Sports betting platform ESPN Bet officially debuts in New York and Pennsylvania, inking a $25 million partnership with Wynn Resorts.
In a significant move, Penn Entertainment has announced plans to launch ESPN Bet in New York, joining the existing nine online sports betting brands in the state. The expected launch is scheduled for 2024, subject to regulatory approvals.
With this acquisition, Penn Entertainment gains access to the lucrative mobile sports betting market in New York. The company has agreed to acquire Wynn Resorts' New York licenses for $25 million, a move considered an important development in the industry.
The acquisition involves the purchase of WynnBet licenses from the New York State Gaming Commission, granting Penn Entertainment control over brands such as BetRivers and Bally Bet, both active in New York's market.
As of August 2025, nine online sports betting brands operate legally in New York following Penn Entertainment's acquisition. These sportsbooks are:
- FanDuel
- BetMGM
- Fanatics
- BetRivers
- Resorts World
- Bally Bet
- Caesars
- DraftKings
- ESPN Bet
The current lineup includes major national sportsbook operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM alongside Penn-owned brands (BetRivers and Bally Bet), plus others like Fanatics, Resorts World, and ESPN Bet. Each offers distinct welcome bonuses and app features tailored to New York bettors.
Jay Snowden, Penn's CEO and president, stated that the growth of ESPN Bet across the US is a key focus. He emphasized that the acquisition and expansion of ESPN Bet in New York is part of a broader strategy, with the goal to build a sports betting brand that is synonymous with ESPN.
Operating in the New York market is considered crucial for the growth of ESPN Bet. The expansion into the largest regulated online sports wagering market in North America is a significant step towards the brand's growth across the US.
The market remains competitive with these nine online brands actively accepting legal bets. The acquisition does not specify any changes to the existing brands in New York's online sports betting market. The acquisition of Wynn's WSI US, LLC will position ESPN Bet among the active brands in New York's online sports betting market.
[1] New York's Nine Online Sports Betting Brands (link) [2] Penn Entertainment Acquires Wynn Resorts' New York Licenses (link) [3] ESPN Bet Launch in New York Scheduled for 2024 (link) [4] Competitive Landscape of New York's Online Sports Betting Market (link)
- The acquisition of Wynn Resorts' New York licenses by Penn Entertainment will enable ESPN Bet to enter the competitive sports betting market in New York, joining FanDuel, BetMGM, Fanatics, BetRivers, Resorts World, Bally Bet, Caesars, DraftKings, and ESPN Bet as active sportsbooks.
- With ESPN Bet set to launch in New York in 2024, subject to regulatory approvals, Penn Entertainment's strategic expansion focuses on building a strong sportsbook presence, aiming to establish ESPN Bet as a synonymous brand with sports betting in the United States.
