What is 60 Minute Betting in Hockey?
60 minute betting, also known as regulation time betting or the three-way moneyline, is a hockey betting market that settles based exclusively on the outcome after 60 minutes of regulation play—three 20-minute periods. This market excludes any overtime or shootout results. Instead of the traditional two-way moneyline (where you pick a winner and the game is decided by any means), the 60-minute line offers three distinct outcomes: a home team win in regulation, an away team win in regulation, or a draw/tie after regulation ends.
This distinction exists because the NHL eliminated ties in 2005, adding overtime and shootout rules to determine a winner. However, bettors still want the option to wager purely on what happens during the standard 60 minutes of play. The 60-minute market directly addresses this demand, creating a unique betting vehicle that has become increasingly popular among sophisticated hockey bettors.
The Three Possible Outcomes
When you place a 60-minute bet, you're choosing from exactly three outcomes:
- Home Team Wins in Regulation — The home team leads after 60 minutes of play
- Away Team Wins in Regulation — The away team leads after 60 minutes of play
- Draw/Tie After Regulation — Both teams have the same score after 60 minutes, regardless of what happens in overtime or shootout
Each outcome carries its own odds set by the sportsbook. If the game goes to overtime or a shootout, those results do not affect your 60-minute bet—only the regulation score matters.
| Betting Market | Home Win | Away Win | Tie/Draw | Overtime/Shootout Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60-Minute Line | ✓ Counts | ✓ Counts | ✓ Counts | ✗ Ignored |
| Standard Moneyline | ✓ Counts | ✓ Counts | ✗ N/A | ✓ Counts |
| 2-Way Regulation | ✓ Counts | ✓ Counts | Push (refund) | ✗ Ignored |
How Did 60 Minute Betting Originate and Why Does It Matter?
Historical Context: The Evolution of Hockey Betting Markets
To understand why 60-minute betting exists, you need to know how hockey's rules changed. For decades, the NHL allowed ties—if a game was tied after 60 minutes, it remained a tie. Bettors could easily place moneyline bets that resolved in regulation.
In 2005, the NHL eliminated ties by introducing mandatory overtime (initially 5-on-5, then 4-on-4) and, if still tied after overtime, a penalty shootout. This rule change was designed to produce a winner in every game, but it created a problem for bettors: a team could dominate regulation, tie the game, and then lose in a sudden-death overtime or shootout. Your bet on that team would lose, even though they earned a point in regulation.
Sportsbooks responded by creating the 60-minute market — a way for bettors to wager purely on regulation outcomes without the overtime/shootout risk. This market became formalized in the 2000s and 2010s as online sportsbooks expanded. Today, every major sportsbook (DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, etc.) offers 60-minute lines for NHL games.
Why 60 Minute Betting Matters Today
The 60-minute market addresses several real betting needs:
- Better odds on favorites — Since a favorite is more likely to win in regulation than to win by any means (including overtime), the sportsbook offers improved odds (e.g., -150 full game becomes +110 regulation) to reflect this reduced probability.
- Avoiding overtime volatility — Overtime is nearly a coin flip. By betting regulation only, you remove this randomness from your wager.
- Capturing tie value — Approximately 22-24% of NHL regular season games go to overtime, meaning roughly 1 in 4 games end regulation tied. The 60-minute market prices this explicitly, offering a dedicated "draw" option with its own odds.
- Strategic flexibility — Different game situations (back-to-back games, tired teams, goalie fatigue) affect the likelihood of overtime, making the 60-minute market valuable for informed bettors.
How Do 60 Minute Betting Odds Work?
The Mathematics Behind Three-Way Odds
Understanding three-way odds requires grasping how sportsbooks convert probabilities into odds. Let's use a concrete example.
Scenario: Two evenly matched NHL teams. On the standard moneyline, each team has a 50% chance to win (fair odds: -110 for both). However, on the 60-minute line, the math changes because ties are now possible.
