Penn National Launching Barstool Sportsbook App in Pennsylvania

  • A three-day trial period will take place starting on September 15
  • If the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is happy, the full launch will be on September 18
  • This is the first launch of a Barstool sportsbook; expansion into other states is planned
  • Penn National Gaming bought a 36% stake in Barstool Sports for $163m in January 2020
Barstool sports app icon screenshot
Penn National is launching a trial of the new Barstool Sportsbook in Pennsylvania on September 15. Assuming all goes well, the full launch will be on September 18. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Upcoming launch

Penn National Gaming is getting ready to launch the new Barstool Sportsbook app in Pennsylvania. There will be a three-day soft opening in September before final regulatory approval is given by state authorities.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved the trial on Tuesday. This will be a real money test, with only a certain number of pre-registered users being able to place bets between September 15 and 17. 

the app will fully launch on September 18

The Control Board will then provide feedback relating to any changes that might be necessary. If the trial is successful and the state’s gambling regulator is happy, the app will fully launch on September 18. 

A unique offering

Sports betting will be integrated into the podcast and blog content on Barstool Sports, with bettors being able to bet against or with the various personalities on Barstool. The app is a collaboration with Penn Interactive, risk management company Kambi, and platform provider White Hat Gaming.

This is the first launch of the Barstool-branded sportsbook; the plan is to enter other states in the coming months.

Penn National CEO and president Jay Snowden spoke about the partnership between the two companies in a press release, saying: “….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.”

Snowden went on to point out that Penn National is the only gaming operator that has a fully integrated sports media partner. Barstool sportsbooks also coming to retail locations in the next few months. 

Burgeoning partnership

Penn National is the second-largest regional gaming company in the nation and operates 41 properties across 19 states. Penn National announced in January that it was acquiring a 36% stake in Barstool Sports for $163m. 

can take control of the entire company for a cumulative investment of $450m

As part of the deal, Penn National has the ability to increase its stake up to 50% inside of three years for another $62m investment. It can take control of the entire company for a cumulative investment of $450m.

A strategic partnership between Barstool Sports and Penn National began in February, with Barstool serving as the exclusive promoter for Penn National’s online and land-based casinos and sports betting offerings. 

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