Penn Entertainment has unveiled a strategic collaboration with Quail Hollow Club and the Wells Fargo Championship to bolster its market presence. This extensive and long-term partnership arrives in anticipation of the imminent launch and legalization of sports betting in North Carolina.
This agreement guarantees ESPN Bet, Penn’s newly introduced sportsbook, access to the gambling market in North Carolina, pending regulatory approval. As part of this partnership, ESPN Bet will exclusively serve as the official betting operator for the prestigious PGA TOUR Signature Event, the Wells Fargo Championship, hosted at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte.
In its capacity as the designated betting operator for the event, ESPN BET will have exclusive access to a range of marketing integrations. This encompasses a unique chance to foster on-site activations and interactions with golf enthusiasts throughout the tournament.
In an official press release, Benjie Levy, the Head of Penn Interactive, conveyed the company’s enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting two primary advantages of the partnership: enhanced fan engagement and expanded player acquisition opportunities.
“We are thrilled to partner with Quail Hollow Club and the Wells Fargo Championship as we prepare to bring our new online sports betting brand, ESPN BET, to North Carolina,” 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, the President of Quail Hollow Club, also offered his remarks on the partnership:
“We welcome the upcoming launch of regulated online sports wagering in North Carolina and are extremely pleased to partner with a leading gaming and entertainment operator in PENN Entertainment.
“PENN’s compelling online sports betting brand ESPN BET, cutting-edge technology and extensive operational expertise make them an ideal long-term partner for this industry.”
Launch of Online Sports Betting in North Carolina Set for 2024
North Carolina’s online sports betting is expected to kick off officially in the first half of 2024, but not before the NFL Super Bowl to be held in February. Among the wave of operators preparing for the anticipated opening, ESPN Bet stands at the forefront, gearing up to introduce its offers to the state’s eager audience.
Bet365 made headlines in November by securing an exclusive partnership in North Carolina, becoming the esteemed betting partner for the NBA’s renowned Charlotte Hornets. This strategic move by bet365 has sparked significant interest and competition within the state, with reports indicating that BetMGM and Fanatics are vying for coveted licenses among the 12 licenses currently available. The competition further intensifies as industry giants such as DraftKings and FanDuel join the fray, positioning themselves to seize the promising opportunities in the state’s burgeoning betting landscape.
Sports betting operators are expected to submit their applications for a license on or before the 27th of December. However, the licensing and thorough vetting process are anticipated to extend beyond this deadline, projected to conclude after the Super Bowl in February.
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