NHL Question for the Books

winkyduck · Jul 23, 2005

now that ties are a thing of the past - will you be doing away with puck lines and just going to a pure money line

are the days of -.5/-140 gone since .-5 puck is now irrelevant

or will you do what they do in soccer - and offer 3-way regulation lines

if you are thinking of the 3-way line

DON'T!

you will be doing your customers a huge DISSERVICE and ANYONE who plays a 3-way NHL line at ANY book should simply hand all their money to the books - for they will get it anyway

what this will do - or rather should - is like baseball - where players will have the option of playing the Moneyline - or they can take/lay 1.5 pucks

and i guess the totals will also be affected since a total of, say 4.5 that has a 2-2 game headed to OT will see the game won 3-2 and thus the game will go OVER 4.5 - right?

why do i sense the headaches will be plentiful come hockey season!

sherman · Jul 23, 2005

why do i sense the headaches will be plentiful come hockey season![/QUOTE]

i think you're right....

Dante · Jul 23, 2005

good question Winky...im curious about it to

Fishhead · Jul 23, 2005

I would hope some books just book hockey as usual AND NOT COUNT THE SHOOTOUT for wagering purposes.

They could offer two sets of lines, traditional without the shootout, and a new line version WITH the shootout included

That would be something I would be considering at this time as a sportsbook director.

All in all, a headache for hockey bettors and hockey bookies alike.

Thanks Gary, you screwed up again.

-Fishhhead-

KennyB · Jul 23, 2005

When I make a wager I am wagering on the outcome of the event. I WILL NOT bet into a three way regulation line, to me it is huge suckers bet. If I bet a money line I expect it to include the winner of the shootout.

Doug · Jul 23, 2005

With Euro hockey the bet is on regulation only. I think 5Dimes will take a lead and offer it many ways so you can choose the way you want to bet it.

Fishhead · Jul 23, 2005

DougJ said:
With Euro hockey the bet is on regulation only. I think 5Dimes will take a lead and offer it many ways so you can choose the way you want to bet it.

Good!

Doug · Jul 23, 2005

That Euro stuff is frustrating. If you bet say Linkoping -.5 and the game is tied 2-2, then Linkoping wins 3-2 in OT, you LOSE !

VegasVic · Jul 23, 2005

I don’t think Vegas books will give the sport one iota of effort, (or board space), than necessary to start putting up an array of ways to take in a minimal amount of handle. I would think it will simply be money lines on the final outcome.

The totals on the other hand prove to be another animal. Do you factor in the potential of a shoot out into the game totals thereby creating a over inflated number and risk the chance of everyone jumping on the under and hoping for a game to end in regulation? Do you put up separate lines for regulation and shootouts? Do you limit the game to regulation on the totals but include overtime/shootouts on the sides? Do you simply discontinue putting any kind of total up at all? Good grief, I believe they would have preferred if the lock out went another year or beyond.

For me totals will take a wait and see approach. I'm not sure the game will change so drastically with the high scoring contests the NHL governors are hoping for,(at least at the start). I don’t think the rule changes will create a sudden amount of double digit finals. Taking a inch, (or so), off of goalie’s blockers and pads will not make one inch, (or so), of difference. Omitted the two line offside will open up the game but will take some time to acclimate to the new style of play to fully utilize it.

What really should change in my perspective as a hockey bettor is the way I will wager on the sides. The league will have far fewer lopsided games and what was a high percentage investment of taking Colorado to beat the Penguins by three or more will be a thing of the past. Parity is alive and well in the NHL and you best change with the times.

Doug · Jul 23, 2005

There may be great opportunity to profit until lines adjust, or you may lose your ass fast ! Should be interesting !

VegasVic · Jul 23, 2005

One additional factor I left out and one I will factor into my handicapping for 2005-06 is the caliber of coaching behind the bench to adjust, instruct, and facilitate a game plan to fully take advantage of these rule changes.