'I think that's skewing the telecast,' said Hodge, who also believes it's potentially dangerous for the integrity of the sport. Veteran sports broadcaster Dave Hodge isn't a fan of the gaming push either - not only for what it means for the sport, but also what it means for those watching the on-air product. 'It turns me off,' said Robert Suggitt, a 61-year-old Edmontonian who's watched the game since he was a kid - and continues to, despite all the promotion.
More than ten companies are now legally taking online bets on sporting events from Ontarians. Billboards in downtown Toronto advertising online sports betting brands are pictured on Friday.