ESPN Bet is set to enter North Carolina’s online sports betting market upon launch after Penn Sports Interactive signed a partnership with Quail Hollow Club.
Penn Entertainment and its Penn Sports Interactive subsidiary, which operate ESPN Bet in partnership with the US media company, have signed a long-term, multi-faceted deal for entry into the Tar Heel State.
As part of the deal, ESPN Bet will become the exclusive official betting operator of the Wells Fargo Championship tournament, which is being held at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte between May 6-12 next year.
ESPN Bet will gain access to various marketing integrations including fan activation and engagement events on-site during the tournament.
Head of Penn Interactive Benjie Levy said: “Along with market access, we’re excited to sponsor the popular Wells Fargo Championship and look forward to working together with our new partners to create unique fan activations.”
Johnny Harris, president of the Quail Hollow Club, added Penn’s “compelling online sports betting brand” and its “extensive operational expertise” make the company an “ideal long-term partner for this industry.”
ESPN Bet entering North Carolina
North Carolina legislators have said the state's sports betting regulations will not be up and running for the NFL Super Bowl in early February. However, the market is set to open ahead of the June 2024 deadline set out in the legislation.
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission therefore approved sports betting licences last week and is inviting more operators to get involved in the state's sports betting market.
ESPN Bet launched on November 14 in 17 states, replacing Barstool Sportsbook, which was sold back to owner Dave Portnoy as part of Penn’s US$1.5bn deal with ESPN.
All eyes in the US online sports betting scene have been on ESPN Bet in the early weeks since launch as it looks to gain market share across the country.
