While Adam Silver, commissioner of the National Basketball Association, keeps pressing forward for the federal legalization of sports gambling, Gary Bettman, commissioner of the National Hockey League, isn’t so quick to jump on board that ship. One concern from people has always been whether or not the integrity of the games will be compromised by the players.
Bettman does not feel that would be an issue, and said, “Our players are professionals. Their integrity, their values are right on, so that’s not the issue from our standpoint.” The “issue” at hand, according to Bettman is a broad “agenda.” Bettman wants fans to root for only their favorite team, instead of who may win them money. He is also concerned with the effect sports gambling may have on the children in the arenas watching the game, who may overhear adults talking about gambling.
He also feels the NHL is different than basketball or football because of the lines. “Our lines aren’t like they are in football and basketball and again, the amount that’s bet on our game isn’t the issue. It’s really a broader agenda for the sports that have much more involvement with gambling.”
Silver, on the other hand, is all in on federally legalized sports gambling. He is cognizant of how much sports betting takes place in the country, most of it illegal, and would rather see it legalized, since it is going to happen anyways. “If it’s going to happen anyway it might as well be regulated, it should be taxed, regulated, controlled,” he said.
Beyond gambling, Bettman has another big issue to deal with, which is whether or not the NHL will come to Las Vegas. This issue will be discussed June 24 at the MGM Grand, which is also the same day the MGM Grand will host the NHL awards show. He has been hesitant to say one way or another where Las Vegas stands on its odds of obtaining a team.
Florida billionaire Bill Foley led a drive to bring hockey to Las Vegas. Foley had hoped by selling 10,000 season ticket deposits, Bettman would have to budge, and award a team to Las Vegas. In the end, 11,500 deposits were sold. Bettman has, in fact, talked about NHL expansion for some time, bringing the total number of teams from 30 up to 32.
“I will report that to the Board of Governors at the meeting in June. It looks like his drive has had some degree of success, to say the least,” Bettman said. He also stressed that the struggling Arizona Coyotes and Florida Panthers will not relocate in the near future.
