Odds are even between Canada and US in 4 Nations final: BCLC

Sports gamblers are getting their cash out for the 4 Nations Face-Off Final Thursday, and the BC Lottery Corporation thinks it’s going to be the most bet-on hockey game.

Hockey fans around the world have tuned in to watch the tournament, which is coming to a close as Canada and the U.S. lace up their skates for the final.

BCLC’s PlayNow has the odds set at 1.90 for each national team for the final in Boston tomorrow, Feb. 20. A successful $20 bet for either team would pay out $38.

PlayNow bettors have faith in Canada despite the 3-1 loss to the U.S. on Saturday with 75 per cent of bets and 87 per cent of cash wagered on Team Canada.

BCLC said the interest in the game is close to when the Vancouver Canucks are in the playoffs or Stanley Cup final.

READ MORE: Bets pour in on 4 Nations Cup final between US and Canada 

Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby are expected to make an impact in the final. McDavid and MacKinnon’s odds of scoring are at 2.9 each and Crosby’s odds of scoring are 4.5.

Some of the betting increase also could be tied to the political tensions between what usually are two countries friendly toward each other.

The game on Saturday had three fights in the first nine seconds of play.

The American national anthem was booed Saturday in Montreal, and the Canadian version received some negative reaction Sunday in Boston before its game against Finland.

— With files from The Associated Press.