The partnership could, potentially, give the NHL access to customer databases and records. The NHL, NBA and MLB work with Sportsradar, a Swiss-based sports technology company that monitors gambling activity and oddities within betting lines. The hockey website reported that, according to sources, the NHL investigation “centred around a sweep of gambling partners that revealed a Pinto connection to a third-party bettor.” The message said that Commissioner Gary Bettman had the power to “discipline individuals determined to have engaged in improper gambling activities” with punishment that could include “expulsion of suspension for a definite or indefinite period” or “cancelling any contract” or by “imposing a fine.” The NHL has made it clear that Pinto did not directly bet on NHL contests, but the league was silent on what, exactly, the 22-year-old did to earn his suspension.Īn additional, all-encompassing grey area also exists within the CBA, including punishment for those found guilty of conduct “detrimental to the welfare of the league or the game of hockey.”Ī 2022 memo said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman had the power to “discipline individuals determined to have engaged in improper gambling activities” with punishment that could include “expulsion of suspension for a definite or indefinite period” or “cancelling any contract” or by “imposing a fine.” Photo by Tony Caldwell / POSTMEDIAĪ memo delivered to all NHL teams in March 2022 also served as an alert that any violations connected to betting would be dealt with swiftly. Players are, however, free to bet on the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball or any other sports organization. The NHL’s collective agreement with the players’ association makes it clear that “gambling on any NHL game is prohibited.” Postmedia takes a closer look at what was involved in the NHL’s decision in the Pinto case and the gambling landscape for players. Single-event betting was made legal in Canada in 2021, the same season the Senators affixed Bet99 advertising logos to players’ helmets during games. Supreme Court in 2018, which, in turn, led to sponsorship deals between the NHL and betting sites. Pinto’s suspension is also the first for an NHL player since sports wagering was legalized outside Nevada by the U.S. National Capital Region's Top Employers.

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