PENN Entertainment is opening its first ESPN BET brick-and-mortar sportsbook in Detroit

In August 2023, PENN Entertainment entered a partnership with ESPN for online sports betting in the US. The ESPN BET app is offered in several states and they’ve become one of the top operators in this competitive market. Recently, PENN announced they are opening their first brick-and-mortar sports betting and dining facility in Detroit, Michigan. Just in time for the 2024 NFL Draft that kicks off tonight and will last for the next three days. 

The location of this new sportsbook is at the Hollywood Casino in Greektown. That just happens to be less than a mile from where the 2024 NFL Draft will be taking place. PENN and ESPN BET picked the perfect time to launch their first brick-and-mortar sportsbook.

What amenities will be offered at the ESPN BET sportsbook in Greektown?

ESPN BET’s sportsbook and restaurant are spread across 4,500 square feet of the upper floor of the Hollywood Casino. Those who visit the sportsbook can use digital kiosks, big screen TVs, a 30-foot video wall, and a restaurant with a wide variety of food and drink options. Hollywood Casino at Greektown GM John Drake had this to say about the new sportsbook opening.

“This is an exciting week to debut PENN’s first physical ESPN BET sportsbook as the city of Detroit hosts the NFL Draft and its festivities. Bringing ESPN BET to Hollywood Greektown combines PENN’s premier sports media and sports betting offerings to create an amazing atmosphere for fans to watch and bet on sports. To celebrate the opening, we’re thrilled to host ESPN talent and programming at our property throughout the week.” - John Drake

In November 2023, the ESPN BET app went live in 17 states and was first offered to users online. PENN Entertainment cut its ties with the Barstool Sportsbook and partnered with ESPN. Now, they’ve opened their first brick-and-mortar casino in Detroit right before the 2024 NFL Draft. A press release said that ESPN will record podcasts, do radio, and even live broadcasts on ESPN 2 from the Hollywood Casino in Greektown. Additionally, SportsCenter will be done live from the casino at some point this week. 

PENN Entertainment operates more than 20 Hollywood-branded casinos from Maine to Missouri. Next up for PENN is launching their mobile app in New York. ESPN is in the legal process of obtaining a state license after WynnBet vacated. PENN paid $25 million for WynnBet to leave. That is expected to happen later this year and will be a huge market for ESPN in the Empire State.