Last updated on: December 11th, 2024

Betting on the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) showcases some of the best young talent in hockey, making them a popular hockey betting option online. A junior league, the OHL players are 16-20, representing 20 teams from Canada, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. This cross-country setup means that players in Canada and the US need to know the best Ontario Hockey League betting sites in their areas.

  • Quality of play is extremely competitive with OHL alumni making up nearly one in every five NHL players.
  • The season lasts 68 games from September to March, until the J. Ross Robertson Cup playoffs begin en route to the Memorial Cup in May.
  • Most games are played on the weekends (Thursday-Sunday) in an effort to keep the players in school.

Ontario Hockey League Betting Sites

Best Ontario Hockey League Betting Sites

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How to Bet on OHL Games

Betting on OHL games is extremely similar to hockey betting on the AHL or NHL. Even with the athletes being under 18, there will still be prop bets, which can add even more excitement. While not as widely available as NHL betting – there are about 150-200 bets per NHL game compared to 25-80 for OHL games – you can still find sportsbooks online that offer odds on the Ontario Hockey League.

Where to Bet on the OHL

Most Ontario Hockey League betting sites are only licensed to do business in one area of the world, country, or even state. Finding where to bet on the OHL depends on your location. The top recommended sportsbook for Americans is Bovada. They are accepted in two-thirds of the country and have game props and puck lines.

  • Bovada: A trusted sportsbook that offers OHL betting lines at least two days before competitions. Including moneylines, handicap betting, and total goal over/unders, there are almost 100 wagers per game.
  • Bodog: A Canadian-only sportsbook with Ontario Hockey League bets available year-round. Outside of game lines, there are futures bets for odds on the J. Ross Robertson Cup or MVP of the season too.
  • BetOnline: Available in many parts of the world, BetOnline serves as an excellent hockey sportsbook on all minor and major leagues. While their welcome bonuses may not be as strong as Bovada or Bodog, BetOnline still provides a safe outlet for OHL betting.

For bettors north of the border, try using the best Canadian betting sites like Bodog or BetOnline as your go-to OHL sportsbook. They work in every province and will offer a safe way to bet real money. If these sites don’t seem to be for you, you can also check out BetMGM – but they might come with fewer options, as they face limitations from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

Why Bet on the OHL

With emerging talent, you can bet on NHL stars of the future as their development occurs. It’s such an underrated market because OHL betting odds don’t have insane data metrics like NFL betting has. With this, sportsbooks leave larger margins to exploit from bettors who pay attention. That is why betting on the postseason is a highlight for OHL fans. The playoffs begin in March and conclude in May with the J. Ross Robertson Cup winner moving on to the Memorial Cup.

OHL Betting Strategies

Research is key. Pay attentions to schedules (back to backs especially), teams, and how the lines are adjusting at legal online sports betting sites. There aren’t many websites with OHL betting strategies, so creating your own file can be helpful. Focus on a few teams to follow closely and understand how their players interact within the play style and against certain matchups. Use the first part of the season to figure out teams and trends while capitalizing on larger OHL bets in the middle of the year.

  • Always analyze underdogs at OHL betting sites. These lopsided bets may look impossible but to win money betting OHL over time, you can be profitable by hitting only a few underdogs on the year.

OHL Betting FAQs

Why Don’t All Sportsbooks Offer OHL Betting?

While the OHL is a popular league in hockey circles, it’s a blip on the radar, even for small market sportsbooks. Some may skip offering OHL lines due to lower demand or failure to win against bettors. However, sites like Bovada ensure you’ll have a few lines to choose from.

When is the Best Time to Bet on the OHL?

Lines for regular-season games typically appear closer to game day, sometimes up to 72 hours early for Thursday games. When you bet can be just as important as what to bet. If a team that is undervalued opens as an underdog, bet early. However, if the team is overvalued, wait to bet late. For playoffs and OHL futures odds, capitalize whenever you like the odds payout when you see it.

What are Common OHL Bet Types?

Aside from the moneyline (picking the winner) or puck line (the final spread of the game), a lot of Ontario Hockey League bets revolve around alternate lines or over-unders. These can be for one game, one team, or one quarter – so make sure to read the exact bet carefully before finalizing your bet.