Digital Wager Wire highlights the most significant events affecting the domestic and international sports betting and gaming industries each week throughout the year.
ESPN Bet Applies for Missouri License
Two of Missouri’s coveted untethered licenses were awarded to DraftKings and Circa Sports in August, leaving the remaining sportsbooks to partner with one of the state’s six professional sports franchises or one of many designated casinos operating in the Show Me State.
FanDuel was on the outside looking in after its 30-minute testimony to the state’s regulators, but the mobile sports betting powerhouse subsequently partnered with MLS soccer team St. Louis City SC. Circa Sports was a decided underdog to earn an untethered license but pulled off the upset, while DraftKings was considered one of the favorites and was granted an untethered mobile sports betting license.
Joining the Missouri Market
ESPN Bet recently applied for a mobile sports license just before the September 12th deadline and will partner with its in-state casino parlors, namely the Hollywood Casino and River City Casino. Missouri is expected to have as many as 14 mobile sports betting licenses and 19 retail sportsbooks.
Penn Entertainment’s ESPN Bet is expected to be approved before Missouri’s December 1st launch of sports betting and will likely join some of the other national sportsbooks like Caesars, FanDuel, Circa, BetMGM, Fanatics, and bet365, as well as Circa Sports and DraftKings.
Rumors of ESPN Bet’s arrival in Missouri began to swirl when an advertisement was taken out by the company seeking sportsbook managers for its two casinos.
Ryan Butler, a gaming industry insider, posted the following on X: “PENN is hiring Sportsbook Managers at its River City and Hollywood Casinos near St. Louis; per recent job postings, a clear sign it will open ESPN BET retail books at each property. The company also has direct market access to launch ESPN BET mobile book in Missouri as early as Dec. 1.”
Jay-Z Supports Times Square Casino
Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z is working overtime to secure one of three downstate casino licenses in New York, and his Roc Nation brand has partnered with developer SL Green and Caesars, all of which are trying to land their project at 1515 Broadway, in the heart of Times Square.
Jay-Z was asked about the location and said it “makes perfect sense” before elaborating.
“New York City is the entertainment capital of the world, so the idea of a world-class casino here makes perfect sense,” he explained. “I’ve always looked at opportunities that can shift culture while uplifting communities, and Caesars Palace Times Square is exactly that. For me, it’s an extension of culture, an extension of the energy and action that makes New York the city it is.”
Despite projections that the casino would generate $7 billion in revenue and another $250 million for the local community, in addition to $15 million and 0.5% of the profits for the surrounding area, should the group be awarded the license, there is still substantial community opposition.
Yet, that backlash has left Jay-Z undeterred, saying, “Our vision is to build a destination that not only attracts visitors but also gives New Yorkers a place they’re proud to enjoy,” he continued. “A casino here doesn’t compete with Times Square—it complements it. We’re creating a hub that draws even more people into the neighborhood, generating new energy, new business, and new opportunities for everyone.”
The three downstate licenses are expected to be awarded on December 1st, with final approval from the New York State Gaming Commission by December 31st.