Probability breakdown:
- Approximately 76% of NHL games are decided in regulation (no overtime)
- Approximately 24% of NHL games go to overtime (resulting in a tie after 60 minutes)
If we assume the 76% of regulation-decided games split evenly between the two equal teams:
- Each team: 76% ÷ 2 = 38% chance to win in regulation
- Draw: 24% chance
Converting these probabilities to fair odds:
- 38% probability = approximately +163 fair odds (compared to +100 for 50%)
- 24% probability = approximately +317 fair odds
Real-world sportsbook odds include the sportsbook's margin (vigorish), so actual lines are slightly worse than fair odds. A typical three-way line for even teams might look like:
- Home team: +145
- Away team: +145
- Draw: +280
Key insight: Both teams receive better odds on the 60-minute line (+145) than on the standard moneyline (-110), because you're accepting the risk of losing to a tie.
Why Favorites Get Bigger Odds Improvements
The odds improvement on the 60-minute line varies by team strength. Consider a favorite:
- Full game moneyline: Team A at -150 (59.4% implied probability to win by any means)
- 60-minute line: Team A at +110 (47.6% implied probability to win in regulation)
The favorite's odds improve significantly because:
- They're less likely to need overtime (they tend to win in regulation)
- But when the game is close enough to go to OT, they're only 50-50 to win (like any team)
- This reduces their overall regulation-only win probability
Conversely, underdogs see a smaller odds improvement (or sometimes worse odds) because:
- They rarely win in regulation against a stronger opponent
- Their value comes from the possibility of a tie (they cover a +0.5 puck line by tying)
Sportsbook Variations and Rules
Not all 60-minute markets are identical. Here's what varies:
| Sportsbook Variation | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Way Regulation | Home/Away/Draw with separate odds | Standard offering |
| 2-Way Regulation | Home/Away only; tie = push (refund) | Less common; different odds |
| Regulation Puck Line | -0.5/-+0.5 handicap in regulation | Underdog covers with tie |
| Minimum Play Requirement | Game must reach 55 minutes for bets to stand | Protection against early cancellation |
| Tie Handling | Some books void 60-min bets if game doesn't complete | Rare; most sportsbooks have clear rules |
Important: Always check your sportsbook's specific rules. Most major books (DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365) have standardized 60-minute rules, but smaller sportsbooks may vary.
What's the Difference Between 60 Minute Betting and Other Hockey Markets?
60-Minute Line vs Full Game Moneyline
The most critical difference is what triggers a winning bet:
| Factor | 60-Minute Line | Full Game Moneyline |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation Win | ✓ Wins | ✓ Counts (but not required) |
| Overtime Win | ✗ Loses | ✓ Wins |
| Shootout Win | ✗ Loses | ✓ Wins |
| Regulation Tie | ✓ Wins (if you bet draw) | ✗ Loses (game continues) |
| Odds on Favorites | Better (e.g., +110) | Worse (e.g., -150) |
| Odds on Underdogs | Better (e.g., +145) | Worse (e.g., +130) |
Example: You bet the Colorado Avalanche at -150 on the full moneyline. They tie 2-2 after regulation and lose in overtime 3-2. Your bet loses because the final result is a loss. But if you had bet the 60-minute line at +110, and the Avalanche were tied after 60 minutes, you would win (assuming you bet the draw or the team to win in regulation).
