San Jose Sharks Evander Kane Accused of Betting On Hockey

Anna, the estranged wife of Evander Kane from the San Jose Sharks, accused him on Saturday of accumulating sports betting debts, wagering on NHL games, and deliberately losing games he participated in. She made these allegations in an Instagram Stories post which has since been removed or expired.

How can the NHL allow a player with a compulsive gambling addiction to continue playing, especially when it’s clear that he’s rigging games with bookies for financial gain?

In another post, she specifically singled out NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

Could someone question Gary Bettman on how a player was allowed to gamble on his own games? To place bets and win with bookmakers on his own games?

The Sharks’ forward took to Twitter on Sunday to refute claims that he placed bets on NHL games, including those involving his own team. He stated in part:

“I have NEVER placed a bet on Hockey, NEVER wagered on a Sharks game, NEVER bet on any of my own games, and NEVER deliberately lost a hockey game.”

I’m proud to say that last year was personally the best and most consistent season of my career. I hold a deep affection for the sport of Hockey and it would never cross my mind to engage in any of the alleged actions. I am eager to fully cooperate with the league’s investigation, clear my name, and anticipate the forthcoming season.

The NHL will conduct an investigation to determine whether the accusations hold any substance. The declaration regarding the issue states:

This evening, the League was notified about a social media post that accuses San Jose Sharks player Evander Kane of betting on NHL games. The League highly values the integrity of our game and treats such allegations with utmost seriousness. A comprehensive investigation will be launched into this matter. As of now, no further comments will be made.

These are substantial allegations that could potentially have significant implications felt across the sports and gambling industries.

Kane’s history of gambling in Las Vegas

Kane is known for his gambling activities during his visits to Las Vegas. In 2019, he was taken to court by the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for an outstanding debt of $500,000 to the casino. The lawsuit revealed that Kane had been granted eight credits ranging from $20,000 to $100,000, notably on April 15, 2019. This date was significant as it coincided with the Sharks’ playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights.

In 2020, The Cosmopolitan dismissed the lawsuit. Following the suit, neither the casino nor the player made any comments. Until the recent weekend allegations, there had been no further news about Kane’s gambling.

ESPN reports that sportsbook operators in Las Vegas do not have any knowledge of Kane placing bets on sports within their establishments. The piece suggests that Kane might have used a “beard” or a proxy to place bets on his behalf, given that the NHL rules forbid players from betting on hockey games. The concept of using a “beard” should be considered in the NHL’s investigation.

Bigger scandal than Pete Rose?

This could potentially be a greater issue than when Pete Rose was expelled from Major League Baseball for gambling on games. While Kane may not match Rose in terms of athletic prowess, the current widespread nature of sports betting across the nation could compound the problems.

Sports betting has undergone significant transformations since the Pete Rose case. The NHL has welcomed the expansion of legal sports betting both within and beyond Nevada. The league is in partnership with these sportsbook operators:

• BetMGM
• Caesars
• Bally’s
• Betway
• FanDuel
• PointsBet

The NHL holds an equity stake in the PointsBet sportsbook, which is yet to be introduced in Nevada. Additionally, the league has a contract with DraftKings for fantasy sports.

Moreover, teams such as the Golden Knights, New Jersey Devils, and Pittsburgh Penguins have each entered into unique agreements with specific sportsbook operators.

Should Kane be determined guilty of betting on NHL games, whether legally or illegally, the league and its partners will need to manage the consequences. The NHL’s investigation into Kane’s actions is projected to conclude prior to the start of the 2021-22 season in October, which kicks off with a game between the Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken.