Stanley Cup Finals Betting Guide for 2024

✅Fact Checked by: Michael Savio

The champions of the National Hockey League each season are awarded hockey’s most prestigious trophy – the Stanley Cup. There is nothing like an NHL game's fast-paced, end-to-end action and the climactic Stanley Cup Finals. We will share with you all the best Stanley Cup Finals betting sites that our experts have tested in the table below.

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We put all Stanley Cup Finals betting sites through a set of stringent sportsbook review criteria to ensure they are the best option for bettors. For the range of testing criteria, please check our sportsbook review page and click on “review” for unequivocal information on each sportsbook brand.

The NHL Stanley Cup Final is hockey’s biggest annual event and showcases the sport played at its highest, most challenging, and most competitive level.

With so many Stanley Cup Finals betting sites available, deciding which betting apps are best can be difficult for many bettors. Discerning which sportsbook offers the best Stanley Cup odds for 2024 or the best NHL bonuses and promotions can perplex even experienced bettors.

We have thoroughly examined and reviewed all the sites for Stanley Cup Finals betting and recommended only the top sportsbooks for your enjoyment and security.

What is the Stanley Cup Finals?

Following hockey’s regular season and the 2024 NHL playoffs, the Stanley Cup Finals are best-of-7-games series, meaning the first team to win four games are crowned as champions.

The best-of-seven format for the Stanley Cup Finals has existed since 1939.

The team that makes it to the Stanley Cup Finals with the best regular season record hosts four home games while their opponent hosts the other three.

How to bet on the Stanley Cup Finals

Regardless of your Stanley Cup betting experience, there is a standard step-by-step process for bettors to follow in placing wagers on your favorite betting apps:

1. Register with more than one of the recommended Stanley Cup Finals betting sites from the table above. The best odds to win Stanley Cup 2024 or Stanley Cup Finals betting line are frequently accessed through various online sportsbooks. Registering with a collection of online sportsbooks gives you the best chance of finding the most valuable odds to win big on Stanley Cup Finals betting.

2. Once you’ve joined several sportsbooks from the above alternatives, head to their respective ‘Hockey betting’ sections, or it may be phrased ‘Hockey’, ‘NHL’ or “Stanley Cup’ or ‘NHL Playoffs’. Check out the current odds to win the Stanley Cup in 2024 and a full range of betting markets, including match betting, parlays, futures betting, prop wagers, etc. to unearth what you consider to be the best betting value (For beginners – a full explanation of bet types is available in the ‘Popular Types of Stanley Cup Bets’ section below. See our odds guide if you need assistance to understand odds).

3. Determine the form of wager you’d like to place;

  • Match Betting (money-lines, puck-lines etc.)
  • NHL Stanley Cup Finals Prop Bets
  • Totals (Over/Under)
  • Futures Betting (e.g., Stanley Cup Finals winner etc.)
  • Parlay Betting plus more

4. Select your preferred betting amount, ensuring it is within your budget. Smart bettors only bet what they can afford to lose. Any win should be considered a nice surprise rather than an expectation.

5. Having followed the steps above on your Stanley Cup Finals predictions, it’s time to deposit funds into your accounts. NHL Stanley Cup Finals sites offer a wide selection of secure and convenient payment methods. Follow the prompts by clicking ‘deposit’, and you’ll be ready to wager money on the Stanley Cup Finals within minutes.

6. Regarding futures betting on the Stanley Cup Finals, the sooner you place your bets, the better odds you will receive for your wager. Odds usually fluctuate downward the closer you get to the Stanley Cup games.

Popular Types of Stanley Cup Finals Bets

A wide array of bet types are available on Stanley Cup Finals betting sites. As with most team sports championship, you can wager on the Stanley Cup winner on futures betting markets, include it in a parlay wager, bet on each game individually, or place props bets. Here’s a look at the popular types of Stanley Cup Finals bets:

  • Money line – Wager on which team will win each individual game or the finals outright. No victory margin is needed, it is simply a bet to win or lose.
  • Puck Line – An NHL Puck Line is similar to a points-spread wager in the NBA or the NFL. Bets are based on a 1.5 Goal Spread – you can either take a 1.5-goal margin on the favorite or take a 1.5-goal margin with the underdog team. Take the example of a favored New Jersey Devils vs. an underdog Carolina Hurricanes team, for you to win your wager, the Devils must win by two or more goals or the Hurricanes not to lose by more than one goal for either of the Puck Line Bets to be winners.
  • Total points (over/under) – Wagering on the combined goal totals of the two teams competing in a Stanley Cup game is called the “over/under.” The number is determined by NHL Stanley Cup Finals betting sites.
  • Prop bets – Stanley Cup Finals prop bets can vary from the Finals MVP, goalies with the most saves per game, the number of assists, goals, points for a team or player, or which conference will produce the champion.
  • Future bets – Simple betting using money line (win/lose) odds usually placed on the team you believe will win the Stanley Cup, although some props may also be available. They are best placed as far as possible out from the Stanley Cup Finals to receive better odds.

