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The National Hockey League (NHL) is one of the four biggest professional sports in the United States, and it’s usually fourth in terms of popularity. That doesn’t mean that this sport doesn’t have a massive following though, and it’s a sport that leads to some great betting options.

The NHL was founded all the way back in 1917, and the league has seen plenty of growth since that first year. There were only six teams when the league first began playing, but that number has now grown all the way up to 32.

25 of the teams are from the United States while there are also seven teams from Canada. The NHL season typically runs from October through April, with the NHL Stanley Cup Finals taking place during the month of June.

NHL teams play 82 regular season games, and that leads to plenty of NHL betting opportunities. Here is a look at some of the best NHL sportsbooks as well as how to bet on NHL.
<h2 id="h-where-to-bet-on-the-nhl" class="wp-block-heading">WHERE TO BET ON THE NHL</h2>
Knowing where to bet on the NHL is going to be extremely important if you are planning on betting on this league. With that in mind, here are six of the best NHL sportsbooks that you can find.

Best NHL Betting Sites & Sportsbooks

Vegas Golden Knights vs San Jose Sharks Betting Pick & Prediction 12/27/24

Colorado Avalanche vs Utah Hockey Club Betting Pick & Prediction 12/27/24

Nashville Predators vs St. Louis Blues Betting Pick & Prediction 12/27/24

Minnesota Wild vs Dallas Stars Betting Pick & Prediction 12/27/24

Boston Bruins vs Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Pick & Prediction 12/27/24

Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils Betting Pick & Prediction 12/27/24

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Detroit Red Wings Betting Pick & Prediction 12/27/24

Chicago Blackhawks vs Buffalo Sabres Betting Pick & Prediction 12/27/24

Anaheim Ducks vs Vegas Golden Knights Betting Pick & Prediction 12/23/24

Dallas Stars vs Utah Hockey Club Betting Pick & Prediction 12/23/24

BetDSI

Bookmaker

Bet US

BetOnline

Bovada

Soccer

World Cup Betting Preview - For the United States, redemption's a theme in Qatar

College football is one of the most popular betting options in the United States, and it’s also a sport that is enjoyed by many as well. College football begins in the early part of September, and a national champion is crowned in January every single year.

When it comes to college football, there are three different divisions that are played. It’s the teams that play at the highest level that attracts the most attention, and that’s also where you see most of the betting options.

There are just four teams that make it to the College Football Playoff each year, but that number is going to be expanding soon. There are other major bowl games that take place throughout the year, and those teams are chosen based on how they perform during the regular season.

This article will not only give you the best college football betting sites &amp; sportsbooks, but it will also give you tips so you know how to bet on college football.
<h2 id="h-where-to-bet-college-football" class="wp-block-heading">WHERE TO BET COLLEGE FOOTBALL</h2>
Knowing how to bet on college football is going to be an important step, but you also need to know where you should be wagering. Choosing the right sportsbook is going to be a huge part in sports betting, especially during the college football season.

Here are six of the best college football sportsbooks to use the next time that you are wanting to wager on the sport.

Best College Football Betting Sites & Sportsbooks

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

College Football

Ohio State Buckeyes vs Oregon Ducks Betting Pick & Prediction College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Presented by Prudential

Texas Longhorns vs Arizona State Sun Devils Betting Pick & Prediction College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Georgia Bulldogs Betting Pick & Prediction College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl

Penn State Nittany Lions vs Boise State Broncos Betting Pick & Prediction College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

Buffalo Bulls vs Liberty Flames Betting Pick & Prediction Bahamas Bowl

Louisville Cardinals vs Washington Huskies Betting Pick & Prediction Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

Baylor Bears vs LSU Tigers Betting Pick & Prediction Kinder's Texas Bowl

Alabama Crimson Tide vs Michigan Wolverines Betting Pick & Prediction ReliaQuest Bowl

South Carolina Gamecocks vs Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Pick & Prediction Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

Iowa Hawkeyes vs Missouri Tigers Betting Pick & Prediction TransPerfect Music City Bowl

Remember sitting around the TV with your family during the holidays, everyone cheering for their favorite football team? Those memorable moments of sports and family time are getting a new twist these days. More and more families are adding friendly betting pools to their holiday traditions, making every touchdown and field goal even more exciting.



