PENN Entertainment has announced the transformation of its Hollywood Casino at Greektown sportsbook in Detroit into the first-ever ESPN BET-branded retail sportsbook, set to open its doors this April.
“We’re thrilled to announce that our market-leading sportsbook Hollywood Casino at Greektown will debut as the first ESPN BET-branded sportsbook in our portfolio,” said Penn Entertainment CEO and President Jay Snowden. “Together with ESPN, we look forward to expanding the ESPN BET brand with our premium retail sportsbooks and creating unique omni-channel experiences at key Penn properties across the country.”
Mike Morrison, Vice President of ESPN BET and ESPN Fantasy, said: “Growing the ESPN BET brand is essential in increasing our market share and ultimately reaching a podium position. Our commitment to that shows in a variety of ways from new markets to our first retail presence, and we cannot wait to open ESPN BET inside Hollywood Casino at Greektown for fans in Michigan ahead of some key sporting events.”
In a bid to enhance fan engagement, ESPN regional radio talent will host events throughout the year at Penn’s retail sportsbooks. PENN currently operates 32 retail sportsbooks across its properties.
The news follows Penn’s announcement earlier this week that it has reached an agreement with Wynn Interactive Holdings to acquire its New York mobile sports wagering licenses, providing ESPN BET with market access to the jurisdiction. Pending regulatory approvals, PENN will launch the brand in the Empire State later this year.
As part of the transaction, PENN is acquiring WSI US, LLC, from Wynn Interactive Holdings for $25 million. WSI US is the entity that holds the mobile sports wagering licenses that were previously issued by the New York State Gaming Commission in 2021.
