Caesars Sportsbook Expanding Sports Betting Empire At Madison Square Garden

Caesars Sportsbook may not be available yet in New York City. But the gaming company’s empire now includes Madison Square Garden.
Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. and Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. announced a multi-year partnership with Caesars Sportsbook, the online sports betting app from Caesars Entertainment.

According to a press release, the deal makes Caesars Sportsbook an official sports betting partner of MSG, the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers and MSG Networks.

Madison Square Garden and BetMGM struck a similar deal earlier this month.

Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM are among nine operators approved by New York gaming regulators to offer mobile sports betting in the Empire State.

Both online sportsbooks are live in New Jersey. However, New Yorkers are still waiting for a launch date of online sports betting.

“Caesars Sportsbook is ready for expansion into New York,” said Eric Hession, co-president of Caesars Digital.

Details of the Caesars Sportsbook deal with MSG/Knicks/Rangers

So, what does being an official sports betting partner actually mean?

Well, exposure, of course. And what better place to be seen than the World’s Most Famous Arena?

Caesars Sportsbook will receive prominent exposure inside The Garden, including TV-visible signage, in-arena LED messaging, GardenVision features and activations on the court and ice during Knicks and Rangers games.

Outside, digital boards will also feature the sportsbook’s branding.

Caesars Sportsbook will have a premium hospitality space inside the arena open during Knicks and Rangers games, and special events.

“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,” said Ron Skotarczak, executive vice president of marketing partnerships for MSG Entertainment.

Long live Smoove Caesar

The new partners will also launch a new content series featuring Caesar himself, JB Smoove.

A longtime Knicks fan and avid New York sports fan, JB Smoove plays Caesar in Caesars Sportsbook’s national advertising campaign. The new content series “One Course with JB Smoove” will integrate branded betting odds and content.

In addition, MSG Networks and Caesars will launch a 20-part marathon bringing back, “Four Courses with JB Smoove.” The show, which premiered in 2013, showcased Emmy-nominated actor-comedian JB Smoove having conversations with athletes and celebrities from the comfort of a dinner table.

Now, it has a healthy dose of Caesars-themed content.

“I am thrilled to be reunited with my friends at MSG Networks,” said Smoove. “I can see it now: Caesar in the Mecca! A match made in heaven!”

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin