Quick Verdict
Smarkets is fundamentally different from every other bookmaker on our list — it is a peer-to-peer betting exchange. You bet against other users, not a bookmaker, with Smarkets charging just 2% commission on winnings. This results in true market odds that are consistently better than any bookmaker for NHL moneylines. The trade-off is liquidity — markets can be thinner for less popular leagues. Best for experienced, value-focused hockey bettors.
How Smarkets Works for Hockey
On Smarkets, instead of betting against the bookmaker, you match your bet against another user on the opposite side. You can:
- Back: Bet for a team to win (like a standard bet)
- Lay: Bet against a team winning (act as the bookmaker)
Smarkets charges 2% commission on net winnings per market (reduced to 1% for premium members). No hidden margin is built into the odds — the price you see is the true market price agreed between two bettors.
Rating Breakdown
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Odds Quality | 9.5/10 | True exchange prices — no bookmaker margin |
| NHL Coverage | 7.5/10 | Moneyline and totals — limited market depth |
| Ease of Use | 7.0/10 | Exchange UI learning curve for new users |
| Suitability | 9.0/10 | Excellent for experienced, value-conscious bettors |
| Overall | 7.7/10 | Best odds, but not beginner-friendly |
The Value Advantage
On a standard NHL moneyline at a bookmaker, the overround (bookmaker margin) is typically 4–6%. On Smarkets, the overround is effectively replaced by a flat 2% commission on winnings only. For a bettor placing 100 NHL bets per season at $100 each, this difference saves approximately $200–$400 in margin costs versus a standard bookmaker.
Who Smarkets is best for: Experienced bettors who understand market pricing, want the best possible odds on NHL moneylines, and don't need the full feature set (live streaming, same-game parlays, cash out) of a traditional bookmaker.
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