ESPN BET Launches First-Ever Retail Underscoreg in Detroit

The expansion of the new ESPN BET platform to include a retail wagering facility was inevitable, following in the footsteps of several top sportsbooks.

ESPN BET has officially opened a brick-and-mortar sportsbook at Hollywood Casino at Greektown in Detroit, Michigan. The new retail outlet, launched just in time for the NFL Draft, marks the latest addition to the Michigan sports betting scene. The former Barstool Underscoreg, owned by PENN Entertainment, has now been rebranded as ESPN BET, with the transition taking place at 4 p.m. ET on April 24th.

No coincidence about timing

The timing of the launch was carefully planned. The Draft was held in Detroit, near the Hollywood Casino. ESPN took advantage of the large presence at the Draft and broadcasted some of its Thursday and Friday programming, like SportsCenter, from the new betting facility. ESPN BET has been a popular Michigan sports betting app since it was introduced.

John Drake, General Manager of Hollywood Casino at Greektown, expressed excitement for the debut of PENN’s first physical ESPN BET sportsbook in Detroit during the NFL Draft festivities. He emphasized the combination of PENN’s sports media and sports betting offerings at Hollywood Greektown, creating an incredible atmosphere for fans to enjoy watching and betting on sports. To mark the occasion, ESPN talent and programming will be featured at the property throughout the week.

On Thursday, Evan Cohen, Chris Canty, and Michelle Smallmon from ESPN Radio were broadcasting “Unsportsmanlike” and “Greeny Show” live from ESPN BET’s new location.

The facility

Hollywood Casino at Greektown is an ideal location for ESPN BET to launch its retail sports betting focus. The 4,500-square-foot casino is a sports fan’s paradise, offering a variety of betting options. For those unable to visit physical casinos, we also offer real money online casino options.

Featuring a 30-foot video wall, 25 big-screen HD TVs, 40 betting kiosks, an elevated bar, and a dining facility to accommodate guests.

In 2023, PENN Entertainment’s Detroit casino was the top performer among all motor city casinos in terms of retail sportsbook handle, accepting $71.1 million in bets and reporting gross revenues of $6.7 million.

“We are excited to announce the grand opening of the inaugural ESPN BET retail location in Detroit, where we will be joining a vibrant community of dedicated sports enthusiasts,” stated Mike Morrison, Vice President of ESPN BET and ESPN Fantasy. “Our goal is to provide fans with a top-notch betting experience, and we look forward to introducing the modern ESPN BET brand in our innovative new space.”

Building the brand

The constant media attention since its launch in 18 U.S. states has greatly benefited ESPN Bet, with the Hollywood Casino at Greektown being the latest example. Michigan residents are encouraged to explore the various Michigan sportsbook promotions available.

The company aims for ESPN BET to achieve an 8% market share by the end of its inaugural year, with a deadline set for November.

It appears that ESPN BET is making strides to establish itself as a major player in the legal sports betting market in the United States. The company has quickly risen to become the fourth largest sportsbook in terms of monthly handle across 18 states, putting it in direct competition with industry giants such as BetMGM and Caesars Underscoreg.