Betting and gaming app BetMGM has released a range of casino games themed around the NHL, as the league’s interactions with gambling continue.
The product range includes roulette, blackjack, baccarat and the brand’s new live Money Wheel Game, Dream Catcher, with the NHL logo featured ‘prominently’ in each game.
Through BetMGM’s regional licences, the games will go live in the US states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario, where the league has a strong local following.
Jason Jazayeri, NHL Vice President, Business Development, said: “We’re excited to broaden our relationship with BetMGM through the development of NHL-branded casino games, particularly when these new platforms allow us to deepen the connection NHL fans have to our sport in a more immersive and compelling way.
“We look forward to collaborating with BetMGM on other fan-centric efforts in years to come.”
The games were developed in collaboration with igaming studio Evolution, and feature three-dimensional renderings and animations as well as a ‘go live’ button, which initiates the live dealer version of the game.
Lastly, the operator has also incorporated a responsible gaming element into the product suite, using the GameSense programme with a range of safer gaming tools available within mobile and desktop platforms.
Oliver Bartlett, BetMGM’s Director of Gaming, remarked: “The launch of these one-of-a-kind games further strengthens our relationship with the NHL. As the season approaches, we’re thrilled that our players will have the ability to ‘drop the puck’ with BetMGM.”
The announcement comes as the NHL continues to increase its engagement with the sports betting and gaming space, growth of which in North America is accelerating rapidly, with 30 US states allowing sports wagering – 21 of which have allowed online betting.
The league’s interactions with the gaming space has included collaborations with BetMGM, a joint-venture sports betting app operated by international operator Entain and the US-based MGM Resorts gaming conglomerate.
Notable partnerships have seen BetMGM link with the league’s New York Rangers franchise, and in March of this year Edmonton Oilers Captain Connor McDavid became the company’s first brand ambassador.