It looks almost certain that the NHL will once again face a lockout with only 5 days left prior to the NHL’s deadline of September 15th at 11:59pm. I, like all NHL fans, are hoping that a miracle happens and the season begins as scheduled, but with each passing day this looks less and less likely. NHL bettors will likely have to look elsewhere to get their hockey betting fix this season, which is why I’m writing this article. To provide some alternatives for NHL bettors in the event of an NHL lockout.
Alternative #1 – KHL or Other European Leagues
During the last NHL Lockout, back in 04-05, many NHLers went and played in various leagues around Europe. This increased the interest in these other leagues by NHL fans and I’m sure it would do the same this year. The KHL, which many NHL fans hate, will likely become the top hockey league in the world for the duration of the season, with the possible exception of the AHL. Online sportsbooks such as SportsInteraction.com, will offer odds on games for each of the top European leagues. These include such leagues as the Swedish Elite League, Finnish SM-Liga, Czech Extraliga and of course the KHL. If your favorite players head to these leagues it only makes sense to follow them and place bets on their games.
Alternative #2 – Bet On the AHL
The American Hockey League gained a lot of exposure at the last NHL lockout because all of the top young players in the world who still had two way contracts were able to play professionally in North America and gain experience and ice time as the top players on these minor league teams. NHL fans were able to watch their young stars develop and take a further interest in their farm teams and the future stars of the NHL. Online bookies will take notice and offer betting lines on AHL games throughout the season and this may be a good alternative for NHL fans.
Alternative #3 – Bet On Other Sports
With the NHL taking another break NHL bettors may turn their betting on other sports such as the NFL or NBA, which will go on with business as usual. Last season the NBA season began late because of a lockout and I’m sure that the NHL games in the early part of the season gained a small basketball fan base because of this. It will likely happen in the other way this year with NHL fans gaining more interest in the other big North American sports with the NHL nowhere to be found. For these bettors, I suggest 5Dimes.eu, because they generally have the best odds for every North American sport.
If you prefer European sports then I suggest checking out BettingSites.org.uk for some great sportsbook reviews.
Alternative #4 – Don’t Bet
This alternative will of course be chosen by a great deal of NHL bettors. The NHL fans who aren’t die hard enough to follow players in other leagues, but too big of hockey fans to find the same level of interest in other North American sports. For these bettors its just a year off to ponder what could have been and save their bankroll for when NHL hockey starts up again.
Which alternative do you fall into?
Let me know in the comments below.
Written by: Niko de Jonge
Tagged with: Lockout • NHL betting