ESPN BET Coming to North Carolina

PENN Entertainment’s ESPN BET is on track to become North Carolina’s latest sports betting app. With a partnership in place with Quail Hollow Club, the host of the PGA’s prestigious Fargo Championship, this highly anticipated sports wagering platform is expected to launch in the early months of 2024 in the state’s newest legal sports betting market.

Benjie Levy, head of PENN Interactive, expressed excitement about the partnership with Quail Hollow Club and the Wells Fargo Championship in a joint press release. He stated that they are thrilled to introduce their new online sports betting brand, ESPN BET, to North Carolina. In addition to market access, Levy mentioned their sponsorship of the Wells Fargo Championship and their eagerness to collaborate with their new partners on innovative fan activations.

Access to the North Carolina market will not be available until after the Super Bowl. The launch of the legal sports betting platform in the Tar Heel State has been delayed, meaning those interested in signing up for ESPN BET will have to wait until March Madness to place their bets and take advantage of NC sportsbook promotions.

More on the deal

In accordance with North Carolina sports betting regulations, websites must form partnerships with sports teams, arenas, NASCAR tracks, or PGA tour courses within the state in order to offer sports betting to residents. ESPN BET’s recent announcement of a comprehensive partnership with Quail Hollow represents a significant initial step towards the eventual launch of their sports betting platform in the state.

The partnership in North Carolina was a significant development for ESPN BET, which is already operating in 17 states across the U.S. This allows them to focus on their core strengths of attracting bettors and offering diverse media opportunities for their audience.

ESPN BET has secured market access in North Carolina and will now serve as the official betting operator for the prestigious Wells Fargo Championship, a signature event on the PGA tour held at a golf course in Charlotte.

What ESPN BET brings to North Carolina market

Since its launch in 17 states on November 14, ESPN BET has quickly become a favorite among American consumers. In its first week, there were approximately 1.1 million downloads of the app, making it the most downloaded sportsbook in a one-week period in the American market. ESPN BET accounted for 70% of all sports betting operator downloads nationwide during that time frame.

The arrival of ESPN BET in the North Carolina market brings a highly reputable and well-known brand. Combining TV, internet, and other media platforms with PENN Entertainment’s expertise as a leading gambling service provider in the U.S., many believe this partnership has the potential to dominate the betting industry not just in North Carolina, but nationwide.

Johnny Harris, President of Quail Hollow Club, expressed excitement for the launch of regulated online sports wagering in North Carolina and the partnership with PENN Entertainment. He stated that PENN’s online sports betting brand, ESPN BET, advanced technology, and operational expertise make them the perfect long-term partner for the industry.

So now what?

The North Carolina Lottery Commission recently revealed that the evaluation and selection of sports betting operators will extend beyond the Super Bowl in February. This delay means that North Carolina sports betting apps will not be available for the entire lucrative NFL season.

The Commission anticipates receiving hundreds of applications, each consisting of thousands of pages. After the submission deadline of December 27, each application will undergo a 60-day vetting period.

According to basic calculations, the earliest possible date for legal sports betting to arrive in North Carolina is the end of February. Per state law, the latest date for the platform to launch is June 15, 2024.