NHL legend Wayne Gretzky joins BetMGM as brand ambassador
Ice Hockey icon to front hockey and North American marketing as Entain-owned brand eyes Canadian gains
National Hockey League (NHL) legend Wayne Gretzky has signed a multi-year agreement to become a brand ambassador for BetMGM, the sports betting giant has confirmed.
Canadian Gretzky, a four-time winner of the Stanley Cup, will feature extensively in BetMGM’s marketing of hockey betting as well as across the firm’s North America operations.
Speaking about his new role, Gretzky said: “BetMGM is a terrific company and one at the forefront of the dynamic changes taking place in the sports business.
“I’m excited to be a part of the company’s continued expansion into new states and territories and to help tell BetMGM’s story,” he added.
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Gretzky is largely regarded as the greatest ice hockey player of all-time, holding or sharing 61 unique NHL records.
Gretzky is the all-time leader in both goals and assists, totaling 2,857 points in 21 seasons with Edmonton, Los Angeles, St. Louis, and the New York Rangers. He also won nine Hart Trophies throughout his career as the league’s Most Valuable Player.
The NHL superstar will join fellow BetMGM ambassador and Hollywood star Jamie Foxx, who became an ambassador to the brand, which is jointly owned by MGM Resorts and Entain, in September 2020.
BetMGM’s chief revenue officer Matt Prevost highlighted the potential for the so-called “Great One” to add value to the firm’s US offering as well as potentially in the Canadian market, when it legalizes.
“Wayne is an exceptional talent who transcends the sports world and we’re proud to welcome him to the BetMGM team,” Prevost said.
“As we look toward potential expansion into Canada, and elsewhere throughout the United States, Wayne will bring a unique ability to tell our brand story,” he added.
Canadian legislators are currently in the second stages of reviewing a bill which, if passed, would allow single-event sports betting nationwide for the first time.
At present, the bill is being reviewed by parliamentary committee, before being passed back for a third reading and vote. If approved, the legislation goes back to the House of Representatives for re-approval, then to the Canadian governor general’s office for Royal Assent.
Entain is one of many US online operators eyeing an entry into the Canadian market if and when this process completes.