Penn National Gaming is making preparations to launch its Barstool Sports sports betting platform in Pennsylvania.
Regional US casino operator, Penn National Gaming, is preparing for a test launch of its real-money Barstool Sports-branded sportsbook in the state of Pennsylvania.
Barstool Sports soft launch in Pennsylvania
The test launch of the Barstool Sports platform was approved by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) and is set to take place between 15-17 September. The mobile Barstool-branded sportsbook is still pending final iOS approval.
After the test period, Penn National intends to officially launch the sports betting app in the Keystone State on 18 September, subject to final regulatory approvals from the PGCB.
Initially, the test launch will be available to a limited number of pre-registered participants. These users will be able to access all features of the app, including real-money betting.
Penn National and Barstool will work with regulators to test its sports betting platform and make any necessary changes before the full launch of the product on 18 September.
Jay Snowden, President and CEO of Penn National, said: “The Barstool Sportsbook app is the centrepiece of our Company’s omni-channel strategy.
“Since forming our exclusive sports betting and iGaming partnership with Barstool Sports in January, our product, marketing and operations teams have worked hand-in-hand with Barstool’s top talent, including Dave Portnoy and Dan ‘Big Cat’ Katz, to create a sports betting experience that we’re confident will appeal to Barstool’s army of loyal followers, as well as our extensive database of existing casino customers and sports betting fans at large.”
After the Pennsylvania launch is completed, the operator plans to launch the Barstool-branded app in more states.
Penn National’s deal with Barstool
In January, Penn National entered a sports betting and online casino partnership with Barstool Sports, which saw the casino operator acquire a 36% stake in the sports media company.
Under the deal, PNG became Barstool Sports’ “exclusive gaming partner” for up to 40 years and has the sole right to use the digital sports media brand for all of its online and land-based sports betting and online casino products.
Penn National completed the acquisition in February under the agreement that Penn would increase its stake in Barstool to around 50% over the next three years.
