Sports betting grabbed plenty of headlines across Canada over the last week after the NHL suspended a forward for the Ottawa Senators. Shane Pinto, originally from New York, was suspended for 41 games for allegations related to gambling.
What exactly those gambling activities were remains unclear, but appears to have violated league rules in some regard.
“The league’s investigation found no evidence that Pinto made any wagers on NHL games,” the NHL noted in announcing Pinto’s punishment.
In three seasons, Pinto played 99 games for Ottawa. He recorded 21 goals and 22 assists during that time after being the 32nd player taken overall in the 2019 draft. He admitted to violating the league policy and expressed remorse for the situation.
“I want to apologize to the NHL, the Ottawa Senators, my teammates, the fans and city of Ottawa and most importantly my family,” Pinto said. “I take full responsibility for my actions and look forward to getting back on the ice with my team.”
NHL’s First Recent Gambling Suspension, Details Unclear
Pinto’s suspension is retroactive to the Senators’ first game of the season. He is currently a restricted free agent, however, and has yet to play in a game for the team this season. After news of the suspension, the Senators appeared to receptive to his return to the team
“Shane is a valued member of our hockey club; an engaging, intelligent young man who made poor decisions that have resulted in a suspension by the National Hockey League,” the team announced. “We know he is remorseful for his mistakes. The Ottawa Senators fully support the NHL’s rules on gambling.
“While saddened to learn of this issue, the entire organization remains committed to Shane and will work together to do what is necessary to help provide the support to allow him to address his issues and become a strong contributor to our community.”
The Ottawa Sun reported that Pinto had an online gambling account in the U.S. and an NHL integrity protection partner notified the league of “unusual activity.” What that exactly is unknown.
“Since then the league has been conducting an investigation, and clearly it found something was untoward or (commissioner Gary) Bettman wouldn’t have come down so hard in his ruling,” the Sun noted. “The collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the NHLPA clearly states that gambling ‘on any NHL game is prohibited’ and club employees are subject to the same rules.”
Pinto was believed to have been close to signing a two-year, $2 million deal. That looks to be off the table now and he’s expected to sign a one-year qualifying offer. He’ll be eligible to return to league play on Jan. 21 against the Philadelphia Flyers, but is expected to head to the minor leagues before skating for the Senators.
FanDuel Partners With Playtech for Canadian Live Casino Gaming
In other Canadian gaming news, FanDuel and Playtech have reached an agreement to provide live casino games to FanDuel’s online gaming platform in Ontario. This could expand to other provinces as well.
As part of the deal, Playtech will engage with FanDuel players in Ontario from a live casino studio based in Riga, Latvia. Games offered will include roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and more.
As other provinces consider becoming regulated markets, the agreement would extend to those jurisdictions as well. Since online gaming began expanding in the U.S. and Canada, FanDuel has become a major player in the space.
“We are proud to be announcing this deal with Playtech, which will bring our users across Canada the highest quality live casino experience,” FanDuel Canada general manager Dale Hooper said. “The addition of the innovative FanDuel Live Casino studio has been specifically localized to cater for the Canadian market and FanDuel.
“This unique proposition cements FanDuel’s premium position for online casino in the North American market. The agreement marks the beginning of what is sure to be a successful and exciting partnership with one of the world’s largest game providers.”
Playtech is the world’s largest online gaming software supplier and is traded on the London Stock Exchange. The company offers online gaming options to the industry’s leading operators. The FanDuel deal allows the company to reach further into the North American gaming market, which has also included partnering with NorthStar Gaming in Ontario as well.
“It’s brilliant to see Playtech Live continue its growth in North America,” PlayTech Vice President George Voyatzis said. “Our partnership with FanDuel marks a really exciting moment for Playtech, and we look forward to delivering our live casino games for FanDuel and its users across Ontario.
“As we build more studios globally and release new content, this announcement is yet another example of Live taking over the gambling industry on a global scale.”