When to use each:
- Full game moneyline: You believe a team will win, and you're willing to let overtime/shootout results count
- 60-minute line: You want to isolate regulation performance, or you're betting a draw
60-Minute Line vs Puck Line
The puck line is a point spread in hockey (typically -1.5 or +1.5 goals). On the 60-minute puck line, the spread applies only to regulation:
- Full game puck line: Favorite must win by 2+ goals (or at least 1 goal if you take the -1.5); includes overtime/shootout
- 60-minute puck line: Favorite must win by 2+ goals in regulation only; a tie means the underdog covers the +1.5 (because +1.5 is added to their regulation score)
Example:
- Avalanche -1.5 on full game puck line: They must win by 2+ goals (overtime/shootout counts)
- Avalanche -1.5 on 60-minute puck line: They must win by 2+ goals in regulation. If they win 2-1 in OT, the full game bet wins, but the 60-minute bet loses (because regulation was only 1-1, and +1.5 is added to that)
60-Minute Line vs Period Betting
Period betting allows you to wager on individual periods (1st period winner, 2nd period winner, etc.) or combinations. This is fundamentally different:
- 60-minute line: Entire regulation (all 3 periods combined)
- Period betting: Individual periods or period combinations
Period betting is more granular and volatile, while 60-minute betting aggregates the full regulation.
What Are Common Misconceptions About 60 Minute Betting?
Myth 1: Better Odds Always Mean Better Value
Many bettors assume that because 60-minute odds are higher than full-game odds, they're automatically better bets. This is false.
Consider a favorite at -150 full game vs +110 on the 60-minute line. The +110 looks attractive, but:
- The team is less likely to win in regulation (38% vs 59%)
- You're accepting the risk of a tie (24% probability)
- The odds improvement might not fully compensate for the reduced win probability
Reality: The sportsbook has already calculated fair odds. The higher odds reflect lower probability, not higher value. Always compare implied probabilities, not just raw odds.
Myth 2: Favorites Always Win in Regulation
Some bettors believe strong favorites will "dominate" and win in regulation, making the 60-minute line a lock. This is incorrect.
Even strong favorites go to overtime. In fact:
- Close games (evenly matched teams) go to OT ~24% of the time
- Blowouts (very strong favorite) still go to OT ~15-18% of the time
The underdog's ability to tie in regulation is real. A team down 2-1 with 5 minutes left can tie it up, forcing overtime. The 60-minute market prices this reality.
Myth 3: 60-Minute Betting is Only for Close Games
You can bet 60-minute lines on any game—blowouts, rivalries, playoffs, anything. However, the value varies:
- Close games: Tie probability is high (~24%); draw odds are valuable
- Blowout games: Tie probability is low (~10-15%); draw odds are poor
- Rivalry games: Tie probability varies; depends on team tendencies
The 60-minute market applies universally, but the strategic value depends on game context.
How Should You Approach 60 Minute Betting Strategy?
When to Use 60-Minute Lines
1. Game Script Analysis
- Is this a game likely to be decided by one team dominating, or a close affair?
- If the favorite is heavily favored (e.g., -200 full game), they're likely to win in regulation. The 60-minute line might offer genuine value.
- If teams are evenly matched, the 60-minute line is less valuable (tie is 24% likely; odds may not compensate).
2. Team Tendencies
- Some teams are strong in regulation (e.g., teams with dominant offense). They may be good 60-minute bets.
- Some teams are weak in regulation but strong in overtime (e.g., teams with elite skaters). Avoid 60-minute lines on these teams.
3. Goalie Impact
- Overtime is 3-on-3, which favors teams with elite skaters and less reliance on goaltending.
- If a team has a dominant goalie but weaker skaters, betting them to win in regulation (60-minute line) might be smart.
- If a team has weak goaltending but elite skaters, the full-game moneyline might be better than the 60-minute line.
4. Back-to-Back Games
- Teams on their second game of a back-to-back are more likely to play conservatively and tie in regulation.
- The draw option on the 60-minute line might be valuable in these scenarios.
Practical Betting Tips
1. Compare Odds Across Sportsbooks
- Different sportsbooks set slightly different 60-minute odds.
- DraftKings might have the Avalanche at +110 to win in regulation, while FanDuel has +115.
- Always shop for the best odds before placing your bet.
2. Use Bankroll Management
- 60-minute bets are higher variance (three outcomes instead of two).
