NHL Makes Canada Deal For Free-To-Play Game With Bet99

Bet99 and the NHL on Tuesday announced a deal in Canada that will give Canadians access to a new free-to-play game called “NHL PrePlay.” The game is available throughout the NHL season, includes predictive games, and gives players the chance to win up to CAD$100,000. According to an NHL press release, the game will feature some of the most “robust prizing” the league has ever offered.

Bet99 will also get some advertising exposure through the NHL’s Digitally Enhanced Dasherboards, which will be in use during U.S.-based NHL regular- and postseason games that Canadians can watch on Rogers Sportsnet.

“This partnership is groundbreaking for Canadian hockey and sports fans,” said Jared Beber, CEO of Bet99. “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.”

Bet99, one of Canada’s biggest gray-market operators, became fully licensed in Ontario on Halloween, the deadline set by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission. It also announced this week a deal with the Simcoe County Rovers FC, a semi-pro soccer team. Team game-day jerseys will now include a Bet99 logo.

CFL releases schedule

The CFL last week announced its 2023 schedule, which will kick off June 8 with the BC Lions at the Stampeders in Calgary. According to Greg Warren on our sister site CanadaSportsBetting.ca, one of the most anticipated games of the year will be Sept. 4 when the defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts meet the Tiger-Cats in Hamilton.

The 110th Grey Cup is set for Nov. 19 in Hamilton.

Warren writes that CFL futures markets are already posted at Sport Interaction with 2022 Grey Cup runners-up the Winnipeg Blue Bombers the favorite to win in 2023.

New curling partnership

Unibet announced a deal with the Northern Ontario Curling Association last week to sponsor the 2023 women’s and men’s curling championships. The deal is for the 2022-23 season, which will culminate with the championships in Kenora Jan. 24-29.

According to CDC Gaming Reports, there is “no direct betting” on the games, but the deal will give Unibet exposure in Canada. The company’s platform is live in Ontario and six U.S. jurisdictions.

Great Canadian makes executive moves

Ontario-based Great Canadian Entertainment promoted Ron Urquhart to chief operating officer and made Gavin Whiteley its chief marketing officer, the company announced Dec. 15 via . Both will be based in Toronto, and the moves come about a month after the company elevated former COO Matthew Anfinson to CEO in November.

“We are thrilled to name Ron as our new COO, who started his career with us as a summer student in college, and since then has held senior leadership roles across multiple business units over the past two decades, helping to lead our Ontario expansions and new builds including at Pickering Casino Resort and Casino Woodbine,” Anfinson said. “Ron has a deep understanding of our business and will be an enormous asset in our next chapter of growth.”