ESPN BET Launches in New York Sports Betting Market

ESPN BET is now fully live in the New York sports betting market. The full launch comes one day after the operator started accepting wagers in the Empire State. All of ESPN BET’s markets and promotions are now available for customers in New York.

New York State Gaming Commission approved PENN Interactive’s $25-million acquisition of Wynn Interactive

The New York State Gaming Commission on Monday unanimously approved PENN Interactive’s $25-million acquisition of Wynn Interactive, which included a sports betting license in the state.

PENN CTO Aaron LaBerge said ESPN BET will provide New Yorkers with “an unparalleled, integrated betting and media experience,” he announced as New York becomes the 19th active U.S. jurisdiction for the sportsbook.

“We’re excited to launch ESPN BET in New York and introduce our sportsbook to the largest regulated online sports wagering market in North America. This launch expands our digital footprint and brings ESPN BET to a state where ESPN has a significant presence,” he said in a news release.

ESPN BET is the latest sports betting operator to open its doors in New York. PENN Entertainment had attempted to enter the state’s market in the past, and it finally did when it announced plans to acquire Wynn Interactive in February.

ESPN BET joins eight other live operators in New York

Moreover, PENN Entertainment had attempted to enter the New York market before during its initial sports betting partnership with Barstool Sports.

PENN was also an original applicant through its Barstool Sportsbook partnership when New York opened its licensing process in 2021 for its nine initial online sports betting licenses.

Additionally, PENN and its Barstool Sportsbook brand partnered with Fanatics Betting and Gaming and Kambi for a joint application. The three companies projected its bid could result in $1 billion in incremental tax revenue for the Empire State over a decade.

However, the New York State Gaming Commission did not accept the group’s bid.

PENN has now finally been accepted into the market, as ESPN BET joins these eight other live operators: BallyBet, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Resorts World.