NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Connecticut for Hockey

Connecticut keeps sports betting simple with exactly three licensed sportsbooks: FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics. Since online betting launched in October 2021, hockey fans in the Constitution State have had clean access to NHL action, puck lines, player props, Stanley Cup futures, and live betting all run through proven operators with solid track records.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Connecticut?

Yes. Connecticut legalized sports betting in May 2021 when Governor Ned Lamont signed amended gaming compacts with tribal casino operators. Online sports betting launched on October 19, 2021.

You must be 21 or older. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and Connecticut Lottery oversee sports betting, ensuring high compliance standards. Connecticut permits exactly three online sportsbooks: DraftKings (partnered with Foxwoods), FanDuel (partnered with Mohegan Sun), and Fanatics (partnered with Connecticut Lottery).

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Connecticut

Legal books protect your funds and offer consumer protections impossible on offshore sites. Stick with licensed operators.

Top Sportsbooks for NHL Betting in Connecticut

Connecticut keeps it tight with three options. Here's how they stack up for hockey.

FanDuel Sportsbook

Connecticut Partner: Mohegan Sun Casino & Mohegan Tribe

FanDuel's the national leader and brings that quality to Connecticut. Sharp puck line pricing, extensive player props (shots, assists, goals, saves, power play points), and responsive live betting. The interface is intuitive, injury and goalie updates are real-time, and NHL-specific promotions drop during rivalry nights and playoffs. Same-game parlays are well-designed for hockey.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets if your first bet wins (terms vary seasonally).

Best for: All Connecticut hockey bettors—FanDuel is the default choice.

DraftKings Sportsbook

Connecticut Partner: Foxwoods Resort Casino & Mashantucket Pequot Tribe

DraftKings dominates individual player props, pulling from their daily fantasy sports expertise. Shots on goal, assists, blocked shots, anytime goal scorer markets are deep and creatively priced. If you play both DFS and sportsbook betting, the shared wallet is seamless. Same-game parlays are extensive.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets if your bet wins + NBA League Pass (terms vary).

Best for: Prop-focused bettors and DFS players.

Shurzy Tip: DraftKings' DFS integration is clutch if you're already playing fantasy hockey. One account, double the action. Build your lineups, then bet the outcomes.

Fanatics Sportsbook

Connecticut Partner: Connecticut Lottery

Fanatics is the newest Connecticut operator (launched December 2023) with competitive odds and a generous FanCash rewards program—earn cash back on every bet, redeemable for merchandise or betting credits. Live betting is solid, platform is modern, NHL coverage is comprehensive (moneylines, puck lines, totals, player props, futures).

Welcome offer: Bet and Get Up To $2,000 in Bet Insurance FanCash (code varies).

Best for: Bettors who value rewards programs and want to support Connecticut's official lottery-backed operator.

Shurzy Tip: FanCash rewards stack up fast if you're betting regularly. Cash it in for gear or roll it back into bets. Your call.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

NHL Bet Types in Connecticut

All three Connecticut sportsbooks offer the full spectrum of NHL bets. Here's what you can play.

Moneyline Betting

Pick the winner, straight up. NHL's got higher parity than other sports—underdogs win frequently. Don't chase heavy favorites blindly.

Puck Line (-1.5 / +1.5)

Hockey's spread. Favorites must win by 2+ goals (-1.5), underdogs get a 1.5-goal cushion. Most NHL games are decided by 1-2 goals, making -1.5 covers tougher than you think.

Shurzy Tip: Even with just three books in Connecticut, puck line pricing varies. A -110 at FanDuel might be -105 at DraftKings. Check all three before placing your bet—5 cents per bet adds up over a season.

Total Goals (Over/Under)

Usually set between 5.5 and 6.5 goals per game. Influenced by goalie matchups, team pace, and recent trends.

Player Props

The fastest-growing NHL market. Anytime goal scorer, shots on goal (3+, 4+), assists, saves (goalies), and power play points are available. DraftKings and FanDuel offer the deepest menus.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Period Betting

Bet specific periods: 1st-period moneyline, 1st-period total, 2nd-period total, 3rd-period moneyline. Isolates bets from late-game empty-net variance.

Shurzy Tip: First-period betting is a sneaky edge for tight games. If you're expecting a defensive battle, bet the first-period under instead of the full game. You dodge empty-net goals and overtime chaos.

Team & Game Props

Team total goals, both teams to score, overtime (yes/no), winning margin, race to 3 goals. Available across all three Connecticut books.

