Get a start on 2026 with Caesars Sportsbook’s Safety Net Bonus that features a first-bet insurance offer worth up to $250 in bonus bets on the Jan. 2 NHL showdown between the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers. Eastern Conference contenders take the ice Friday, and Caesars is celebrating with one of the best NHL sportsbook promos available to new users. If your first wager doesn’t cash, Caesars refunds your stake with bonus bets, giving you a risk-free start to online sports betting in the new year. Caesars NHL promo: Bet Panthers vs. Rangers, get up to $250 back New Caesars Sportsbook customers can claim a 100% first-bet refund up to $250 when wagering on Panthers vs. Rangers or any qualifying NHL market. Here’s how the offer works: > Register for a new Caesars Sportsbook account > Place a wager of $1 or more with odds of -500 or longer > If your bet wins, you keep the winnings and still receive bonus bets > If your bet loses, Caesars refunds your stake with up to $250 in bonus bets You have 30 days from registration to place your qualifying wager, making this an ideal way to ease into legal sports betting in 2026. Caesars NHL betting markets for Panthers vs. Rangers Caesars is widely regarded as one of the best sportsbooks for NHL betting, offering deep market coverage for marquee matchups. Available NHL betting options include: > Moneyline > Puck Line > Over/Under Total Goals > Anytime Goal Scorer props > Player Points > Shots on Goal props This wide selection gives bettors plenty of flexibility to use their bonus bets strategically. Panthers vs. Rangers: Preview, odds & schedule The Panthers vs. Rangers New Year’s Day game serves as an important reset for both teams after uneven recent stretches. For the Panthers, they are 2-3 in their last five games. They're coming off a 3–2 overtime loss to the Canadiens after a late comeback. For the Rangers, they are also 2-3 in their last five games, highlighted a 5–4 shootout victory over the Flyers and a 7–3 rout of the Capitals. > Puck drop: 8 p.m. ET > How to watch: Stream live on ESPN+ or DAZN Comparing other New Year’s NHL Sportsbook bonuses While the Caesars $250 first-bet safety net is one of the top NHL promos available, several competing sportsbooks also offer strong welcome bonuses: > BetRivers: Bet $10 and get a second-chance bonus up to $500 > DraftKings: Bet $5 and win to earn $200 in bonus bets, plus a 20% deposit match up to $1,000 > Fanatics: Receive up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash > FanDuel: Bet $5 using the code. A win results in a $250 bonus bet payout. > Bet365: Place a $5 wager as a new user to earn $150 in bonus bets. NJ players also get 10 Golden Chips, while PA players get an additional 50 bonus spins.