In recent years, as sports betting has become legal in many states, family gatherings have started to look a little different. Instead of just wearing team jerseys and sharing snacks, relatives are now creating fun prediction games and friendly wagers around the big holiday games. Whether it's picking winners for the New Years bowl matchups or guessing which basketball team will score first on Christmas Day, these activities are adding extra spark to family celebrations.



These new betting traditions aren't just about winning or losing – they're changing how families experience sports together. From grandparents sharing their sports knowledge with grandkids to siblings competing for yearly bragging rights, holiday betting pools are creating fresh ways for families to bond over their favorite games. Let's explore how these modern traditions are bringing new excitement to holiday sports gatherings while keeping the spirit of family togetherness alive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The History of Sports and Family Holiday Traditions</h2>



Sports have been bringing families together during the holidays for generations. Since the first Thanksgiving NFL game in 1934, when the Detroit Lions played the Chicago Bears, watching football has been as much a part of Turkey Day as stuffing and cranberry sauce. The same goes for New Year's Day, where families have gathered around the TV for decades to watch <a href="https://bangthebook.com/college-football">college football</a> bowl games while recovering from their midnight celebrations.



Long before smartphones and betting apps, families found creative ways to make holiday games more interesting. Uncle Bob might have run the family football pool, where everyone put in a dollar to guess the final score. Cousins would compete in season-long fantasy football leagues, leading to heated holiday dinner discussions about who made the better trades. These friendly competitions weren't really about money – they were about having fun and staying connected with family members, even those who lived far away.



These casual games and family pools laid the foundation for what we see today. While past generations might have used paper grids for <a href="https://www.nfl.com/super-bowl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Bowl</a> squares or shared fantasy league updates through phone calls, these same activities have evolved with technology. The spirit of friendly competition that started with notebook paper and cash in envelopes has grown into something bigger, as more families embrace legal sports betting platforms to keep their holiday traditions alive – just with a modern twist.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.bangthebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/betting-pools-timeline-1024x441.png" alt="" class="wp-image-53599"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Rise of Holiday Betting Pools</h2>



Family betting pools changed dramatically when sports betting became legal in many states. What used to be informal wagers written on napkins during holiday dinners has evolved into organized family competitions that everyone can enjoy safely and legally. Many families now create their own holiday betting leagues with clear rules and reasonable limits, making sure the focus stays on fun rather than serious gambling.



The holiday <a href="https://knupsports.com/calendars/sports-betting-calendar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sports calendar</a> provides perfect opportunities for family betting pools. Thanksgiving brings three NFL games that span the entire day, giving families plenty of chances to predict scores, guess which player will score first, or create prop bets like...



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
Will grandpa fall asleep before halftime?
</blockquote>



The NBA's Christmas Day games have become another holiday betting tradition, with five exciting matchups that keep families engaged from morning until night. New Year's Day rounds out the holiday season with college football bowl games that let families start the year with friendly competition.



Modern technology has made it easier than ever for families to keep their betting pools going, even when everyone can't be in the same room. Popular sports betting apps allow families to create private groups where they can set up pools, track everyone's picks, and watch the results unfold in real-time.



Cousins who moved across the country can still join in the family's Thanksgiving pool, and grandparents can participate in Christmas Day basketball predictions from their winter home in Florida. Some families even use video calls to announce their picks together, making distance feel a little less distant.



These new digital tools have also made it simpler to keep betting pools organized and fair. Instead of arguing over who actually picked which team or trying to remember everyone's predictions, apps keep perfect records of all bets and automatically calculate winners.



Many families use this technology to create season-long competitions, where holiday games count for extra points in their ongoing family standings. The person with the most points at the end of the year might win a special trophy or the honor of hosting next year's holiday gathering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Betting Pools are Becoming a Holiday Staple?</h2>



Holiday betting pools have caught on because they give everyone a way to join in the fun, whether they know everything about sports or just show up for the snacks. Grandma might not know the quarterback's stats, but she can still win the family pool by picking teams based on her favorite uniform colors.



Kids too young for real betting can participate with monopoly money or points, learning about sports while joining in the family excitement. These pools create a level playing field where sports knowledge isn't the only path to victory.



