Penn Entertainment’s ESPN Bet Launches in New York

01.10.2024

Penn Entertainment’s ESPN Bet has officially launched in New York, marking the 19th state where the brand is active. With New York being the largest regulated sports betting market in North America, ESPN Bet faces stiff competition from established operators such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM.

Leverage of ESPN’s Media Influence

The brand is set to utilize its vast media reach and popular sports personalities, such as Stephen A. Smith and Mike Greenberg, to attract customers.

By leveraging ESPN’s established presence in the state, Penn Entertainment aims to capitalize on this unique advantage to compete in the highly competitive market.

Regulatory Approval and Market Entry

The New York State Gaming Commission unanimously approved ESPN Bet’s gaming license on September 23rd, slightly later than Penn Entertainment had hoped.

Executives aimed to launch in time for the NFL season’s start earlier in the month, but the delay did not hinder the brand’s entry into the state.

The approval followed the exit of WynnBet, which created space for ESPN Bet under New York’s cap of nine sports betting platforms.

Statements from Penn Entertainment

Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer at Penn Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm for the New York launch, stating:

“We’re excited to launch ESPN BET in New York and introduce our sportsbook to the largest regulated online sports wagering market in North America. This launch expands our digital footprint and brings ESPN BET to a state where ESPN has a significant presence.”