After nearly two months of hard-fought playoffs, the Stanley Cup final is almost here, which means it’s time to start thinking about the most productive betting options on the world’s premier hockey series.
The Stanley Cup is hockey’s edition of the Super Bowl and there are plenty of bets available. Each regulated online sports betting site will offer a variety of NHL odds and lines for each Stanley Cup game, giving punters plenty of features to choose from.
The most productive NHL sites also offer special promotions for new and existing customers, especially in the lead-up to the Stanley Cup.
The availability of bookmakers varies by state, but here are some that are worth checking out.
DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the most popular and available sports betting brands in the United States.
Punters appreciate DraftKings’ vast markets and Parlay Builder tool, which makes it quick and simple to create parlays and parlays in the same game. It also offers common odds boosts and promotions for existing customers, as well as a robust loyalty program.
New users can sign up for DraftKings through this link. From there, create a new account, deposit $5, and wager what you need with your first bet. No promo code is required.
If you lose your bet, you’ll get a bonus bet for a total amount of up to $1,500, so you can check your bet on the Stanley Cup with odds more akin to a Moneyline loser or a goalscorer at any time.
FanDuel Sportsbook is a favorite among sports bettors thanks to its blank and easy-to-use interface. It also offers tons of betting markets and promotions.
FanDuel is similar to DraftKings in many ways, but one domain where they differ is their sign-up bonus. At FanDuel, you can win $150 in bonus bets if you win your first bet of $5 or more after opening a new account and depositing at least $10.
No promo code is needed if you register this link or the banner on this page. If you win your first bet, you can use your bonus bets to bet on multiple Stanley Cup games and markets.
A well-known option in sports betting, Caesars Sportsbook is a leading online sportsbook that offers the most odds boosts in the industry, adding odds boosts for each and every Stanley Cup game.
Caesars is also offering a special promotion for new users. If they lose their first bet, they will get a bonus bet equal to this amount up to $1,000.
To qualify for this promotion, new users will need to use code FORBES1000 when registering at Caesars.
This offer allows punters to get a big hit with their first bet, either by betting a larger amount of cash or by betting on a riskier bet, such as a harder-to-understand player to score a goal.
BetMGM Sportsbook offers an experience to sports bettors with its competitive odds, modern app, and powerful rewards program.
It also has a major welcome offer that reimburses new users up to $1,500 in bonus bets if they lose their first bet. Use the promo code FORBES1500 when signing up.
This allows you to have a higher chance with your first bet without worrying about the outcome. If you lose, you’re still covered.
Fanatics Sportsbook is one of the latest bookmakers on the market, introduced in 2023 after merging with PointsBet Sportsbook.
It offers users odds boosts, extensive betting markets, and a customized interface based on their favorite sports and bet types.
Fans will also offer an exclusive welcome offer that can help you win bonus bets on the Stanley Cup final.
For the first 10 days after registration, Fanatics will adjust your first bet with a bonus bet of up to $100 per day. No promo code is needed; Simply sign up and wager at least $5 on both days (min. -200) to get your bonus bet.
Fanatics also offers an exceptional rewards program that provides punters with FanCash with any and all bets, which can be redeemed for bonus bets on sports betting or product credits on the Fanatics retail website.
Bet365, a sports betting site based in the United Kingdom with expansion to the United States, is one of the most productive sports betting sites in the world, with over 90 million consumers worldwide. It combines a simplified interface with a wide diversity of betting markets. visitor options and payment methods.
Bet365 also stands out for its unique welcome offer, which allows new users to choose between two options. One is a bonus bet of up to $1,000 if your first bet doesn’t win, while the other offers punters $150 in bonus bets for wagering at least $5. .
New U. S. consumers will need to use the FORBES code when signing up, while users in Canada will need to use the FORBESCAN code.
Similar to other top sites, BetRivers will refund your first bet if you lose.
Users who log in to BetRivers with the promo code SPORTS and deposit at least $10 will get a bonus bet if they lose their first bet.
The offer varies by state but ranges from $100 to $500, giving punters a second chance. If you bet on a Stanley Cup game and it doesn’t work, you can use your bonus bet to rewatch the next game.