The friendly competition of holiday betting pools does something special – it gives family members new ways to connect and share experiences. Instead of everyone staring at their phones during holiday gatherings, they're comparing picks, playfully trash-talking, and celebrating or groaning together as games unfold. Some families have started traditions like having the previous year's winner create special categories for the next holiday's pool, or letting the kids invent silly prop bets like "how many times will dad check his phone during the game?"



Even the most boring game becomes thrilling when family members have predictions riding on it. A fourth-quarter field goal in a blowout game suddenly becomes the most exciting moment of the day when it determines whether Aunt Sarah or Uncle Mike wins the family pool.



These shared moments of suspense create memories that families talk about for years to come. Stories like "Remember when Junior won the Thanksgiving pool because he was the only one who picked the Lions?" become part of family lore, retold every holiday season.



The beauty of these pools is that they add excitement without overshadowing what really matters – spending time together as a family. While everyone wants to win, the real victory is in the laughs shared, the traditions created, and the bonds strengthened.



Whether it's teaching younger generations about sports, giving far-flung family members a reason to stay connected throughout the holiday, or simply making that post-turkey football game a little more interesting, betting pools are adding a new dimension to family holiday traditions.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.bangthebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/holiday-betting-pools-1024x585.webp" alt="Holiday Betting Pools" class="wp-image-53598"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Challenges and Controversies</h2>



Not every family jumps at the idea of adding betting pools to their holiday traditions. Some parents worry that even friendly wagers might send the wrong message to kids about gambling, while grandparents might remember the days when betting was strictly taboo.



These concerns often come from a good place – wanting to protect family members and keep holiday gatherings focused on togetherness rather than winning and losing. Some families also worry that betting pools, even small ones, might be a problem for relatives who have struggled with gambling in the past.



The good news is that many families have found ways to enjoy betting pools while keeping things safe and comfortable for everyone. The key is setting clear ground rules from the start. Successful family pools often stick to small stakes – maybe $1 per game or using point systems instead of money.



Some families create "fun currencies" like holiday tokens or special family monopoly money, keeping the excitement of competition while avoiding real gambling. They also make sure everyone knows it's perfectly fine to watch and cheer without placing bets, ensuring no one feels pressured to participate. 



When families focus on making memories rather than making money, holiday betting pools can be a positive addition to their traditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tips for Starting a Holiday Betting Pool</h2>



Want to start a holiday betting pool with your family? Here's how to create a fun and stress-free experience that everyone can enjoy.



Start with Something Simple Pick contests that don't require deep sports knowledge to participate. A straightforward "pick the winner" format for Thanksgiving football games lets everyone join in, even if they don't know a touchdown from a field goal. Create fun categories like "Which team's mascot would win in a dance contest?" or "Who will score first?" to keep things light and entertaining.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Set Family-Friendly Rules Keep stakes low -- maybe $5 for the whole day of games, or use a point system instead of money. Create clear age guidelines, like having kids under 18 use a points-only system while adults can opt for small-dollar bets. Write down all the rules and share them before the holiday so everyone knows what to expect. Remember to include a "no pressure" rule – anyone can watch and cheer without betting.</li>



<li>Make Technology Your Friend -- Take advantage of free apps and websites that handle all the tricky parts of running a pool. Apps like <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBS Sports</a>, <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yahoo Sports</a>, or ESPN offer easy-to-use pool features where family members can make picks right from their phones. For a more personal touch, create a family group chat where everyone can share their picks and react to the games together.</li>



<li>Add Special Family Twists Create categories unique to your family -- maybe "Dad's Bold Prediction" or "Grandma's Gut Feeling" that earn bonus points. Consider making a special trophy or crown that gets passed around each holiday to the winner. Take plenty of pictures of the winner each year to create a fun family betting hall of fame.</li>



<li>Plan for Remote Relatives -- Include family members who can't be there in person by setting up video calls during key moments or creating a shared online space where everyone can post reactions. Make sure to pick apps or websites that work well for less tech-savvy relatives so nobody feels left out.</li>



<li>Keep Score in Style -- Create a fun way to track everyone's progress throughout the day. Maybe use a big poster board with everyone's names and picks, or create a digital scoreboard that you can share on the TV screen. Consider giving out small prizes for different categories like "Best Comeback" or "Most Creative Pick" to keep everyone engaged even if they're not winning overall.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Predictions for the Future of Holiday Sports Betting Traditions</h2>



The future of family holiday betting pools looks as high-tech as a new smartphone and as comfortable as your favorite holiday sweater. As artificial intelligence and apps get smarter, family pools might soon include features like automatic odds adjustments based on who's playing, or personalized prop bets created just for your family's interests.



