ESPN and PENN Entertainment join forces for ESPN BET

Aug 08, 2023 in "ESPN"

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Posted: Tuesday August 8, 2023 4:35pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

ESPN and PENN Entertainment are teaming up to launch ESPN BET, a branded sportsbook for fans in the U.S.

This fall, PENN Entertainment's existing sportsbook will be rebranded as ESPN BET in 16 legalized betting states. The partnership will combine ESPN's multi-platform reach with PENN's expertise, focusing on user experience and responsible gaming. The collaboration signifies a significant move in aligning sports entertainment with the growing field of legal betting in the country.

"Our primary focus is always to serve sports fans and we know they want both betting content and the ability to place bets with less friction from within our products," said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN. "The strategy here is simple: to give fans what they've been requesting and expecting from ESPN. PENN Entertainment is the perfect partner to build an unmatched user experience for sports betting with ESPN BET."

Jay Snowden, Chief Executive Officer and President, PENN Entertainment said: "This agreement with ESPN and collaboration on ESPN BET allows us to take another step forward as an industry leader. Together, we can utilize each other's strengths to create the type of experience that existing and new bettors will expect from both companies, and we can't wait to get started."

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Disney IrishMar 26, 2024

But as I mentioned this isn't new, gambling has been part of sports since pretty much day one. So I think it'll affect regulations, but sports isn't going anywhere and neither is sports betting. So whether it ESPN or Comcast Sports (who just recently expanded their partnership with DraftKings) or some other network, betting will be part of it, its inevitable. So why shouldn't ESPN get a piece of the action, and no I don't think it'll affect coverage.

Tha RealestMar 26, 2024

The number of reported and major gambling scandals has exploded with the increased expansion of legalized gambling over the last year. College football, NFL, players, and now, In the last week, MLB’s brightest star and a staring NBA center have been caught up in this. Most of the leagues and now networks are either business partners with gambling concerns, or rely heavily on their advertisement dollars. You don’t think this will affect coverage?

Disstevefan1Mar 26, 2024

No I was serious, and I am a Met fan saying this.

Minnesota disney fanMar 26, 2024

I know you are joking. But compared to what other players have done since then, Pete should be reinstated and his name cleared. JMHO.

Disney IrishMar 26, 2024

This isn't new and has been a problem since the day professional sports started, and none of this has anything to do with ESPN BET.

Disstevefan1Mar 26, 2024

#ReinstatePeteRoseNow

Tha RealestMar 26, 2024

The sports leagues‘ embrace of gambling is going great so far. No unintended consequences at all.

The Empress LillyDec 04, 2023

I've got no moral objections to betting. By all means put a tenner on your favorite team. But invariably, like alcohol, betting brings about a certain harsh, adult atmosphere that doesn't mix well with Disney.

MisterPenguinNov 03, 2023

https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/espn-bet-launch/ https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/national-helpline-1-800-522-4700/

HeppenheimerAug 14, 2023

As an aside, if you ever visit Niagara Falls, NY, it's shocking how much it resembles alternate Hill Valley of 1985. Toxic chemical plants? Check. Giant casino towering above the town? Check. Dilapidated neighborhoods where the homes have bars on the windows? Check. Trash everywhere? Check.

DCBakerAug 09, 2023

"Just how much did Dave Portnoy pay to buy back Barstool Sports from Penn Entertainment? According to a new securities filing, Portnoy acquired the sports media brand he founded for just $1. Of course, there are other pieces to the deal, but the shocking sale price (Penn spent $551 million to acquire Barstool) makes for an interesting end to that relationship. Penn says that it expects to record a loss of between $800 million-$850 million on the deal." https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/dave-portnoy-buys-back-barstool-sports-1-dollar-1235560225/