ESPN Bet Launches in New York

October 3, 2024, 3:38 PM - Maxime L.

ESPN Bet has officially entered the New York sports betting market, following a soft launch that began on September 27, 2024. The entry of ESPN Bet, powered by PENN Entertainment, introduces a new heavyweight contender into one of the nation’s largest sports betting arenas. This expansion positions ESPN Bet alongside major industry players like DraftKings and FanDuel, as it looks to leverage ESPN’s well-established sports media presence to attract bettors.

The launch follows a year of preparation, with ESPN and PENN Entertainment announcing their $2 billion licensing deal in August 2023. This deal granted PENN the rights to rebrand its Barstool Sportsbook as ESPN Bet and operate the platform under the ESPN name. By utilizing ESPN’s massive sports audience and brand recognition, the sportsbook aims to carve out a significant share of the U.S. betting market, particularly in New York, where bettors are already highly active. New York’s sports betting handle regularly exceeds $1 billion per month, and ESPN Bet’s arrival could further fuel competition.

ESPN Bet’s fully functional platform allows users to place bets on a wide range of sports via mobile and web platforms, catering to both casual fans and experienced bettors. PENN Entertainment’s strategy includes expanding ESPN Bet beyond New York, with plans to roll out in more states in the near future. By integrating sports betting into ESPN’s digital content, the company hopes to create a seamless experience for sports fans, blending media consumption and wagering.

New York’s sports betting market, which legalized online sports betting in January 2022, has quickly become one of the most profitable in the U.S., generating substantial tax revenues for the state. ESPN Bet’s entry adds to the momentum, especially as the NFL season intensifies, a period known for heightened betting activity.

Early responses to the platform have been positive, and with ESPN’s massive sports media influence, the sportsbook is poised for rapid growth in one of the nation’s top betting markets.

Maxime L.

About the author

Maxime, known as Max, is a content specialist and Creator’s Club Manager at TrustnBet.com. Passionate about basketball and Michael Jordan, he excels in optimizing platforms for bettors. His motto: “Just Do It.” Maxime’s top achievement was predicting France's 4-2 victory in the 2018 World Cup final.