Betting options beginners should avoid

The bet type with the odds most in favor of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals betting sites (and, therefore, against you!) is parlay betting. With the need to make multiple picks correctly, parlay bets are difficult to win meaning they are best avoided by new bettors unless a parlay promotion is available.

Stanley Cup Finals Parlay wagers are a collection of 3-or-more bets – each individual bet in a parlay wager is known as a ‘leg’ – taken over a selection of finals games or a number of in-game bets offered in any one of the seven Stanley Cup Finals games (known as a ‘Same Game Parlay’).

With each successful leg in the parlay wager, the odds accumulate, BUT, should just one leg of your parlay wager lose the bet is lost outright.

For newcomers looking to cut their parlay betting risk and gain experience in sports betting’s most challenging wager, check your NHL Stanley Cup Finals sites for parlay promotions, many of which pay out your bet as a winner even should you lose one leg of your NHL Stanley Cup Finals parlay wager.

For a more detailed explanation, see ‘Stanley Cup bonuses and promotions’ section below.

Live Betting

Live betting on the Stanley Cup Finals has become exponentially more popular over the last couple of years. This bet type is where live in-game odds reset after each period or in real NHL game time, providing bettors with the most exciting and fast-paced sports betting experience possible.

During the Stanley Cup Finals, most sportsbooks usually have more live in-play options than usual, with moneylines, puck lines, and live totals betting (over/under) during games.

Watch for sportsbook ‘cash-out’ options to couple with live wagering options to back out of your bet and collect your win early, allowing you to forgo the risk of losing the final leg.

You can get in on the live betting action conveniently anywhere/anytime, with most Stanley Cup Finals betting sites providing live betting on their mobile betting apps.

Who is the Favorite to Win the Stanley Cup Finals?

Winning the Stanley Cup is the goal of every hockey player in the NHL. Here’s a look at the early-season favorites to skate away with the cup in the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals.

Colorado Avalanche

DraftKings: +800
FanDuel: +800

The Av’s won the 2022 Stanley Cup, but a slew of injuries led to an early playoff exit last season. Colorado still owns one of the best rosters in hockey, and bookmakers believe they are the favorite to take home the Cup in 2024. Given that it looks like they’ll have their championship-winning roster back intact, now could be the time to bet on them.

Boston Bruins

DraftKings: +800
FanDuel: +1300

The Bruins had the greatest regular season in the history of the NHL last year but shocked the league by being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. They will return most of their roster, including star winger David Pastrnak, but Boston is expected to make some moves in the offseason. Regardless of what they do, you can expect Boston to be a top contender again this season.

Toronto Maple Leafs

DraftKings: +900
FanDuel: +1100

The Leafs finished with the fourth-most points in the East last season but were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. The trio of Mitchell Marner, William Nylander, and Auston Matthews is one of the best in the league and is why bookmakers love their chances to win their first Stanley Cup since 1967. All three have contracts that expire within the next two seasons, meaning Toronto will be in "win-now" mode.

Edmonton Oilers

DraftKings: +1000
FanDuel: +1100

The Oilers will always be in contention as long as they have two-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner Connor McDavid on their roster. He led the league in points, with teammate Leon Draisaitl right behind him in second place. The Oilers don't have much cap room, but they should be able to do enough to put themselves in contention for the Stanley Cup again this season.

Vegas Golden Knights

DraftKings: +1200
FanDuel: +1300

The Knights are the reigning Stanley Cup Champions, capturing their first-ever title in 2023. Thanks to their impressive front office, the Knights have been incredible through their first six years of existence. The team's gamble on Jack Eichel has paid off, and you can expect him to lead this team to another fantastic season.

New Jersey Devils

DraftKings: +1200
FanDuel: +1300

The Devils followed up a great regular season by being easily dispatched in the second round of the playoffs by the Canes. New Jersey had one of the best rosters in the league, but they have several key players who are up for new contracts. That includes wingers Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier, who are set to become free agents this summer. If they can keep both, expect their Stanley Cup odds to see a big jump.

Stanley Cup Betting Bonuses and Promotions

When the NHL Playoffs begin in mid-April 2024, all the top NHL betting sites will release a range of Stanley Cup betting promotions and bonuses.

