NHL Gambling Suspension and FanDuel’s Playtech Deal in Ontario

The world of sports betting has taken the centre stage in Canada recently, with news of an NHL player suspension capturing headlines. Shane Pinto, a forward for the Ottawa Senators, originally hailing from New York, has been suspended for a staggering 41 games due to allegations related to gambling activities. While the exact nature of these gambling actions remains shrouded in mystery, it is evident that they ran afoul of the NHL's rules.

NHL's Investigation and Suspension

The NHL's investigation into Shane Pinto's conduct uncovered no evidence to suggest that he had placed bets on NHL games, a significant relief for the league. Pinto, who had played 99 games for the Ottawa Senators over three seasons, was selected as the 32nd overall pick in the 2019 draft. Expressing remorse for his actions, he acknowledged his violation of the league's policies and extended an apology to various stakeholders, including the NHL, the Ottawa Senators, his teammates, fans, and the city of Ottawa.

Pinto stated, "I take full responsibility for my actions and look forward to getting back on the ice with my team."

The suspension is retroactive to the start of the Senators' season, but Pinto remains a restricted free agent. He has yet to participate in a game for the team this season. In response to the news of Pinto's suspension, the Senators indicated their willingness to support his return to the team. The team emphasised the seriousness of Pinto's error and its commitment to abiding by the NHL's anti-gambling regulations.

The Ottawa Senators released a statement saying, "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. We know he is remorseful for his mistakes. The Ottawa Senators fully support the NHL's rules on gambling."

Unclear Details Surrounding Pinto's Gambling Activities

The exact nature of Pinto's gambling activities remains shrouded in mystery. Reports suggest that Pinto had an online gambling account in the U.S., and it was an NHL integrity protection partner who alerted the league to what they deemed as "unusual activity." However, the specifics of this activity are unknown.

According to the Ottawa Sun, the NHL has been conducting an investigation into the matter, and Commissioner Gary Bettman's harsh ruling implies that they found something amiss. The league's collective bargaining agreement clearly stipulates that gambling on NHL games is strictly prohibited, and this rule applies to club employees as well.

Pinto's Future in the NHL

Previously, Pinto had been close to signing a two-year, $2 million deal, but this now seems unlikely. Instead, he is expected to sign a one-year qualifying offer. His suspension will keep him out of league play until January 21 when he is eligible to return against the Philadelphia Flyers. However, it is anticipated that Pinto will spend some time in the minor leagues before rejoining the Ottawa Senators, working to rebuild his career and reputation in the process.