Effective immediately, the long-term deal enables ESPN Bet to join several other approved online operators already established in DC. These include BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, Fanatics and DraftKings.
According to a 14 January statement, ESPN Bet will also become a sports betting partner of MSE and its various sports teams. MSE owns and operates NHL ice hockey team the Washington Capitals, NBA basketball team the Washington Wizards and the Washington Mystics of the WNBA. It also counts several multi-purpose venues among its portfolio of assets.
As part of the agreement, ESPN Bet will work with MSE to enhance the fan experience via an integrated marketing partnership. This multi-channel collaboration will include in-arena and media components, such as features in game broadcasts on MSE-owned Monumental Sports Network (MNMT).
On top of this, Penn and ESPN Bet will benefit from IP rights for the Capitals, Wizards and Mystics across both ESPN Bet and the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. The marketing element also includes in-arena signage, out-of-home advertising, a commercial schedule across MNMT and hospitality and experiences.
ESPN Bet continues to grow sports betting footprint
Commenting on the deal, Penn Entertainment chief technology officer Aaron LaBerge said it supports the ongoing strategy to expand ESPN Bet’s reach in the US.
The ESPN Bet brand officially launched in November 2023. Since going live, it has established a presence in no fewer than 19 states across the US: Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. DC marks its 20th state.
“This deal expands our footprint in the region,” LaBerge said. “It further connects ESPN Bet with one of America’s most passionate sports communities. Our presence alongside the Capitals, Wizards and Mystics positions ESPN Bet at the centre of the action where sports, technology and fan experience converge.”
MSE’s president of business operations and chief commercial officer, Jim van Stone, also welcomes the deal. He said this will support greater engagement with fans across MSE-owned sports teams.
“This partnership furthers our collective commitment to offering fans unique, cutting-edge experiences that reflect the future of sports entertainment, with ESPN Bet’s innovative platform adding a new layer of engagement for our fans, both inside and outside the arena,” he said.
The new partnership remains subject to regulatory approvals in DC.
