Penn National Gaming, Barstool Sports to launch sportsbook app next week

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Penn National Gaming plans to launch a sports betting app through its partnership with Barstool Sports for Pennsylvania customers next week, following a live, real-money test period with pre-registered users, the Wyomissing-based casino operator announced on Tuesday.

State gaming regulators approved Penn National’s “soft launch” test for the Barstool Sportsbook app to take place on Sept. 15-17. The app will be available to a limited number of pre-registered participants, who will be able to make real-money wagers and access all of the functionalities of the Barstool Sportsbook.

The company said in its Tuesday announcement it will work with regulators to test the system to make any refinements prior to the full launch anticipated for Sept. 18.

The launch of the company’s Barstool Sportsbook app, pending final regulatory and iOS approvals, will be the centerpiece of the Wyomissing-based casino operator’s omni-channel market growth strategy, said Penn National President and CEO Jay Snowden. Penn National officials said they plan to introduce the app in additional states in the coming months.

“This is an important milestone in our company’s continued evolution to be the leading omni-channel provider of retail and online gaming, live racing and sports betting entertainment, and we couldn’t be more excited to get underway,” Snowden said in a statement.

After Penn National purchased a 36% stake in sports media publisher Barstool Sports for $163 million in January, the company formed an exclusive sports betting and iGaming partnership with Barstool Sports. Penn National officials said they plan to increase the company’s stake to around 50% for a payment of $62 million in the next three years.

In the last seven months, Penn National’s marketing and operations teams have worked with Barstool’s leadership to develop a sports betting experience that Snowden said will “appeal to Barstool’s army of loyal followers, as well as [Penn National’s] extensive database of existing sports betting customers at large.”

Snowden said the app will allow Penn National customers to interact with Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy and Barstool sports commentator Dan “Big Cat” Katz.

“As the only gaming operator with a fully integrated sports media and entertainment partner, our customers will have the opportunity to engage with Dave, Big Cat and other Barstool fan favorites on our app – including betting with them, or fading their picks,” Snowden said. “Our customers will also have an opportunity to interact with Barstool personalities live at one of our many casinos’ retail Barstool Sportsbooks in the coming months.”