New York sets sports betting record in January; Rangers’ Lundqvist Caesars Ambassador

henrik lundqvist
Jan 28, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers former goalie Henrik Lundqvist speaks to the crowd during a ceremony to retire his number before a game against the Minnesota Wild at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Is it any coincidence that New York set a sports betting record in its first month online after Henrik Lundqvist joined Caesars Sportsbook?

Probably. But anytime you can land The King as your ambassador things must be good.

The state of New York set a record with $1.6 billion wagered in January, its first month of online sports betting, PlayNY.com reported Monday.

New York established the mark from Jan. 8-30. Seven sportsbooks currently operate in the state with another two waiting for clearance. Four of those — Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, BetRivers — were live on the day New York launched.

NY Sports betting

New York overtook the previous benchmark of $1.3 billion set by neighbor New Jersey last October. It also marks the first month since January 2020 that a state other than New Jersey led the U.S. in betting volume.

Industry insiders expected New York to break the record.

“New York supplanting New Jersey as the nation’s largest sports betting market was inevitable, but few thought it would take only three weeks,” PlayNY.com lead analyst Mike Mazzeo said. “Betting should calm some once football season ends and operators slow their promotional spending. Still, it’s clear that New York is going to be the flagship sports betting market in the U.S. for the foreseeable future.”

Henrik Lundqvist Caesars Sportsbook Ambassador

henrik lundqvist
Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

Legendary Rangers’ goaltender Henrik Lundqvist joined Caesars Sportsbook as an Ambassador for their official launch of mobile sports betting statewide in New York last month.

“Henrik’s legacy in New York speaks for itself after the historic career he had for the Rangers and all of the great work he has done for the state,” said Sharon Otterman, CMO of Caesars Digital in a statement. “We’re thrilled to bring him aboard to help us engage with the passionate sports fans in New York as we offer them a sports betting experience worthy of the emperors they are.”

“New York has always been a special place to me and it’s such an exciting time for this state,” Lundqvist said in a press release. “Becoming a part of the Caesars Sportsbook team going forward is an exciting opportunity as I enter into my next chapter. Caesars really does treat people like royalty and I can’t wait to interact directly with the incredible sports fans in New York on behalf of this partnership.”

The 39 year-old goalie ended his NHL career with a record of 459-310-96, a .916 SV% and a GAA of 2.43 with 64 shutouts. Lundqvist also had his iconic #30 retired at Madison Square Garden on January 28th in an epic ceremony.

“While I reflect on my time here in New York, everything I experienced, the people I met, and what the game has given me, I keep coming back to one feeling– gratitude,” he said. “I feel so grateful for everything this organization has given me, supporting me and my family.”

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–Field Level Media contributed to this report

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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