Imagine an app that knows Uncle Steve always picks the underdog, or that Cousin Maria has a perfect record when it comes to predicting overtime games. These smart systems could make pools even more entertaining by creating custom categories that match each family's unique betting style.



Holiday betting pools are already breaking free from just sports predictions. Families are creating pools around everything from guessing which Thanksgiving dish will run out first to betting on how many times grandpa will tell his favorite holiday story.



Some families are running Oscar prediction pools during holiday gatherings, while others are making friendly wagers on holiday baking competitions or seasonal reality TV shows. This trend suggests that the future of holiday betting pools isn't just about touchdowns and three-pointers – it's about finding new ways to make any family activity more engaging.



Looking ahead, putting together the family betting pool might become as natural as hanging stockings or lighting the menorah. As younger generations who grew up with fantasy sports and betting apps become parents and grandparents themselves, these tech-savvy traditions will likely become even more ingrained in holiday celebrations.



But unlike many modern traditions that keep people glued to their phones, these betting pools seem to be doing something special – they're using technology to bring families closer together, creating shared experiences that bridge generational gaps and keep far-flung relatives connected during the holidays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion to Holiday Betting Pools</h2>



Holiday traditions are like family recipes – they get better when you add your own special ingredients to the mix. Sports betting pools are becoming that extra dash of spice in many family gatherings, creating exciting new ways to enjoy time-honored traditions. From Thanksgiving football to Christmas Basketball to New Year's Day bowl games, these friendly competitions are writing a new chapter in the story of how families celebrate together.



The key to success isn't about how much money is won or lost – it's about creating moments that bring smiles to faces and give everyone something to look forward to each holiday season. Whether your family sticks to simple pick'em contests or creates elaborate prediction games, the real victory comes from the shared excitement, the playful trash talk, and the stories you'll tell for years to come.



The best holiday betting pools are like the best family traditions: they welcome everyone, create lasting memories, and give people reasons to stay connected, even when they're miles apart.



Do you participate in holiday betting pools? Whether you're a seasoned pool organizer or thinking about starting your first family competition, there's always room for new ideas and traditions. Share your experiences with other families – maybe your creative betting categories or fun twist on classic games will inspire others to start their own holiday traditions. After all, the best part about family traditions is that they're always growing and changing, just like families themselves.

How Holiday Betting Pools Are Changing Family Sports Traditions

From Angel Stadium in Anaheim, we have the Guardians and Angels facing off. First place in the AL Central is the Guardians, as they have a record of 35-17 and they are currently on an eight-game winning streak. The Angels are fifth in the AL West with a record of 20-32.

Cleveland is currently favored on the money line, and the over/under line is at 8.5 runs. Ben Lively will start for the Guardians, while the Angels are starting Reid Detmers. BSW will be televising this game, which is set to get started at 4:07 PM ET.<h3>CLEVELAND GUARDIANS VS LOS ANGELES ANGELS BETTING PICK</h3>The Pick: Cleveland Guardians Moneyline -118This game will be played at Angel Stadium of Anaheim at 4:07 ET on Sunday, May 26th.<h3>HOW TO BET THE GUARDIANS VS ANGELS:</h3><ul><li>We have the Guardians winning by a score of 5 to 4</li><li>However, if you're looking for a run line pick, we like the Angels to cover</li><li>As for an over/under pick, we have this game finishing with 9 runs and like the over</li></ul>Cleveland picked up a 4-3 road win over the Angels in the most recent game of this series. The Guardians had a huge 3rd inning, scoring all four of their runs. As for the Angels, they scored one run in the 4th and added two more in the 6th. Heading into the game, the Guardians were favored at -150 on the money line.

Tanner Bibee got the win for Cleveland, going six innings and giving up three earned runs. He finished the game with six strikeouts but issued just one walk. Emmanuel Clase closed things out for the Guardians. 

