Senators’ Shane Pinto Says Gambling Suspension Was Result of Proxy Betting

Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto revealed during a recent appearance on the “Empty Netters” podcast that his 41-game suspension for violating the NHL’s gambling rules was the result of proxy betting.

Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto said he was using his American friends in the U.S. to place wagers on games from his account

Pinto revealed that he was relying on his friends in the U.S. to bet on games using his account.

“I had my buddies — because I was in Canada — just place bets for me in America,” Pinto said on the podcast. “I wasn’t a Canadian citizen, so I couldn’t really use a Canadian sportsbook.

“That’s proxy betting, so that’s obviously a big no-no. It was an illegal act so, obviously, it was a pretty big deal. So that’s why we didn’t want to fight [the suspension] and we just kinda accepted it.”

On Oct. 26, 2023, the NHL announced that Pinto would be banned for half the 2023-24 season. This marked the NHL’s first gambling-related ban in league history.

However, there was no evidence to suggest that Pinto bet on NHL games. Pinto said he leaned on his family and teammates during his time on the sidelines. He also focused on his training while avoiding social media.

Pinto, who turns 24 on Nov. 12, made his season debut in late January. He scored nine goals and contributed 27 points in 41 games. This resulted in the highest point-per-game rate (0.66) of his career.

He was limited to just five games in 2021-22 because of a shoulder injury.

Pinto signed a two-year, $7.5 million deal with Ottawa in early July

The New York native said his gambling suspension was very disappointing.

“I let down the boys, that’s just what it was,” he said. “That was the worst part about it. … We had a tough start [to the year]. Not saying it was a big deal that I wasn’t there.

“Still, it was a big distraction. … I never wanted to be like that towards the fellas. I thought I did a good job of responding from it. I’m glad it’s over, but I learned a lot from it. Thank god it’s all behind me.”

Pinto was a restricted free agent this summer and the Senators signed him to a two-year extension with a $3.75-million cap hit in early July.

“We’re thrilled to reach agreement with Shane,” said Senators G.M. Steve Staois. “This negotiation was one of many significant items that needed to be addressed this summer.”

The 6-foot-2, 192-pound center represented the United States at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, where he totaled nine points in eight games.

Ottawa selected him 32nd overall during the second round of the 2019 NHL draft. Pinto has totals of 30 goals, 40 assists, and 70 points in 140 career games.