Another recent addition to the sports betting market, ESPN BET, was introduced in November 2023 after being rebranded as Barstool Sportsbook.
ESPN’s sports site offers a modern sports experience with exclusive odds boosts, fast load times, competitive odds, and regular promotions.
It also offers a special welcome for new customers, where you can get $100 in bonus bets by wagering as little as $1 after signing up. No promo code is required.
ClutchBet Sportsbook, one of the latest bookmakers on the market, will be introduced in 2022.
It’s only available in 3 states, but features a simple, easy-to-use design and a special welcome offer for new customers.
If you create a new account and wager at least $10, you will get one hundred percent of your first bet on bonus bets of up to $250, regardless of whether your bet wins or loses.
Use the promo code CLUTCH250 when logging in. Your bonus will be paid out in five weekly installments and the bonus bet will be valid for one week. So, make sure you log in before the Stanley Cup final starts.
If you’re new to sports betting or you’re looking for a new bookmaker for the Stanley Cup, one of the first things is the welcome offer.
There are two main types of promotions for new customers. One is a “first bet” offer, also known as an “effortless bet,” “second chance bet,” or “safety net bet. “This is to get your first bet back in site credits (up to a safe amount) if you lose your first bet.
Other books will give you cash to sign up and make a deposit. This is a “bet and get” promotion, where you get bonus bets or credits on the site just for placing a small bet after signing up. This provides you with cash to play with and check if you like sports betting.
The option of the moment is preferable, but it depends. A first bet offer is suitable for a casual bettor who needs to temporarily visit a sports betting site or has a quick bet in mind. The option of the moment is more productive for someone who needs to bet on multiple games or markets.
Terms and situations vary depending on sports betting.
Once you’ve signed up with a bookmaker and played with their welcome bonus, it’s also vital to compare existing users’ promotions. Some sports betting sites offer odds boosts or reward systems to keep consumers coming back.
If you gamble regularly, you’ll need a bookmaker with regular upgrades and a solid rewards program like Caesars or Fanatics. If you’re a more casual bettor, it probably doesn’t matter as much.
Most online bookmakers offer the same fundamental features for hockey betting. Whichever one you use, locate moneylines, spreads, over/under, parlays, support bets, and futures.
However, one area where sports can excel is the odds in those markets.
Most bookmakers will have other odds for the same match. For example, the Dallas Stars may be favorites with -120 moneylines on FanDuel and -115 with favorite moneylines on DraftKings.
However, a bookmaker will not offer the most productive odds for each and every match. BetMGM will possibly have higher odds for one game, while Caesars will have higher odds for another game.
If you are serious about sports betting and want to maximize the price of your bets, you want to get the most advantageous odds. The most productive way to do this is to sign up for multiple sports betting sites and compare odds on other sites. before placing your bet.
Even slight differences in odds can particularly adjust your payout, especially when combining bets into one bet.
We took the time to analyze and study sportsbooks, narrowing down a list of the most productive in the industry. These criteria can help you decide which ones to review first.
Our list above includes scores in the following categories:
Below, we’ll detail each category and why it’s vital to your sports betting experience.
A quick and easy way to get an idea of how smart a bookmaker is is to compare user reviews on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Since the ratings exceed five stars, you regularly need a reputable bookmaker with an average score of at least 4 stars.
You can also check out quick user feedback to see what other people are saying about the app and if there are any court cases or recurring issues. This can be useful for features that are difficult to compare until you use the app, such as issues or visitor service.
A lot of commenters are there to complain, so don’t put too much emphasis on express criticism. That said, if you notice any common themes in the comments, take them as a warning about any issues you may have with the app.
Every state handles sports differently. Some states allow sportsArray in-person and on mobile, while others would only allow in-person sports or impose a strict limit on the amount of mobile sports betting allowed.
As a result, sports betting varies by state, as both states will have to approve a sports bet before it can be introduced there. There is no bookmaker in one or both states that offers legal online sports betting, however, some have been introduced in most of them.
