Get 125% / $2,500 on 1st deposit!
New players only. Exclusive Welcome Bonus of up to $2,500
New York’s sports betting enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting for ESPN Bet by PENN Entertainment to launch. Initially, company executives hinted at an August rollout, but the highly anticipated online sportsbook has yet to go live.
Despite the delay, PENN Entertainment remains optimistic. In a recent interview with Newsday, Mark Walker, the executive vice president of the company, expressed confidence in the sportsbook’s readiness. He stated, “We’re ready to go,” emphasizing that the only missing element is New York’s official approval. Walker added that it’s “reasonable to believe” ESPN Bet will be accessible to New York bettors in September.
ESPN Bet is set to replace WynnBet Sportsbook, which ceased operations in late July. PENN Entertainment’s earlier decision to acquire WynnBet’s mobile sports betting license for $25 million has paved the way for its entry into New York’s competitive market, dominated by industry giants FanDuel and DraftKings.
New York is a crucial market for ESPN Bet, given its size and influence. Despite FanDuel and DraftKings collectively capturing nearly 74% of all handle and close to 80% of revenue since the market’s inception, PENN Entertainment is confident in ESPN Bet’s potential to carve out a significant share. Walker noted that their research indicates a strong demand for ESPN’s presence in the sports betting arena, especially among younger New Yorkers.
PENN Entertainment continues to work closely with New York regulators to ensure a smooth and timely launch. The company remains confident that ESPN Bet will soon be a formidable player in the state’s sports betting market. As the company awaits the green light, anticipation builds among bettors eager to see what ESPN Bet will bring to the table.