Hockey is one of America’s favorite sports, and certainly the biggest athletic event in Canada. The field variant of the game has existed for a long time, and may date back to the Medieval Period. However, the ice variant of hockey originates in Montreal in the late 19th and early 20th century. The sport quickly took off and became a massive success.
The Montreal Canadiens are the most successful team in NHL history,. The Canadiens have captured the Stanley, awarded tho the Championship winning team, a total of 23 occasions.
As any popular sport, ice hockey is a huge betting sport, not just in America and Canada, but also around the world. Various European countries, including Sweden, Russia, Finland, and more love the game, and frequently enjoy placing bets on it. Which begs the question; How did hockey become so popular?
Online Sportsbooks
One of the major factors in the popularity of ice hockey are online sportsbooks. Not only have these websites made it incredibly easy to bet on the NHL, but they’ve also made NHL betting accessible to the wider world.
Nowadays, you can access online bookies and place a bet on any hockey league around the world. Naturally, this has increased interest in hockey, which makes the sport more popular. Of course, the sport’s popularity leads to betting’s popularity, which further grows the sport.
In other words, it is an endless cycle of self-proliferation that makes hockey more popular worldwide. Indeed, online sportsbooks have had a significant impact on the betting world in general, as they offer quick and easy access and a simple way to wager.
Bonuses and Promotions
Somewhat related to online sports betting are bonuses and promotions. As you might gather, bonuses are extra offers that websites might offer to make your betting easier. Hockey bonuses range from free bets, to match deposits, and much more.
Many online sportsbooks even offer welcome bonuses, which further makes wagering easier. Basically, just by signing up to a website, you become eligible for a bonus. By doing this, online sportsbooks make it a lot easier for you to manage your money, plan ahead, and enjoy your time with them.
Hockey is Fun
Naturally, we left the most obvious reason for last. Hockey is simply fun. Millions of people around the world enjoy the game, because it is a fun and, mostly safe, way to release frustration, enjoy the company of friends, and support your local team at the top of your lungs.
In Canada, for example, the passion for hockey is born at a young age, as children watch games along with their parents, and take up the sport while they are still in grade school. Their passion only grows as they do, and eventually, some of them are even ready for the professional teams.
Conclusion
Hockey remains Canada’s favorite sport. And though soccer has taken the lead in the USA, it still remains in the top five, behind only the three other major league sports, and soccer. Around the world, hockey is in the top ten most popular sports, so it is no surprise that bettors are incredibly interested in the great game.