DraftKings often offers GIFT boosts on NHL games. No, it's not some kind of gift they give you.
GIFT stands for Goal in First Ten — you're betting on whether or not there will be a goal scored in the first 10 minutes of the game. The flip side is an NSFT or NGFT — there will not be a goal scored in the first 10 minutes.
Like a NRFI or YRFI in baseball, GIFTs and NSFTs provide a sweat-inducing bet that's over in just a few minutes.
How Are GIFTs and NSFTs Priced?
Through April 3, there has been a goal in the first 10 minutes in about 58% of NHL games this season. That means on average, the true price would be -138 for a goal and +138 for no goal.
But we have to add the juice, of course, and adjust for each team's ability.
Generally, the GIFT odds will be correlated with the game total. If there are more goals expected to be scored, the odds of a goal being scored in the first 10 minutes increase.
Take these two April 5 matchups:
Panthers vs. Maple Leafs
- Full game total: 7
- GIFT: -210
- NSF10: +165
With two high-powered offenses, DraftKings is pricing a goal in the first 10 minutes at -210. For no goal in the first 10 minutes, you can get +165 odds.
Islanders vs. Stars
- Full game total: 5.5
- GIFT: -130
- NSF10: +100
With the Isles and Stars, we have two teams that don't play high-event hockey. The full game total is set at 5.5 and juiced to the under, so it's less likely there's a goal in the first 10 minutes.
Sometimes you can catch sportsbooks napping, as they don't always adjust the GIFT price even when the game total has changed.
Where Should I Bet GIFTs?
Most sportsbooks will have some version of a GIFT available, though they can be labeled differently.
DraftKings will often have the best price on "no goal,” while FanDuel tends to price it lower so you can get a more favorable line on there will be a goal.
BetMGM
BetMGM lists it under game props and categorizes it slightly different, as "Time of First Goal." MGM also uses the first nine minutes, so the odds will be slightly different.
DraftKings
DK has its own label under "Periods" for GIFT bets. They'll sometimes boost a GIFT line as well.
FanDuel
At FanDuel, you can find GIFTs under Popular or First Period. You can also bet on a score in the first five minutes of the game.
What If a Goal Happens With 10:00 Left in the First Period?
Most sportsbooks count GIFTs from 00:00-09:59. So, if you bet that there will be a goal and it happens at exactly 10:00, you'd lose your bet.
