MGM Resorts has been named as the first official sports betting partner of the National Hockey League (NHL), in what is a landmark moment in the post-PASPA world of US sport.
Described in a press release put out by MGM as “a groundbreaking, multi-year strategic relationship”, the deal was initially announced by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and MGM Resorts Chairman & CEO Jim Murren in New York City.
“The new sports betting landscape presents a unique opportunity for fan engagement utilising technology and data that are exclusive to our League,” said Bettman.
“As a leading global gaming operator and entertainment company, MGM Resorts is the perfect partner for us to begin our transformative entry into this space. Fan engagement, technological advancement and innovation are paramount to our progressive approach and will be at the forefront of everything we do.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to enter into this historic partnership with the NHL. The League is home to some of the most exciting action in sports, and we are thrilled to join with them to create new immersive and exhilarating experiences for hockey fans,” added Murren.
“Combining MGM Resorts’ world-class sports betting operations and technology with the NHL’s top-level competition, iconic brands and cutting-edge data will further transform the rapidly growing sports betting marketplace and solidify our position at the forefront of the industry.”
As part of the relationship, MGM Resorts will receive access to previously unseen enhanced NHL proprietary game data that will be generated by the League’s state-of-the-art tracking systems currently under development. Access to this data will allow MGM Resorts to provide its customers with specialised NHL game insights, as well as unlocking new and innovative interactive fan engagement and betting opportunities for its US customers wherever legally available.
In addition, MGM Resorts will leverage promotional opportunities in connection with the NHL’s calendar of marquee events — including the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Stanley Cup Final, NHL All-Star Game, NHL Winter Classic and the NHL Stadium Series.
MGM also runs a wide-ranging affiliate program, MGM Resorts Affiliates.
