ESPN BET Enters DC, Partners with Monumental Sports & Entertainment
ESPN BET, the online sports betting platform owned by PENN Entertainment, has officially launched in Washington, D.C. Through a new partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), ESPN BET becomes the sixth online sportsbook available in the district. However, the agreement does not grant ESPN BET rights to operate a retail sportsbook in Washington.
Partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment
The deal with MSE, which owns prominent D.C. sports franchises including the Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA), and Washington Mystics (WNBA), establishes ESPN BET as an official partner of these teams.
Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer, PENN Entertainment said:
“We are proud to partner with Monumental Sports and its teams to unite the energy of D.C. sports with our world-class platform. This deal expands our footprint in the region, further connecting ESPN BET with one of America’s most passionate sports communities. Our presence alongside the Capitals, Wizards and Mystics positions ESPN BET at the center of the action where sports, technology, and fan experience converge.”
The partnership aims to integrate ESPN BET into the vibrant D.C. sports scene through:
- Arena Advertising: ESPN BET’s branding will feature prominently on scoreboards and other displays at Capital One Arena.
- Marketing Integration: The platform will have exclusive marketing rights during broadcasts on Monumental Sports Network and digital campaigns across MSE properties.
- Fan Experiences: Unique hospitality events and immersive experiences for fans.
- Team Branding: ESPN BET’s logo will appear on the uniforms of the Wizards, Capitals, and Mystics.
Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at MSE, expressed excitement about the collaboration:
“This partnership furthers our collective commitment to offering fans unique, cutting-edge experiences that reflect the future of sports entertainment, with ESPN BET’s innovative platform adding a new layer of engagement for our fans, both inside and outside the arena.”
The Broader Vision for ESPN BET
This move into Washington is part of ESPN BET’s broader strategy to capture around 20% of the U.S. online sports betting market. Leveraging ESPN’s massive brand recognition and PENN Entertainment’s operational expertise, the platform aims to stand out in a crowded field.
That said, ESPN BET’s growth has been slower than anticipated. By the end of 2024, the platform held just 2.8% of the U.S. market, far below its ambitious goals. To speed things up, PENN has rolled out new features like linking ESPN accounts with ESPN BET to make it easier for ESPN’s huge audience to start betting.
See also: Penn Entertainment and ESPN Expand Partnership with New Retail Sportsbook Locations
On top of that, PENN is diversifying its offerings with its Hollywood Casino app, recently launched in Pennsylvania and Michigan. These are part of a bigger push to expand its presence in digital gaming and improve overall performance.
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