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NHL and BetMGM Team Up For Online Slot Game

James Bisson

Last Updated: December 9, 2023 2:44 PM EST • 2 min 1 sec read.

A closeup view of the NHL logo on a hockey net prior to the game between the New York Islanders and the Chicago Blackhawks as we look at the NHL-BetMGM partnership.
A closeup view of the NHL logo on a hockey net prior to the game between the New York Islanders and the Chicago Blackhawks. Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images/AFP.

The NHL is seizing on the legal gambling push taking place globally and has branched out to include its name in the world of online casino gaming, all while leaning on one of the best sportsbooks.

On Thursday it was announced that BetMGM has gone live with "NHL Gold Blitz," an online slots game that becomes the first ever NHL-endorsed game of its kind. NHL Gold Blitz is a high-profile addition to the over 1,500 slot games in the BetMGM library, which is among the best sports betting apps and boasts one of the largest collections of casino jackpot networks in the world.

“BetMGM is ecstatic to partner with the NHL and digital gaming corporation to bring this first-of-its-kind slot to BetMGM,” said Oliver Bartlett, the BetMGM VP of gaming product and content.

“The iconic NHL brand combined with the great action of the game make this a real winner. We are proud to offer this and many more unique games exclusively at BetMGM.”

What is NHL Gold Blitz?

NHL Gold Blitz is the latest BetMGM/NHL-branded casino game, and it could turn out to be its most popular. BetMGM has already teamed up with the league on branded roulette and blackjack gaming options, as well as the live money wheel game, Dream Catcher.

NHL Gold Blitz is a six-by-four video slot that offers 4,096 ways to win. Incentives for players of BetMGM's newest product include a wide range of features such as the NHL Gold Blitz instant cash collection, wild multiplier free spins, and jackpot rewards.

The product aims to become an immersive slots experience that incorporates team logos of all 32 NHL squads as well as the iconic NHL shield.

NHL diversifying

The NHL has been busy in its attempt to increase the league's reach beyond sports betting in the exploding North American legal gambling market. Currently, BetMGM/NHL-branded casino games are available in New Jersey, Ontario, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, with many more jurisdictions possible.

NHL Gold Blitz will first go live in the New Jersey market. Other jurisdictions are certain to bring the NHL-branded game into their fold in the near future.

The league is also growing its reach in the more typical sports betting world. Last week the NHL announced a deal with PENN Entertainment to make its highly anticipated ESPN BET brand and lesser theScore Bet brand its official sports betting partner.

BetMGM expanding its reach

BetMGM has been and will likely continue to rank third in the U.S. legal sports betting market behind FanDuel and DraftKings. ESPN Bet has the potential to be one of the betting sites that knocks BetMGM down another peg. Currently, BetMGM, the third-largest sportsbook in the American market, owns just around a 17% market share. FanDuel’s share is in the 40% range.

However, what BetMGM has going for it is its elite casino gaming options, which are considered the most expansive and most impressive in the market. The addition of NHL Gold Blitz only helps their status as one of the online slots gaming innovators.

BetMGM has now covered the market on NHL-branded casino games. Consider NHL Gold Blitz to be a win for both BetMGM and the league, as each entity tries to separate itself in the competitive and growing online gambling industry.

Written By:
James Bisson
James Bisson is the Editor-in-Chief of Sportsbook Review. He has been a writer, reporter and editor for more than 20 years, and his work has appeared in more than 200 publications across North America. His first book, “100 Greatest Canadian Sports Moments”, was a hardcover best-seller in Canada in 2008. He has written more than 50 sportsbook reviews and dozens of other sportsbook-related content articles. James has also been quoted as a sports betting expert in USA Today and Sports Illustrated.