- Adjust your bet size accordingly. Don't bet the same amount on a 60-minute line as a full-game moneyline.
3. Combine with Other Markets
- You can parlay a 60-minute line with other bets (goals, props, etc.).
- You can hedge a full-game moneyline with a 60-minute draw bet.
4. Track Tie Frequency
- Monitor which teams tie most frequently in regulation.
- Some teams have tie rates above 24% (value on draw), others below 20% (avoid draw).
What's the Future of 60 Minute Betting?
Market Evolution and Trends
The 60-minute market has grown significantly since the 2010s. As sportsbooks have expanded their offerings, regulation-time betting has become mainstream. Several trends are emerging:
1. Increased Adoption
- Younger bettors are more comfortable with three-way markets (common in soccer betting globally).
- Sportsbooks are promoting 60-minute lines more aggressively, recognizing their popularity.
2. Alternative Formats
- Some sportsbooks now offer period-by-period regulation betting (e.g., "Will the game be tied after regulation, or will one team lead?").
- Live regulation lines are becoming available, allowing you to place 60-minute bets mid-game.
3. Data-Driven Betting
- Advanced bettors are using machine learning to predict regulation outcomes more accurately than sportsbooks.
- This is creating opportunities for sophisticated bettors to find edge on 60-minute lines.
4. Expansion Beyond NHL
- 60-minute betting is expanding to other hockey leagues (KHL, international tournaments) and other sports (soccer, rugby) where regulation time is distinct from extra time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if the game is tied after 60 minutes on a 60-minute moneyline bet?
A: If you bet on a specific team to win in regulation and the game is tied after 60 minutes, your bet loses. However, if you bet the "draw" option, your bet wins. The tie is a valid outcome on the 60-minute line.
Q: Can I bet the 60-minute line on playoff games?
A: Yes, most sportsbooks offer 60-minute lines for playoff games. However, playoff overtime rules are different (20-minute sudden-death periods), and the tie probability is lower because playoff games often have more aggressive play. Check your sportsbook for specific playoff rules.
Q: Why are 60-minute odds better than full-game odds?
A: Because you're excluding overtime and shootout results. A team is more likely to win by any means (including OT/shootout) than to win specifically in regulation. The sportsbook compensates by offering better odds for the reduced probability.
Q: Is the 60-minute line the same as the 3-way moneyline?
A: Yes, "60-minute line" and "3-way moneyline" are interchangeable terms in hockey betting. Both refer to regulation-only betting with three outcomes: home win, away win, or draw.
Q: What if the game is suspended or cancelled before 60 minutes?
A: Most sportsbooks require the game to reach at least 55 minutes for 60-minute bets to stand. If the game is cancelled or suspended before 55 minutes and doesn't resume within 24 hours, your bet is typically refunded.
Q: Can I bet a 60-minute puck line?
A: Yes. The 60-minute puck line is a point spread applied to regulation only. A -1.5 favorite must win by 2+ goals in regulation; a +1.5 underdog can win in regulation or tie (since +1.5 is added to a tie, the underdog covers).
Q: How often do NHL games go to overtime?
A: In the regular season, approximately 22-24% of games go to overtime. In the playoffs, this rate is lower (closer to 15-20%) because teams play more aggressively to avoid extra time.
Q: Should I always bet the 60-minute line instead of the full-game moneyline?
A: No. Choose based on your analysis and the value you see. If you believe a team will win in regulation specifically, the 60-minute line offers better odds. If you believe they'll win by any means, the full-game moneyline might be better. Compare implied probabilities, not just odds.
Related Terms
- 3-Way Moneyline — The standard term for regulation-time betting in hockey
- Period Betting — Betting on individual periods within a game
- Regulation Time — The standard 60 minutes of play in hockey (excluding overtime and shootout)
- Moneyline Betting — Standard win/loss betting that includes overtime and shootout results
- Puck Line — Point spread betting in hockey