At least, that’s the impression the league has left us with. NHL players get three-, four-game suspensions for using their sticks like an axe.

If I didn’t think they wore Ralph Lauren sweaters, then why would I want one? I don’t know about you, but when I see someone famous promoting something – say, Ralph Lauren sweaters – I assume they wear Ralph Lauren sweaters all the time in real life. (The gamblers in this case being the players.) The immediate problem is convincing customers that while the league promotes gambling and allows its players to do likewise, it has built an impenetrable firewall between its gambling business and gamblers. Go look at the league’s engagement figures as compared to its competitors. The NHL does both because it needs the money.

If you want to preach a teetotal lifestyle, fine, but you can’t moonlight at a bar. Once the NHL began taking money from gambling businesses, it lost its right to moralize on the topic. He needs money this badly? What’s next? Diuretic tea and adult diapers?

Nhl stance on sports betting