PENN launches ESPN BET as Fanatics expands US sportsbook business
PENN Entertainment launched ESPN BET in the United States in November, while Fanatics introduced retail and online sportsbook operations and announced a deal to acquire PointsBet’s US assets. Fanatics Sportsbook was live in nine states, with further expansion dependent on completion of the acquisition; a survey cited in the report found about 65% of respondents expected Fanatics to take the most handle from four major operators.
The launches and proposed acquisition add competition among sportsbook brands in the US market.