Looking at what was offered last year, you should expect some, if not all, of the following:

  • Profit Boosts each day on Stanley Cup Finals games
  • Stanley Cup Finals money-back guarantee on games going to overtime.
  • Odds Boosters
  • Stanley Cup Finals In-Game Prop Parlay Specials -Refunds apply when losing 1-leg of your in-game prop parlay wager of 3+legs.
  • Stanley Cup Parlay Insurance – Up to $100 Money Back if losing just 1-leg of a 4+-leg multi-game parlay bet on Stanley Cup games

Don’t get put in the Penalty Box!

To view all available bonuses and promotions, prospective NHL Stanley Cup Finals bettors need to visit online sportsbooks to see all deals on offer.

Tips and strategies for Stanley Cup betting

Developing a successful Stanley Cup Finals Series betting strategy is not dependent on any single factor. However, there are some Stanley Cup betting tips that you can use to mitigate the betting risks by making smarter picks.

  • As the best teams in hockey are on the ice, the differences are razor thin, and the best defenses win games. When money-line betting, study the starting goalie match-ups.
  • For futures wagering, bet on deep rosters (all our favored teams above feature a strong bench) that can cover injuries.
  • The Stanley Cup is almost always close. A deflection into the net can decide the title. Games are rarely blow outs, though last season’s Finals were less than thrilling. Betting the under is smart, as defense plays a huge role in the NHL postseason.
  • Don’t follow your personal bias. It’s business, not personal.
  • Place wagers early to get the best odds on futures bets.
  • Read the betting news – Follow our Stanley Cup Finals predictions to discover the best bets.
  • Wager with money you can afford to lose.  A solid money management plan can prevent you from painful losses and create a more exciting overall experience.

Fast Facts About the Stanley Cup Finals

Winners Last 10 Years

  • 2023 - Vegas Golden Knights
  • 2022 – Colorado Avalanche
  • 2021 – Tampa Bay Lightning
  • 2020 – Tampa Bay Lightning 
  • 2019 – St. Louis Blues
  • 2018 – Washington Capitals
  • 2017 – Pittsburgh Penguins
  • 2016 – Pittsburgh Penguins
  • 2015 – Chicago Blackhawks
  • 2014 – Los Angeles Kings

Most Stanley Cup Finals Wins

  • 24 – Montreal Canadiens
  • 13 – Toronto Maple Leafs
  • 11 – Detroit Red Wings
  • 6 – Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks

Stanley Cup’s Biggest Underdog Victory

The 1980 New York Islanders were +8500 underdogs against the Philadelphia Flyers, but the Islanders won the series 4-2. It was the start of four Stanley Cup championships in a row for the Islanders.

Dates & Places

The upcoming NHL regular season will end in April with the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs starting shortly after. The exact date of the Stanley Cup Finals is unknown, but traditionally they begin in early-to-mid June

Stanley Cup Betting FAQs

Who is the favorite to win the Hart Trophy (NHL MVP) in 2024?

Connor McDavid has established himself as the league's top player and possibly one of the best of all time. McDavid led the league in both goals and assists last season, and DraftKings Sportsbook already has him as a big favorite (+110) to win the coveted NHL Hart Trophy again next season.

What team is the favorite to win the Presidents Trophy (most regular season points in 2024)?

While hockey betting sites have yet to post odds for this season's President's Trophy winner, many believe the Boston Bruins are posed to take home the trophy once again. A healthy Colorado team could challenge them, but the Bruins' historic run last season shows they are the class of the East. 

What are all the hockey post-season awards and what are they for?

No one does post-season awards like the NHL. They are known for their old names harkening back to when no one wore masks on the ice and real teeth were rare. Here are the awards and who they are for.

  • Conn Smythe (NHL playoff MVP)
  • Hart Memorial (NHL Most Valuable Player)
  • Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year)
  • Vezina Trophy (Best goalkeeper)
  • Norris (Best defenseman)
  • Art Ross (Player with most points)
  • Selke (Best defensive forward)
  • Lady Byng (Best sportsmanship)
  • Jack Adams (Coach of the Year)
  • Maurice Richard (Most goals in regular season)
  • King Clancy (Best leader)

How old is the Stanley Cup?

Dates vary, but it’s believed that the first Stanley Cup was awarded after the 1892-93 season and is the oldest trophy that professional athletes in North America can win. The name came from the then governor-general of Canada, Lord Frederick Arthur Stanley of Preston.

How much does the Stanley Cup weigh?

The silver cup weighs 34.5 pounds and has is valued at just over $23,000. Of course, it’s priceless to the players who win it.

How many NHL teams have never won the Stanley Cup?

There are 11 active NHL teams who have never won a Stanley Cup: the Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators, San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, Arizona Coyotes, and Seattle Kraken.