Massachusetts Authorities Seek Clarification on ESPN Betting Controversy
ESPN's foray into sports betting is creating some questions in Massachusetts.
Officials are requesting more details concerning how the network intends to advertise gambling over the airwaves after their ESPN Bet platform replaces Barstool Sportsbook in the coming months.
Penn Entertainment is switching over its sportsbook to the ESPN label after parting ways with Barstool and its founder David Portnoy in August. However, before Penn can launch their revamped product in Massachusetts, regulators want their say in the matter.
During a recent meeting, Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) members voiced the need for more information about Penn's relationship with ESPN and how betting will be promoted during ESPN broadcasts of college football and other shows.
Penn reps have been in contact with MGC staff and are willing to provide any necessary details to maintain their sports betting license. A further discussion of the issue is expected during a November 7 commission meeting.
Lack of Communication from Penn
Commissioners explained that they haven't received any formal documents from Penn since the ESPN deal was announced, and they require more information regarding how betting will be showcased during ESPN broadcasts. They've mostly just heard about the deal from media reports.
Commissioner Nakisha Skinner mentioned at a recent meeting, "Everything I know about what's proposing to happen here has not really come from Penn Entertainment. So that's I think a disadvantage for us as a commission because we really don't know where to start."
Commissioner Eileen O'Brien voiced her desire to prevent situations where ESPN anchors would be endorsing specific bets on the ESPN Bet platform.
Issues related to Barstool's promotions were previously addressed before the company received their sports betting license, but the regulators seem optimistic that they can resolve any concerns posed by ESPN. Nevertheless, they insisted that sufficient time is required to review and approve the specifics before the sportsbook's name officially changes.
Anticipated Late November Launch
Citing media reports stating that ESPN Bet aims to launch by November 20, commissioners said that time is running out for them to gather more information from Penn.
It's unclear if the rebranding plan has been covered in any of the other states where Barstool Sportsbook operates.
The commission is seeking a comprehensive explanation of Penn's relationship with ESPN and their plan for incorporating betting content into pre-existing ESPN programming. Based on the information supplied by Penn, the commission will determined how or if they need to amend their sports betting license.
ESPN Bet cannot commence operations in Massachusetts until the regulators approve the proposal. A special meeting discussing the next steps is expected to be held on November 7.
ESPN Bet disclosed a new sportsbook logo this week and expressed their intentions to start operating in November. The sportsbook plans to launch in 16 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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Source: www.casino.org
