The most iconic sports venue in New York and its tenants have added another sports betting partner.
As the New York Knicks squared off against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, comedian JB Smoove stood alongside Knicks legend John Starks. Then, as both men slid on gold glasses and laurel leaf crowns, the arena announcer’s voice echoed throughout Madison Square Garden:
“Madison Square Garden and the New York Knicks warmly welcome JB Smoove and Caesars Sportsbook to the MSG family.”
An official press release went out the following day: Caesars Sportsbook has become the official sports betting partner of the Knicks, New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks.
Caesars Sportsbook forms NY sports betting partnership
According to the press release announcing the partnership, Caesars will enjoy “branded, premium hospitality space” inside Madison Square Garden. This area will be open for all Knicks and Rangers games as well as during other select events.
In addition, customers that sign up for the Caesars New York sports betting app and Caesars Rewards members will have access to the space, which expects to “undergo a full refurbishment leading into the 2022-23 Knicks and Rangers seasons,” according to the release.
Once opened, the hospitality area will feature Caesars Sportsbook branding and be highlighted by special guest appearances, giveaways and “enhanced activations,” all available via Caesars Rewards.
As part of the partnership, MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports will provide “significant digital media exposure” across platforms. In addition, MSG Networks and Caesars Sportsbook will launch a new content series featuring JB Smoove, spokesman for the sportsbook.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Caesars Sportsbook — a renowned brand in the sports betting industry — to the MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment families,” Ron Skotarczak, executive vice president of marketing partnerships for MSG Entertainment, said in the release.
“Caesars Sportsbook is a key player in the growing world of sports betting – and we look forward to utilizing this partnership to further strengthen our brands’ connection with Caesars customers, while also providing the company with significant exposure across our unrivaled set of assets.”
Caesars joins BetMGM as MSG, Rangers, Knicks partner
Just over a week after the New York State Gaming Commission chose Caesars as one of nine brands to offer legal online sports betting in New York, the sportsbook that also offers apps in 20 other jurisdictions has an iconic sports betting partnership in the Empire State.
“Caesars Sportsbook is ready for expansion into New York,” said Eric Hession, co-president of Caesars Digital. “To partner with these legendary New York brands for compelling creative content and branding uniquely positions us to reach the avid sports fans in the region.”
Another one of those nine selected sportsbooks is BetMGM, which also entered into a partnership with the Knicks, Rangers and MSG.