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NHL Public Betting: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Herd Mentality

The NHL is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, and betting on NHL games is a popular pastime for many fans. However, it's important to remember that betting on sports is a form of gambling, and it's important to understand the risks involved before you place any bets.

One of the most important things to understand about NHL betting is the concept of public betting. Public betting refers to the bets that are placed by the majority of bettors. These bets are usually based on popular opinion or media hype, and they don't always reflect the true odds of a game.

Why does the public bet the way it does?

The public is made up of all types of bettors, from experienced professionals to casual fans. However, there are certain patterns that emerge in public betting behavior.

The public tends to bet on favorites. This is because favorites are perceived as having a higher chance of winning.
The public tends to bet on teams that are popular. This is because popular teams are more likely to be covered by the media, and they have a larger fan base.
The public tends to bet on teams that are on a winning streak. This is because winning teams are perceived as being more likely to continue winning.

The dangers of public betting

While it's tempting to follow the crowd, it's important to remember that public betting can be a dangerous game. Here are a few reasons why:

The public is often wrong. The majority of bettors don't have the experience or knowledge to make informed betting decisions. As a result, they often bet on teams that are not actually the best value.
The public can be manipulated. Bookmakers and sportsbooks know that the public tends to bet on certain types of teams. They use this knowledge to set their odds in a way that encourages the public to bet on those teams.
The public can get caught up in the hype. The media can play a big role in shaping public opinion about certain teams. This can lead to the public overvaluing certain teams and undervaluing others.

How to avoid the pitfalls of public betting

If you want to be a successful NHL bettor, it's important to avoid the pitfalls of public betting. Here are a few tips:

Do your own research. Don't just bet on the teams that everyone else is betting on. Take the time to research the teams and the players involved in each game.
Consider the value. Don't just bet on the teams that you think are going to win. Bet on the teams that offer the best value.
Don't get caught up in the hype. The media can play a big role in shaping public opinion about certain teams. Try to avoid getting caught up in the hype and make your own decisions about which teams to bet on.

Tips and Tricks

Use a reputable sportsbook. When you're betting on NHL games, it's important to use a reputable sportsbook. This will help you ensure that you're getting the best odds and that your bets are being processed fairly.
Start small. When you're first starting out, it's important to start small. Don't bet more than you can afford to lose.
Don't chase your losses. If you lose a bet, don't try to chase your losses by betting more money. This is a surefire way to lose even more money.
Set a budget. Before you start betting on NHL games, set a budget for yourself. This will help you avoid spending more money than you intended.
Take breaks. Betting on NHL games can be a lot of fun, but it's important to take breaks. This will help you avoid getting burned out or making poor decisions.

Pros and Cons of Public Betting

Pros

Can be a fun way to engage with the game. Betting on NHL games can add an extra level of excitement to watching the games.
Can be profitable. If you're good at handicapping games, you can make money betting on NHL games.
Can help you learn more about the game. When you're betting on NHL games, you'll need to learn more about the teams, the players, and the strategies involved.

Cons

Can be addictive. Betting on NHL games can be addictive, and it can lead to serious financial problems if you're not careful.
Can be biased. The public is often biased towards certain teams, and this can lead to inaccurate odds.
Can be manipulated. Bookmakers and sportsbooks can manipulate the odds to encourage the public to bet on certain teams.

Call to Action

If you're interested in betting on NHL games, it's important to understand the risks involved. Public betting can be a dangerous game, but it can also be a lot of fun. If you do your research and bet responsibly, you can increase your chances of winning.

Additional Resources

Disclaimer

Betting on sports is a form of gambling, and it's important to understand the risks involved before you place any bets. If you're not sure whether or not sports betting is right for you, please seek professional help.

Tables

NHL Betting Trends

| Season | Public Betting Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 48.2% |
| 2020-21 | 47.5% |
| 2019-20 | 46.8% |
| 2018-19 | 45.9% |
| 2017-18 | 45.2% |

NHL Public Betting Favorites

| Team | Public Betting Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 65.3% |
| Edmonton Oilers | 62.9% |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 61.8% |
| Boston Bruins | 60.7% |
| Colorado Avalanche | 59.6% |

NHL Public Betting Underdogs

| Team | Public Betting Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Coyotes | 34.7% |
| Montreal Canadiens | 37.1% |
| Ottawa Senators | 38.2% |
| Buffalo Sabres | 38.9% |
| San Jose Sharks | 40.4% |