The 60-minute line — also called the 3-way bet — is one of the most misunderstood wagers in hockey. I used to watch bettors confidently back a favorite, see the game go to overtime, and then wonder why they lost. Here's exactly how it works and when it matters.
What exactly is the 60-minute line?
It's a wager on the regulation-time result only. You pick Team A wins in regulation, Team B wins in regulation, or a tie after 60 minutes. Three outcomes, hence "3-way." The key word is regulation. If the game goes to overtime or a shootout, your Team A or Team B bet loses — full stop. A tie bet wins only if the score is level after the third period.
That's the rule directly from how sportsbooks price it: on the 60-minute line, a game going to OT results in a loss for Team A or Team B bets. No push. No refund. A loss.
How is this different from the standard moneyline?
On the standard moneyline and puck line, overtime and shootout results count toward settlement. Back a team on the moneyline and they win in OT? You get paid. The 60-minute line strips that out entirely. That changes the math. Favorites get slightly better odds on the 3-way because the tie outcome is priced as a separate market. Underdogs get worse value for the same reason — you're no longer buying the "survive to OT and win" scenario.
For a full breakdown of how standard moneyline odds are structured, see How NHL Moneyline Odds Work — and When to Use Them. To compare all core bet types in one place, the NHL Bet Types: Moneyline, Puck Line, and Over/Under Explained guide covers everything side by side.
When does overtime actually hurt you?
About 23–25% of NHL regular-season games go to overtime. That's not a rare edge case. If you're betting a heavy favorite on the 3-way line and the underdog ties it late in the third, you lose regardless of what happens next. That stings more than a standard moneyline loss because you felt like you were winning.
I've seen traders shade 3-way prices specifically to exploit bettors who don't understand this. The tie price often carries a bigger margin than the win prices. Always check it before assuming the 3-way is better value.
Does overtime affect totals too?
Different rules apply there. On standard totals markets, all goals — including overtime and shootout goals — count toward the final total. NHL game totals are typically set at 5.5–6.5 goals, and if the combined score lands exactly on the total, the bet is a push and stakes are returned. For how OT and push scenarios play out on totals specifically, see NHL Over/Under Betting — Totals, OT Rules, and Push Scenarios.
How does the 60-minute line compare to the puck line?
They're built for different purposes. The puck line is a fixed ±1.5-goal spread — the favorite must win by two or more goals. It also settles including OT results. The 3-way cuts OT out entirely and adds a draw option. If you think a game stays close through regulation, the 3-way tie can be a legitimate play. If you think one team dominates but might back off late, the puck line is more relevant. More on that market at Puck Line Betting — NHL's Fixed ±1.5 Spread Explained.
Who should use the 60-minute line?
Bettors who have a strong read on regulation-time performance — team records in regulation, back-to-back fatigue, or goalie matchups — can find value here. It's not for casual bettors who just want to pick a winner. The tie outcome makes it a genuinely three-outcome market, which requires different thinking than a standard two-outcome bet.
Availability varies by sportsbook and state. Check whether the 60-minute line is offered in your jurisdiction before building a strategy around it. Legality of online sports betting depends on your state — confirm your state's current status before placing any wager.
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