How 4 Nations is Transforming Hockey Betting Just in Time for the Finals

This season, instead of the usual All-Star events, the NHL launched an exciting international tournament called the 4 Nations Face-Off. It’s been a huge hit, drawing in a lot of viewers and even attracting attention in the sports betting world.

Sportsbooks in the U.S. are seeing incredible interest in the 4 Nations games. For example, DraftKings reports that the tournament has produced its four most-bet hockey games this season. FanDuel echoed this, noting that bets on the 4 Nations games are averaging more than six times the usual NHL game.

One standout moment was the first USA-Canada match where the U.S. claimed a thrilling 3-1 victory. This game became the most-bet hockey event of the season, with FanDuel reporting it received 13 times more bets than all the three-on-three games from last year’s NHL All-Star event combined, and 11 times more than a typical NHL game.

Karry Shreeve, head of hockey at Caesars Sportsbook, mentioned that they are handling significantly more money for each game, especially for the heated USA-Canada showdown. He pointed out that the interest felt similar to that of a Stanley Cup game, and they anticipate even more action for the upcoming final.

This year’s rivalry is particularly intense, fueled by a long wait for high-stakes play and some heated exchanges between the teams. Johnny Avello from DraftKings highlighted that this adds to the excitement for fans, leading to heavy betting on these matchups.

As the championship game approaches, bookmakers are carefully crafting the lines, similar to how they would for major playoff games. Shreeve observed that recent Game 7s have seen fewer goals, leading them to set a low total of 5.5 for the final. Many bettors are leaning towards the under, with BetMGM noting that 30% of bets are on that side.

The moneyline remains tight, with both teams at -110. Despite the majority of bets coming in for the USA, there has been a surprisingly strong showing for Canada, making the betting landscape feel intense and competitive.

Shreeve summed it up well: “This has a Game 7 feel to it, which is fantastic!” The heightened interest and stakes are clear, making for an exciting atmosphere on and off the ice.

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