In case of a dispute with an unlicensed operator, you will not receive protection from the Ukrainian regulator.

Responsible Gaming

Participation in gambling is permitted for persons aged 21 and over. Before placing a bet, set a budget you are willing to spend without affecting your daily expenses, and do not exceed it. Sports betting is entertainment with an element of risk, not a way to earn money. If you feel you are losing control, use self-restriction tools: set a deposit limit in your account settings or submit a self-exclusion request on the State Agency of Ukraine "PlayCity" website.

Take breaks, do not gamble on credit, and do not try to chase losses with new bets. The law requires licensed operators to implement responsible gaming tools: spending limits, mandatory breaks, prohibition of credit betting. If you need support, contact a player assistance service or a specialist.

Author: Jewgienij Ja. · Updated: 22.10.2026