NHL Parlays & Same Game Parlays

Standard parlays combine multiple independent bets. Same-game parlays (SGPs) combine correlated bets from one game (moneyline + props). DraftKings and FanDuel offer the most SGP options.

NHL Futures Betting

Stanley Cup winner, Conference winners, division winners, Hart/Vezina/Calder Trophy odds, team win totals. All three books offer futures, with FanDuel and DraftKings offering the deepest markets.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

NHL Betting Bonuses & Promos in Connecticut

Connecticut's limited market means smaller promotional calendars than multi-operator states, but value exists.

• Welcome Bonuses: Each Connecticut sportsbook offers new customer promotions. Terms vary seasonally—check FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics for current offers.
• Parlay Profit Boosts: Periodic boosts on 3+ leg parlays, especially during heavy NHL slates.
• Odds Boosts: Limited compared to bigger markets, but available on marquee matchups.
• Playoff Specials: Stanley Cup Playoffs bring enhanced promotions across all three books. Watch for round-specific offers April through June.
• Rivalry Night Boosts: Rangers vs. Islanders, Bruins vs. Canadiens, and other regional matchups occasionally see boosted odds.

Shurzy Tip: With only three sportsbooks, check all three promotional tabs before betting. A small boost can swing a marginal bet into value territory. Takes 30 seconds, saves real money.

Expert NHL Betting Tips for Connecticut Bettors

Here's how to bet smarter on hockey in Connecticut.

1. Watch Goalie Announcements Closely: A backup goalie can flip a line 2-3 goals instantly. Check official team sources 30 minutes before puck drop. Connecticut books update quickly, but there's often a brief window to capture value.
2. Consider Back-to-Back Situations: Teams playing consecutive nights face fatigue. The team on night two of a back-to-back allows more goals. Factor this into totals and puck lines.
3. Shurzy Tip: Back-to-backs are underrated edges. If a team's on the second night and traveling, fade them. Books price it somewhat, but casual bettors miss it—especially late season.
4. Track Pace & Expected Goals (xG): Raw records can mislead. A team might lose 2-1 despite outshooting opponents 35-20. Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality and predicts future performance better than win/loss records. Free resources: Natural Stat Trick, Evolving Hockey.
5. Home-Ice Advantage Isn't Massive: NHL home advantage is modest—roughly 3-4% edge in win percentage. Don't overweight home teams like you would in college football.
6. Look for Underdog Value: Hockey's low scoring creates frequent underdog wins. Moneylines and +1.5 puck lines often offer value overlooked by casual bettors.
7. Leverage New England Hockey Culture: Connecticut's proximity to Boston and New York creates passionate fan bases (Bruins, Rangers, Islanders). Use local knowledge of these teams to find value before national sharps adjust lines.

How to Start Betting on NHL Games in Connecticut

Getting started is simple. Here's the play-by-play.

FanDuel, DraftKings, or Fanatics. Create an account by downloading the app or visiting the website. Provide accurate info (full name, DOB, address, last four of SSN). Must be 21+. Remote registration means you can open an account from anywhere in Connecticut—no casino visit required. Verify identity by uploading your driver's license or passport (verification typically happens within 24 hours). Deposit funds via debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, or other methods (minimums typically $5-$10). 

Claim promotions from the "Promotions" tab for NHL-specific offers. Navigate to NHL/Hockey to find upcoming games with moneylines, puck lines, totals, and props. Compare odds—all three books have competitive lines, but small differences matter. Place your first bet—start simple with moneylines, puck lines, or anytime goal scorer. Track results and note which book offers the sharpest lines.

• Beginner-friendly bets: Anytime goal scorer (lower variance), puck lines (better payouts), first-period unders (less chaotic).

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection ensures all licensed sportsbooks comply with consumer protection laws. Your funds are protected, and identity verification prevents underage gambling.

All three Connecticut sportsbooks offer deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly), wager limits, time-out periods (24 hours to 6 months), and self-exclusion options. Use these tools proactively.

Responsible Gambling Resources:

• Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling: 1-888-GAMBLER (1-888-426-2537)
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700

If betting ever feels like a burden, reach out. Connecticut's resources are among the best in the nation.

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan. Separate betting funds from your everyday account.

Final Thoughts: Connecticut's Best for NHL Betting

Connecticut's sports betting market is deliberately small with just three licensed online sportsbooks by design. This ensures high regulatory standards and consumer protections.

The key to success: compare all three books before betting. Even with a limited market, pricing varies, and small differences compound into meaningful ROI over a season.

Use legal, regulated sportsbooks,skip offshore alternatives and enjoy NHL action responsibly.

‍