ESPN Bet Becomes Ninth Active Online Sportsbook in New York

Michael Savio
By: Michael Savio
Sports Betting
Photo Courtesy of the Carol M. Highsmith Archive., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo courtesy of The Jon B. Lovelace Collection of California Photographs

Key Takeaways

  • ESPN Bet was approved for launch on Monday
  • The platform will be live in time for Week 4 of the NFL season
  • DraftKings had the highest handle in the market for August

The Empire State’s sports betting market just got a little bit bigger.

ESPN Bet has launched in New York, bringing the total number of sports betting operators in the state to nine. It was given the green light to launch after the New York State Gaming Commission approved its application to take over WynnBet’s license. PENN Entertainment, which operates ESPN Bet, acquired WynnBet earlier this year.

The platform is now available to bettors across the state.

Launch Represents Major Victory for ESPN Bet

Since launching earlier this year, ESPN Bet has struggled to compete in markets across the US. However, gaining access to the country’s biggest market could significantly boost its overall numbers. Given ESPN’s brand popularity in the state, the operator believes they can make a significant splash.

PENN’s acquisition of the now-defunct WynnBet platform was made primarily because of its licenses, including New York. The gaming giant has done this before with the platform, allowing it to expand quickly without the painful approval process. 

While big revenue numbers aren’t guaranteed, access to the massive market will give ESPN Bet a chance to shift the sports betting landscape and elevate itself to become one of the country’s top five sportsbooks.

Timing is Nearly Perfect for Launch

Going live in New York is a big deal regardless of when it happens, but the timing of ESPN Bet’s debut was nearly perfect. The NFL season is only three weeks in, meaning the sportsbook will be live for most of it. 

The NFL has always been the country’s most popular sport, and it is drawing far more wagers than the other pro leagues. The American Gaming Association is projecting this NFL season will have a handle around $35 billion, a 30% increase from the previous year.

DraftKings Continues to Lead New York Market

FanDuel and DraftKings dominate the sports betting market in the US, but the former usually leads the way. That seems to be changing in the New York, with DraftKings leading the state in handle in August. The two rivals have been close for some time, but it appears DraftKings may be starting to take over.

The battle between FanDuel and DraftKings will be affected by the launch of ESPN Bet. While the new operator is far smaller, their brand name could lead to customers from both industry-giants switching.

Michael is an avid sports fan and a veteran bettor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He learned the trade from his grandfather in Las Vegas as a kid. As an adult, Michael started picking games for a small sports betting site and has built it into a career. His experience allows him to provide tips and information to help other bettors improve their game. Michael cheers for all Wisconsin pro teams, the Arizona State Sun Devils (his alma mater), and the Ottawa Senators. He specializes in baseball betting but has extensive experience in football, basketball, and hockey. When he isn’t pouring over stats, he’s spending time with his two young children or hiking and enjoying the outdoors.

More From Michael Savio
Michael Savio

Related News

see more