As soon as NFL season gets going, hockey fans know that the start of NHL season is right around the corner. In fact, NHL training camps get going in just a few weeks – the Edmonton Oilers hit the ice Sept. 22 at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
After making the Stanley Cup Final last spring before losing to the Florida Panthers, there has perhaps never been more excitement in Edmonton for the Oilers. They’re the favorite to win the Cup this upcoming season at almost all the sportsbooks at as low as +650, while the Panthers are second at +900 to +1000.
Looking to capitalize on the buzz, Alberta, Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis announced yesterday an extension of the partnership between the Oilers and the AGLC’s Play Alberta platform, the province’s only regulated online-gambling website.
Per the deal, the Play Alberta logo will be featured on Oilers home jerseys and GameSense, AGLC’s responsible-gambling program, will be displayed on the helmets of the Oilers players for each home game.
“Play Alberta is proud to continue its partnership with the Edmonton Oilers over the next several seasons. We value our patrons and the fans of the Oilers and are thrilled to see PlayAlberta.ca, Alberta’s trusted gambling platform along with the best-in-class responsible gambling program – GameSense – as prominent fixtures on the Oilers uniforms” said Kandice Machado, Chief Executive Officer, AGLC, in a written statement.
The Play Alberta and GameSense brands will also be promoted in the arena and ICE District, with giveaways through the season, including game tickets and memorabilia.
According to AGLC, Play Alberta, which launched in late 2020, has with over 313,000 registered player accounts and generated a projected $5.36 billion in total bets for 2023-24. The site has captured over 45 percent of Alberta’s overall igaming market (according to H2 Gambling Capital estimates).
“We are proud to call Play Alberta the official sportsbook of the Edmonton Oilers,” said Stew MacDonald, President & Chief Revenue Officer, OEG Sports & Entertainment. “With the revenue generated by Play Alberta going to valued services and programs that help enrich the lives of Albertans, donning the Play Alberta logo on our iconic home jersey is a testament to our long-term commitment to communities across Oil Country.”
