Former Flyer Rick Tocchet has been accused by New Jersey law enforcement officials of financing an illegal sports betting ring. This has created a big buzz in the hockey world, reports saying this could be a disaster for the NHL.
Me, eh, I don’t see it as a big deal. As of right now, it has not been shown that he or another person (including Roenick or “The Great One”s wife) bet on hockey. So there really haven’t been any NHL regulations broken.
Dont get me wrong, I think if Tocchet has broken any laws he should pay whatever penalty is appropriate. But, really the only crime shown so far is Uncle Sam not getting his cut, which is why the gambling ring is considered illegal.

The thing is gambling can be and is legal in many situations. When I was a kid some of the females in my family would head to the local fire hall on Thursday nights and play bingo with the proceeds going to the volunteer fire department. Even I pick up a lotto ticket on occasion, gambling again with proceeds going to the state government. And yes, sports betting is also legal. For those interested Sports Interaction, based out of Canada is licensed and regulated in North America is one of the legal places to go. Former NHL quarback Jim Kelly is the public face for this site. Open an account for $20 and place bets as small as $1. Bets on NHL, NFL, MLB, Olympics, PGA, boxing, etc. whatever your sport. Heck, you can even bet on the academy awards or who the next US President is gong to be. Not legal anymore, at least in the US, sad.

So I hope the best for Rick Tocchet, he was a great Flyer. Until he has his day in court I don’t think he should be vilified in the media for ‘illegal betting’.