The NHL has partnered with Canadian sports betting and casino company BET99 naming the latter an official partner of the league.
The deal sees the operator launch its new free-to-play game – NHL PrePlay – which is now available to fans in Canada.
“We’re thrilled to partner with BET99 and to promote BET99.ca and BET99.net on this unique and innovative Free-To-Play platform,” commented Jason Jazayeri, NHL Vice President of Business Development.
“This collaborative partnership has allowed us to create an entirely new Free-to-Play game that will focus on delivering a fun and immersive game to our fans, while also providing a level of access and prizing that we haven’t seen before in our sport.”
The firm has detailed that the game works by providing a set of predictive outcome-based questions to fans each game day during the season, such as ‘Who will win tonight’s game?, as well as queries using NHL Edge data, like ‘Which of these players will have the hardest shot?’
Fans will be awarded points based on correct answers and the top points recipient for the 2022-23 NHL season will be crowned the Grand Prize winner and receive CA$100,000.
Jared Beber, CEO of BET99, added: “This partnership is groundbreaking for Canadian hockey and sports fans. NHL PrePlay will amplify fan engagement and excitement around NHL games, especially the prizes, which include access to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
“Designed to support our focus on education within the gaming space, the game offers opportunities for players to explore the space and become more knowledgeable without making real-money wagers.
“Not only is the NHL PrePlay program innovative and a great access point for new and potential bettors, but the educational aspect also fits well with our focus on responsible gaming. We’ll also leverage our partnership with NHL star Auston Matthews, taking this agreement to the next level.”
Furthermore, the gambling company will also receive broadcast exposure for its various brands through digitally enhanced dasher boards.
The new agreement also provides several exclusive marketing rights and designations that aims to connect BET99’s brands with NHL fans through the marketing, digital, and social media channels.
