PENN Entertainment plans to invest further in theScore Bet’s operations in Ontario and Alberta, chief executive Jay Snowden said on an earnings call. Snowden said the company would consider Canadian land-based opportunities if a suitable deal emerged, but that such expansion was not moving up its priorities.
PENN’s stated plans could affect competition and investment across Canada’s online and retail gaming markets.
Quarter ended 30 September 2026
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PENN Entertainment chief executive Jay Snowden said on a 5 November earnings call that theScore Bet and Hollywood Casino had made a strong start in Alberta, where the company claims about 10% market share in the early months. He said PENN hopes to enter other provinces if they open to private operators; the company reported 17% year-on-year growth in PENN Interactive revenue in Q3 2026 and adjusted EBITDA of US$18.3m loss.
HG Vora estimated that Penn Entertainment had destroyed $11bn in shareholder value since 2021 through its focus on online sports betting, according to the investment firm’s presentation. It cited Penn’s Barstool Sports and theScore acquisitions and its ESPN agreement, and is seeking to place three candidates on Penn’s board.
theScore founder John Levy criticised Penn Entertainment’s handling of its transition after acquiring theScore, speaking at the NEXT Summit on 18 March. Levy said Penn should have trusted the team behind the business more; his comments come as Penn’s 10-year ESPN Bet agreement could face an exit option in 2026, which chief executive Jay Snowden addressed in late February.
Penn Entertainment reported that its interactive segment generated $172.5 million in Q1, up from $161.9 million a year earlier. The company said online casino revenue increased 15% year on year and chief executive Jay Snowden hopes the digital business will become profitable by year-end. Penn also said it plans to invest about $20 million in customer acquisition.
Alberta's AGLC approved PENN Entertainment to operate theScore Bet's mobile sports betting and iCasino platform in the province. PENN said it was preparing to launch, with the province's regulated online gaming market anticipated to open on July 13; the source does not specify the year for that date.