Gary Bettman addresses excessive integration of gambling, influence on players

The NHL is looking to draw new fans and decided to take on a new approach to get them involved. The question is: is the league losing its gamble? PUN INTENDED!

It feels like NHL broadcasts have become full on casinos. Sportsnet now has a programmed segment, SN Bets, that is intended to teach viewers more about the subtleties of betting on more than just the game. And fans get ads, tricks and notes every commercial break, every intermission, even insider Elliotte Friedman got into it last night during Game 1 of the series between the Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues.

Online betting was legalized and now the NHL is going all out with it. On Wednesday, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was asked about it and this is what he had to say about it, he who was first resistant on the approach.

“What gambling represents, and it’s no secret that I’ve had to be a contortionist on the subject because I was opposed to it for a variety of reasons, which we’re now satisfying. But at the end of the day, this is another connection point for fans and maybe for people who aren’t fans who will become fans,” said Bettman, who likened betting to digitally enhanced dasher boards and customized viewing options in terms of fan engagement.

“So, this is just another way we’re giving fans what they want, when they want and how they want it.”

I’m not sure fans want THAT MUCH of it…

At the same time, Bettman had to address the impact he can have on players. We all remember how now Edmonton Oilers’ Evander Kane admitted to having a gambling problem, but categorically denied the claims made by his estranged wife in the summer that he had bet on his own games when he was a member of the San Jose Sharks.

Bettman believes in his players and it feels like he has completely forgotten about the scandal involving Kane. Probably because this (annoying) partnership is getting him loads of cash.

“I don’t worry about the integrity of our players, and you do all the things to monitor that you need to, but our players are the consummate professionals,” he said.