Published on: November 26, 2025, at 03:00h.
Updated on: November 26, 2025, at 03:00h.
- Reports suggest Penn Entertainment is advancing in sports betting.
- The company has officially ended its partnership with ESPN Bet.
- Industry experts view Penn’s new strategy positively.
The much-hyped ESPN Bet mobile sports betting application from Penn Entertainment (NASDAQ: PENN) will be discontinued as of December 1. However, indicators suggest that the gaming company is making headway in the online sports betting (OSB) sector.
A recent analysis by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) reveals that key performance indicators (KPIs) for the newly launched NBA season show a 3.1% increase in ESPN Bet’s system uptime. The app utilized enhanced internal pricing strategies to improve its pricing independence—a significant aspect as Penn’s technology underpins the app and will also be integrated into theScore-focused offerings, which will replace ESPN Bet in the company’s OSB lineup.
Penn has been expanding its data science team for several years; despite some initial hiccups as adjustments are made, in the long run, this transition should yield better financial outcomes and more precise control over their live products,” notes EKG.
While the ESPN Bet brand will continue to exist, the mobile platform will now utilize odds provided by DraftKings.
Penn May Achieve New Success in Sports Betting
Although Penn’s past challenges in sports betting are well-known, it seems the company is steering back on course without letting the ESPN partnership go to waste.
“theScore boasts about 4 million monthly active users across North America, and PENN will retain a database of 2.9 million digital users acquired during the ESPN partnership, including 300,000 gained during this football season,” states Truist Securities analyst Barry Jonas. “Additionally, PENN reports that its iCasino segment achieved its highest quarterly gaming revenue in Q3, propelled by record cross-selling from online sports betting and growth from standalone applications.”
These valuable “parting gifts” and the advancements highlighted by EKG are crucial as Penn alters its strategy in the OSB market. This betting format will no longer be a primary focus but will serve as a customer acquisition tool for its growing iGaming platform. EKG notes the advantages of Penn stepping away from pursuing OSB objectives beyond its financial capacity.
“Importantly, expectations and timelines have been redefined: no more commitments to a 20% market share in five years,” mentions the research firm. “We believe Penn can successfully deliver a robust sportsbook product that fits well within a profitable Interactive business model.”
Penn’s Technological Advancements Are Significant
As technology becomes increasingly vital to the success of OSB operators, Penn’s advancements in this area should not be underestimated and could result in positive outcomes when theScore Bet app fully launches.
“Despite the setbacks of ESPN Bet, there are encouraging developments in the new direction. In addition to improved live betting capabilities, we’ve witnessed tangible advancements in OSB products over the last two years,” sums up EKG.