BetMGM’s NHL Online Slot Game Makes Debut in New Jersey

Article ByDavid Weir

December 8, 2023

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Posted in: US Gambling News, New Jersey Gambling News, US Casino News

BetMGM, the online gambling arm of the largest U.S. casino operator, MGM Resorts International, has recently unveiled NHL Gold Blitz, the first endorsed National Hockey League (NHL) online slot game.

This innovative game is currently only available for players at New Jersey online casinos. But the title will be rolled out across all BetMGM’s legal online casino markets in the near future.

Developed as part of BetMGM’s partnership with Digital Gaming Corporation’s B2B iGaming division, NHL Gold Blitz is a 6×4 video slot offering 4,096 ways to win. The game features multiple bonus options and mechanics like the NHL Gold Blitz Instant Cash Collection, Wild Multiplier Free Spins, and jackpot prizes, all with NHL themes, including team logos and immersive soundscapes.

“BetMGM is ecstatic to partner with the NHL and Digital Gaming Corporation to bring this first-of-its-kind slot to BetMGM,” said Oliver Bartlett, BetMGM’s VP of gaming product, in a press release.

“The iconic NHL brand combined with the great action of the game make this a real winner. We are proud to offer this and many more unique games exclusively at BetMGM.”

Existing NHL Games

The NHL Gold Blitz game showcases team logos from all 32 NHL teams, along with the league’s iconic shield, infusing a distinct hockey theme into the gaming experience.

Fans can expect it to drop soon at BetMGM’s online casinos in Michigan and Pennsylvania, joining New Jersey.

In the meantime, players can enjoy BetMGM’s existing NHL-branded casino games, such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat.

Those games, available in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, feature three-dimensional renderings and animations for an immersive gaming experience.

Players can also seamlessly transition between the live and RNG-powered version of these casino games through the “Go Live” button.

On top of all that, there’s even a hockey-themed version of the live Money Wheel game Dream Catcher by live dealer casino operator Evolution.

Pucks in Slots

This collaboration between the NHL and BetMGM online casino is a new venture for the hockey league. But it’s hardly completely new ground for U.S. sports leagues.

Historically, many of the major leagues were completely opposed to U.S. online sports betting, let alone online casinos.

But as legalization has spread across the U.S. since 2019, many have seen the changing tides and climbed aboard the ship.

The NHL may have not collaborated on an online slot before, but it certainly hasn’t been shy of adding sports betting partners. Recently, the top ice hockey league added Penn Entertainment’s newly launched ESPN Bet to its list of sports betting sponsors, which already included DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM.

As for slots, the NHL is the first licensed online slot in collaboration with a top U.S. sports league. But they were beaten to the overall slot market by the NFL and developer Aristocrat. That partnership chose September to launch its official football-themed slot games at physical casinos across the country.

However, neither league can lay claim to being the first casino game collaboration with a sports franchise. That pioneering move was made back in 2021 by the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles and their Eagles Online Slot in collaboration with Unibet.

That game clearly didn’t go too well for Swedish operator Unibet in the long run, as this year it announced its intention to quit the U.S. market in early 2024.