BetMGM has teamed up with the NHL legend as it eyes entry into Canada’s sports betting market.
The US betting giant BetMGM has teamed up with the ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky as the business considers entering the Canadian sports betting market.
This comes after the sportsbook operator teamed up with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens last month.
BetMGM partners with Gretzky
Under the partnership, Gretzky will become the US betting brand’s brand ambassador.
The hockey legend is widely considered as being the greatest ice hockey player of all time. Gretzky has won the Hart Trophy for the NHL’s most valuable player on nine occasions.
Gretzky also holds the league record when it comes to goals and assists.
Gretzky said: “BetMGM is a terrific company and one at the forefront of the dynamic changes taking place in the sports business. I’m excited to be a part of the company’s continued expansion into new states and territories and to help tell BetMGM’s story.”
BetMGM’s Chief Revenue Officer Matt Prevost said: “Wayne is an exceptional talent who transcends the sports world and we’re proud to welcome him to the BetMGM team. As we look toward potential expansion into Canada, and elsewhere throughout the United States, Wayne will bring a unique ability to tell our brand story.”
The sports betting situation in Canada
At the time of writing sports betting in Canada is only legal if a bet is placed on three or more events at a time.
However, Canada’s lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would legalise single-event betting in the country.
After first being introduced in early 2020, Bill C-218 was reintroduced in November 2020 by Canada’s Minister of Justice David Lametti as “An Act to amend the Criminal Code (single event sport betting).”
The bill was sponsored by Conservative MP Kevin Waugh, and would repeal paragraph 207(4)(b) of Canada’s Criminal Code which states that sports wagering is only legal if bettors bet on at least three or more games simultaneously.
In April, the bill was approved by the House of Commons and then last week it passed its second reading in the country’s Senate.
The measure is currently with the Senate Standing Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce.
