The U.S. men’s hockey team’s first Olympic gold medal since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” had a significant impact on North American sports betting operators.
Key Takeaways
- The USA-Canada men’s final was one of the most-bet hockey games ever at DraftKings.
- FanDuel reported that over two-thirds of the moneyline wagers were on the U.S.
- One Canadian operator was saved by Team USA’s overtime win.
The 2-1 overtime thriller over Canada in Sunday’s early-morning, dramatic finale was a huge hit with bettors.
“Despite the early start time for our customers, the Men’s Gold Medal game generated tremendous betting activity - ranking among the most-bet hockey games in DraftKings Sportsbook history,” Johnny Avello, the director of DraftKings Sportsbook, told Covers on Monday. “As expected, Team USA drew strong support from our American customers, while Canada saw significant backing from customers in Ontario.”
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Unforgettable finish
Sunday’s final put hockey on a big stage, and the game didn’t disappoint.
“This was an outstanding Olympic tournament capped by a thrilling gold-medal matchup, and the momentum from this game should carry into the remainder of the NHL season and through the Stanley Cup Playoffs,” Avello said.
The favorite to capture Gold before the Olympics began earlier this month, the Canadian team entered the final against the U.S. at -125 on the moneyline, with the American squad listed at +105.
FanDuel reported that 77% of the wagers and 70% of the handle backed the U.S. The operator had to pay out the vast majority of bets when Jack Hughes snuck the puck between goalie Jordan Binnington’s legs less than two minutes into 3-on-3 OT hockey.
USA needed a finisher. Jack Hughes delivered. #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/DBWsSAEXbe
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) February 22, 2026
Dagger to Canada
North of the border, BET99 said it took a ton of action in Ontario in many forms, including odds boosts and specials, for months, creating “significant liability.”
“That exposure only grew when Canada went down a goal early, and bettors jumped on inflated in-play prices that topped out at +200 before (Cale) Makar evened the score at 1-1,” BET99 Sportsbook manager Cliff Adelman told Covers on Monday. “Unsurprisingly, Canadian pride showed at the betting window. From puck drop to Jack Hughes' OT dagger, 95% of live bets backed Canada to win.”
That saved the operator from a massive loss with Canada getting Silver, but it put BET99 in a precarious position.
“While BET99 trading team sported Team Canada jerseys and shared the same tension as our players with every missed opportunity, the final result brought a welcome sigh of relief from a (profit-and-loss) perspective,” Adelman said. “It was a classic case of patriotic money pouring in and a reminder that when Canada plays for gold, the betting action follows.”
Futures liability
As big a win as it was for the Americans, it was as disappointing for Team Canada and its betting backers. BetMGM listed the Canadian superteam with odds of +115 to capture gold right before the start of the Olympics. Canada was getting 45.4% of the handle and 42% of the tickets.
By the time they reached the semifinals, the odds were down to -130.
A scare from Slovakia might’ve given futures bettors cause for concern, but on paper, Canada was still the best team. However, the U.S. squad wasn’t too far behind. BetMGM listed the Americans second at +200 before the tournament, when they were getting 36.6% of the wagers and 48.5% of the money.
By the time the U.S. team reached the semifinals against Sweden, the odds were down to +125, and the Americans surpassed Canada with 59.3% of the bets. The Canadian team held 55.3% of the money, but Team USA was the bigger liability.
Connor McDavid is the MVP of men's Olympic tournament! 🇨🇦
— BET99 Ontario (@BET99ON) February 22, 2026
McDavid was (+600) to win the award pre-tournament.
2024 Conn Smythe Trophy 🟰 Loss in SCF
2026 Olympic MVP 🟰 Loss in Gold Medal Game pic.twitter.com/mKBHlpa84d
