by Dan Adkisson
The National Hockey League, better known as the NHL, is the largest ice hockey league in the world. The association, which consists of teams from Canada and the United States, was founded in 1917. Since then, it has been one of the most popular sporting events, gaining almost as many fans as the NBA (National Basketball Association).
As you can imagine, with this popularity comes a variety of sponsorships and fan merchandise. This merchandise comes in the form of team jerseys, branded content like coffee mugs, and (of course) things like signed hockey pucks.
Another area that the league has recently gone into is online entertainment, and specifically online casinos and gambling. This article will look at this move into the casino market and how it is affecting the sport of hockey.
BetMGM and the NHL
The relationship with BetMGM (the online gaming division of MGM Resorts International) began in 2018 when the NHL signed the online casino as its first sports betting partner in history. The move saw both entities benefit massively due to the surge in media attention and the perks offered to both parties.
For the NHL, MGM agreed to become the sole resort partner for all teams and players. This offered access to many MGM resort properties around the country and made venues available for the NHL awards in some of the best MGM casinos in Las Vegas.
As for MGM, the gains included access to all the NHL’s intellectual property. Included are all the trademarks that can be used for marketing and drawing business to MGM resorts and casinos.
In 2022, after the contract between the two parties was reaching the end of its lifespan, a multi-year extension was announced. At the time, spokespeople for the two groups said that the extension would allow them to work together to create more content and programming to reach out to fans of the sport.
The meaning behind this increase in content was clarified in October 2022 when BetMGM announced the launch of new casino games that were themed after and held the NHL emblem.
New NHL Casino Games
The new range of NHL casino games announced by the partners will be available exclusively on BetMGM platforms and put fans in the middle of the hockey action. The games include roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and a new money wheel game titled Dream Catcher.
The famed casino game maker Evolution Gaming has designed and developed these games. Evolution is known for its high-quality games that offer great chances to win. The studio is also known for acquiring other famous names in the industry, like Big Time Gaming and NetEnt.
Each of the games is designed using the latest in casino technology. They also make use of excellent physics engines and graphics. These elements help players feel truly immersed in their chosen game and improve the gambling experience.
All games also boast a “Go Live” feature. Clicking this button will transport you to a live casino that takes place on the ice. Here, you can play with other players and a live dealer.
A summary of each game is listed below.
Roulette
The NHL Roulette game offers interactive statistics for players to view. Alongside this, the game uses the best physics engines to make the ball movements realistically roll around the table. If this isn’t enough, the game also gives interactive results that you can use to plan your next bet.
Baccarat
NHL Baccarat is designed to closely emulate the feel of playing the popular game in a physical casino. This feeling is achieved by using game features to immerse you fully in the game.
Blackjack
NHL Blackjack is sure to be one of the most popular branded games. It allows players to sit in a virtual skybox overlooking an NHL ice arena. The game offers fantastic gameplay and lets players stand up and move to a different virtual seat.
Dream Catcher (Money Wheel)
This game, modeled after many similar games in the industry, uses a giant wheel with various numbers outlining it. Players wager on what number they think the wheel will stop on and can win exciting prizes should they get it right.
About BetMGM
BetMGM is the official online division of MGM Resorts International. The online platform was founded in 2018 by a partnership of MGM and Entain Limited. Since then, the company has become one of North America’s most prominent online gambling and sports betting providers.
The partnership between BetMGM and NHL works alongside the company’s access to all MGM content, thus allowing the site to provide the best possible games. It is also the operator of multiple other great casino websites and bookmakers that are tailored for Canadian players and those internationally.
Conclusion
The NHL is one of multiple sporting bodies that have signed partnerships with big companies. More and more, these companies are online casino operators or gambling bodies that help the sport by injecting millions of dollars into teams, equipment, and venues.
At the same time, these gambling organizations benefit hugely due to the increased advertising ability and the chance to use sports trademarks to attract sports fans to their casinos.
However, while this partnership gives something to both parties, there is something given back to the fans as well: a series of great games. These games, developed by one of the best developers in the industry, are sure to be a hit with players and give fans a chance to win big while playing games themed with the sport they love.