Jose Soriano had a rough outing for the Angels, taking the loss after going six innings and giving up four earned runs on four hits. He did finish the game with eight strikeouts. 
<h3>Guardians Records & Stats</h3>Cleveland is on an eight-game winning streak, and they are 35-17 overall this season. The Guardians lead the AL Central by 1.5 games over the Royals and have gone 10-5 against other teams in the division. So far, they have been really tough to beat in day games, going 16-3 this year.

At home, the Guardians have been great, putting together an 18-6 record. They have also been good on the road, coming in at 17-11. Cleveland has won three straight series, and their overall series record is 12-4 this year.When the Cleveland Guardians win, they win big. Their average run margin in victories is +3.6 runs per game, and their run line record in those games is 31-21. They have been a solid bet against the run line on the road, going 17-11, and as the underdog, going 15-5. Their average run margin on the road is +1.6 runs per game.The Cleveland Guardians are on the road against the Los Angeles Angels today, with the over/under line set at 8.5 runs. This is the exact combined run average for Guardians games this season, as they have an over/under record of 25-24. The average over/under line for their games is 8 runs, and when the line is set at 8.5 runs, their over/under record is 5-10. So far this season, 19.2% of their games have had over/under lines set higher than 8.5 runs.Cleveland is sending right-hander Ben Lively to the mound today vs. the Angels. He has made seven starts this season and has a record of 3-2 with a 2.84 ERA. Lively's WHIP for the season is currently 1.24. In his last outing, he picked up the win, going 5 2/3 innings and giving up one earned run on six hits. Looking back further, he has turned in a quality start in two of his last three outings. Per nine innings, Lively is averaging 2.84 walks compared to 9 strikeouts. For the year, he has allowed six homers.Jose Ramirez has been on a tear of late for the Guardians, going 11/29 in his last seven games with five home runs. This has moved him into the top spot in the MLB in RBIs, as he has driven in 51 runs this season while batting .267 overall. Josh Naylor is also a big power threat in the lineup, as he is 2nd on the team with 13 homers and is batting .242.

As a team, the Guardians are 4th in the league in scoring at 5 runs per game. They have been even better at home, averaging 5 runs per contest. Overall, they are 7th in home runs and have the league's top offense in terms of RBIs. Not only are they one of the top home run hitting teams in the league, but they also have the 4th fewest strikeouts in the league.<h3>Angels Records & Stats</h3>With a record of 20-32, the Angels are 5th in the AL West, 6.5 games behind the Mariners for the division lead. The Angels have dropped two straight games, and they are 5-5 over their last 10. So far, they have gone 4-2 in divisional matchups.

At home, the Angels are just 6-18 this season, but they have been much better on the road at 14-14. This year, the Angels are just 5-15 in day games. As the underdog, the Angels are 19-28 this season and just 1-4 when favored. Los Angeles' overall series record is 4-11-1, but they have won two straight series.The Angels have been a strong bet against the run line this season, going 29-23 overall. They have been particularly good on the road, where they are 19-9 vs. the run line. The Angels have been a good bet as the underdog, going 29-18 vs. the run line. They have been a poor bet as the favorite, going 0-5 vs. the run line.The Angels have played in 15 games this season with over/under lines set higher than 8.5 runs, and in those games, the over has hit 12 times. Their games have averaged 9.4 runs per game, and their over/under record for the season is 29-22.Left-hander Reid Detmers gets the start for the Angels today as he faces the Guardians at home. He has made 10 starts this year and has a record of 3-4 with an ERA of 5.80. Opposing batters are hitting .261 off Detmers this year. In his 10 starts, Detmers has turned in just two quality starts, and his ERA at home is 6.73 compared to 5.62 on the road. Detmers most recently faced the Astros, where he gave up six earned runs in four innings of work. He finished with a no-decision in that outing.Over his last 10 games, Taylor Ward has gone 12/41 with four home runs, which is good for the top spot on the team this season. Jo Adell and Mike Trout are also tied for the team lead with 10 homers but are batting just .227 and .220, respectively. Adell has really struggled of late, going just 5/34 in his last nine games.

As a team, the Angels are 5th in home runs and are averaging 4.3 runs per game. Their team batting average of .244 is 9th in the league right now. Overall, their offense has been pretty consistent, as they are 16th in both home and road games.

Cleveland Guardians vs Los Angeles Angels Betting Pick & Prediction 5/26/24