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ESPN BET to Launch as Branded Sportsbook for Fans

Posted by: Sarahfina LoFaso August 9, 2023 Comments Off on ESPN BET to Launch as Branded Sportsbook for Fans

Mickey Mouse and ESPN
Credit: Getty Images

Disney and ESPN have some big news to share! In 1996 ESPN was acquired by Disney. As a majority owner of 80%, Disney and ESPN have worked together for years to create profitable services. Yesterday, the companies announced a new partnership with an outside company for an all-new experience.

In the world of sports, betting naturally comes as a part of the game. Many fans enjoy taking part in betting for their favorite teams or against their rivals. Now ESPN is giving fans another outlet to do so with this new agreement.

ESPN BET

On August 8, ESPN announced an agreement with PENN Entertainment. The agreement is to launch ESPN BET, a branded sportsbook for fans in the United States. PENN Entertainment is an already existing sportsbook that is relaunching and rebranding as ESPN BET. Beginning this fall, the sportsbook will be in effect in the 16 legalized states for betting.

Fans can access ESPN BET via the website, mobile website, or an app, making it convenient where ever you may be. In ESPN’s announcement, Chairman Jimmy Pitaro spoke, saying,

“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.”

ESPN

Credit: ESPN

Additionally, Jay Snowden, the Chief Executive Officer and President of PENN Entertainment said, “This agreement with ESPN and collaboration on ESPN BET allows us to take another step forward as an industry leader.” It’s clear the collaboration between the two companies is here to lean on each other’s strengths and create an experience for fans like never before.

Educate Sports Fans

Another important note with the agreement is to educate sports fans on gaming and the responsibility that comes along with betting. ESPN wrote they’re “comprehensive responsible gaming programming, including but not limited to”

  • Continuing ESPN’s high standard of journalistic integrity when covering the sports betting space.
  • Developing an ESPN committee of responsible gaming, representative of a diverse cross-section of the business, to regularly review compliance, programming, and policies.
  • Implementing responsible marketing policies and guidelines to safeguard fans.
  • Working with industry experts on best practices and continual review of responsible gaming programming.
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

Credit: ESPN

Over the years, ESPN has increased its platforms, adding radio, editorial coverage, sports reporting, digital programming, and now sports betting. The latest offering shows ESPN’s efforts to meet fans’ demands and to be a trusted brand in the betting space. The goal is “ESPN BET brand will be home to ESPN’s overall sports betting content across platforms.”

Would you become a member of ESPN BET?

About Sarahfina LoFaso

Sarahfina is an author, and adjunct professor with a passion for writing and of course, all things Disney! Cinderella is her favorite princess and movie, both the animated and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 1997 version. In close second place is Hercules, tied with Saving Mr. Banks. Sarahfina enjoys writing about the history of Walt Disney and all the parks, along with food, dining, and resorts. Her favorite ride is the Tower of Terror, and her favorite restaurant right now is the San Angel Inn, in EPCOT. Most importantly, her must-have snack every Disney trip is the controversial turkey leg, because it reminds her of her family trips as a kid with her grandparents.