PENN Entertainment Ends ESPN Bet Partnership

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PENN Entertainment Ends ESPN Bet Partnership

PENN Entertainment (PENN) has announced a decisive break from its partnership with ESPN’s sports-betting arm, signalling a major shift in the landscape of US online sportsbooks. 

The collaboration, which launched in 2023 under the brand ESPN Bet, will end early on December 1, 2025. Both companies say they will part ways amicably, paving the way for new strategic directions in an increasingly crowded market. 

Why PENN Terminated Its Partnership with ESPN

PENN and ESPN originally entered into a joint venture designed to leverage ESPN’s brand power and PENN’s operational reach within the US online sportsbooks arena. However, several reasons underpin PENN’s decision to walk away.

According to reports, the expected market share did not materialize. Reports show the ESPN Bet brand captured only around 3% of the U.S. market, significantly short of ambitious targets. 

Moreover, PENN cites efficiency concerns. As CEO & President Jay Snowden explained: 

“Although we made significant progress in improving our product offering and building a cohesive ecosystem with ESPN, we have mutually and amicably agreed to wind down our collaboration.”

Additionally, PENN is re-aligning its strategy toward digital iCasino operations and its omnichannel casino footprint rather than fixed-media spending on sportsbook branding. 

Snowden noted the company “plans to realign our digital focus on our growing iCasino business, while continuing to capitalize on our omnichannel advantage as the nation’s leading regional retail casino operator.” 

Effectively, the partnership with ESPN no longer matched PENN’s internal priorities for growth or cost-control. Rather than continue the existing structure, the company has opted to redirect resources toward areas where it believes it can achieve stronger returns. 

PENN plans to shift its online betting operations to theScore, coinciding with Missouri’s sports betting launch on December 1, 2025. Meanwhile, ESPN will begin a new official sportsbook venture with DraftKings, further underscoring the shift. 

Other Sportsbooks Options available for US players

With PENN exiting its ESPN Bet branding, U.S. players still have a robust selection of US online sportsbooks to consider. Here are three notable alternatives:

  • BetOnline: A long-standing player in the online gambling space, BetOnline offers a wide range of sports wagering, including niche markets and international odds.
  • Bovada: Popular among U.S. players for its intuitive interface and variety of bet types, Bovada remains a go-to platform for many casual bettors.
  • Sportsbetting.ag: Known for its broad coverage of global sports markets, Sportsbetting.ag provides an alternative especially for users seeking less conventional betting lines.

Each of these platforms caters to slightly different user preferences. All options remain viable choices for those seeking alternatives to the major licensing agreements that are evolving rapidly.

If you are exploring your options, don’t just stop at one brand. Check out our curated list of the best US online sportsbooks available right now. Compare features, bonuses, regulatory compliance, and user experience to find a platform that fits your needs.