Generally speaking, the more states a bookmaker can have, the better. This means you’re more likely to have it in your state, in a neighboring state, or in a state you’re likely to go to, making it less difficult and more convenient to use. This way, you’ll be able to take your bookmaker with you instead of having to sign up for a new one every time you leave your state.
While small “local” bookmakers offer profit boosts and other bonuses based on local teams, they can typically only be obtained in a handful of states at most.
How much money will a bookmaker give you for your registration?
Most bookmakers offer welcome offers to attract new customers, but it’s vital to know how they work. Just because a bid is related to a higher amount doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better.
Some sports sites offer “bet and get” promotions where you get bonus bets (site credit) just for wagering a small amount of cash. For example, you can get $200 in bonus bets just by placing a $5 bet. Get loose cash to gamble.
Other sports sites offer “effortless” offers that offer a bonus bet only if you lose your first bet.
For example, if you place a $20 bet after signing up and lose, you will get a $20 bonus bet that will be refunded.
These offers tend to impress punters with larger amounts than “bet and get” promotions, going as high as $1,000 or $1,500. However, you’ll only get a bonus bet if you lose your first bet, in which case you’ll want to use the bonus bet you need to place to get your coins back. If your bet wins, you will get your winnings in coins as an overall bet, but you won’t get any bonuses.
As a result, “effortless” offers aren’t as smart as “bet and get” promotions.
When comparing sports betting, the most productive thing to do is to opt for welcome offers with guaranteed bonuses that give you credits on your site no matter what.
The length of the bonus offered may not matter if it is difficult to claim.
The most productive sports bonus offers are as undeniable to claim as they are generous, being undeniable and straightforward without the need to overcome any obstacles.
The most productive bonuses are guaranteed and immediately arrive in your account as soon as you place your first bet. They will also be easy to comply with and possibly don’t require you to tick boxes to get your bonus.
Some sports betting bonus offers require you to place bets or wait days or weeks to clear your full bonus. This can be inconvenient, especially if you’re looking to get your full bonus before a major sporting event like the Stanley Cup.
More complex donations can be complicated, so we prefer simplified donations with fewer requirements.
If you gamble and plan to use a sports betting site frequently, a counterfeit rewards program is essential.
Loyalty systems differ depending on sports betting. Some offer you praise for the bet, which can then be turned into bonus bets or other praise. Others offer high praise, such as free travel, hotel stays, tickets to sporting events, and much more. .
On the other hand, some bookmakers don’t offer any rewards. This may not possibly be a big deal for casual bettors, but it can make all the difference for ordinary sports bettors.
It’s like paying for anything with money other than a credit card. If you place a bet on a site without a loyalty program, you’ll lose trouble elsewhere.
While major sports, such as football or basketball, can only be accessed through the classic cable or streaming services, some bookmakers offer the option to stream smaller sports on the app, which is a credit to bettors.
For example, the FanDuel app streams tennis matches, making it less difficult to follow the action and place the bets live.
Beyond live streaming, we also consider the duration of the stream, the amount of battery used, and the number of occasions available to stream on the app.
Most bookmakers offer some form of welcome and offer to attract new customers, but where they differ is in their promotions for existing customers.
Some bookmakers offer a multitude of daily promotions such as odds boosts, hassle-free betting, bonus bets, and much more to keep consumers coming back every day. Others offer them only sparingly or not at all.
A key promotion for existing users is the referral bonus. Many bookmakers offer some sort of referral bonus to entice someone else to sign up, but the amount can vary ($50 per child, $100, $200, etc. ). If you’re making plans to gamble with friends or family, this can be a wonderful way to get bonus bets for you and them.
Similar to a rewards program, if you plan to gamble regularly, look for a bookmaker with common offers for existing customers.
Strong visitor service features are a must-have for any sports betting site, given that most disputes or appeals involve someone’s money.
High marks were given to all bookmakers that provide 24/7 visitor service (after all, sporting events end at night), while problems were deduced if a bookmaker relied on an FAQ page as a key component of its visitor service profile. If you tap on the visitor service (email, chat, phone, etc. ), all the better.
Customer support is a must to ensure a stylish sports betting experience. If a challenge arises, it’s vital to resolve it temporarily and efficiently.
Photo via Al Bello/Getty Images
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