Virtual sports have become a popular trend. In addition to the ubiquitous cyber soccer, electronic hockey may become an unusual alternative to the more mundane sports and is gaining popularity with bookmakers.
Cyber hockey is a polysemous concept. The average user can easily get confused by the definitions. Consider each type of virtual competition separately.
Cyber hockey as a simulation of the game NHL
The most popular form of cyber hockey is simulated matches in the popular NHL game from developer EA Sports. Bookies simply use an engine based on the game(NHL17, NHL18 and so on), running virtual events. All matches are simulated by a computer. That is, in fact, it’s virtual hockey.
Betting on cyber hockey as a simulation exist mainly in two types: outcome and total. The bettor can determine the winner of the meeting or the number of pucks scored. The key to simulation predictions is to know the peculiarities of the algorithms work.
In addition to computer simulations, you can also find virtual hockey leagues. Here already uses third-party software, but the events are just as much simulated by the computer. The most popular mode is organized on an official basis by the CHL. Rarely can you find simulation games from the provider Sportradar, which actively cooperates with the NHL.
The choice of betting options in virtual hockey competitions is almost the same as in simulations from EA. The main emphasis is on the outcome and total. Occasionally, you can find more exotic lines, on which you can make predictions on individual player results (number of goals scored by a performer or position in the standings).
Cyber hockey as a cyber sport
Electronic hockey initially had a good ground for the development of full-fledged cybersport. EA Sports is the developer of the hugely popular simulator NHL 17, which hosts professional championships. E-Hockey cybersport exists only within the simulator from EA Sports.
Important: Despite a good start, cyber hockey NHL 17 and other simulators from EA Sports have not shown tremendous results. The cybersports component is still in its infancy – you can see that in the number of tournaments and in reviews by bookmakers.
The final advantages of cyber hockey:
- A huge variety of matches. Most are simulations, but there are also professional player contests;
- weak elaboration opens the way to high odds. While the public is betting on soccer for the thousandth time, you can try to bet on unpopular cyber hockey;
- high frequency of matches. There are dozens of games a day – the bettor will not be left with nothing.
The final disadvantages of cyber hockey: - The lion’s share of matches are simulations. Bookmakers in theory can change the course of events to suit themselves and put algorithms in the simulation that violate the integrity of the process;
- Lack of a good analytical basis. If you can find a ton of information on soccer or Dota, but not much on cyber hockey;
- The weakness of cyber sports. EA Sports’ NHL literally stands in one place.
The key advice is not to make cyber hockey the main betting discipline. Virtual hockey attracts little popularity and unexplored, but you shouldn’t put it at the top of the list. As an alternative to the same cyber soccer is a great option.