BetMGM
ESPN Bet App Takes in More Money Since Dropping Barstool Brand
Penn Entertainment Inc. is taking in more wagers from its new ESPN Bet sports-betting app than it did under the jettisoned Barstool brand, according to analysts and data from several states.
In Maryland, mobile wagers on ESPN Bet jumped to $42.4 million in December from $16.4 million under the Barstool name a year ago, according to state results reported last week. That placed Penn third behind industry leaders FanDuel and DraftKings Inc., and ahead of rivals BetMGM and Caesars Entertainment Inc.
In Iowa, Penn generated mobile sports wagers of $18.8 million in December, more than double the $7.2 million in the year-ago period, according to data released by the state last week.
“Preliminary data suggest the book improved on its predecessor’s small market share — and did so during a key seasonal period,” Brian Egger, a senior analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence, said.
While the ESPN Bet app is off to a fast start, Penn is confronting high costs and entrenched rivals in its quest for a bigger foothold in online gaming.
The casino operator based in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, originally launched its sports-betting business under the Barstool name, after acquiring the online video and podcast company from sports commentator David Portnoy. After challenges associated with the controversial founder, Penn gave Barstool back to Portnoy and signed a $2 billion deal last year to license Walt Disney Co.’s ESPN brand.
The December numbers follow the strong launch for ESPN Bet on Nov. 14. Penn’s share of sports-betting revenue in November in six states was about 12%, according to Macquarie Group analyst Chad Beynon. That’s up from about 2% for Penn when it used the Barstool name.
“Though still early,” the reports for ESPN Bet are “positive,” Beynon wrote in a Jan. 3 research note. The brand will likely increase betting revenue because it appeals to a wider range of potential customers, including women, he said.
ESPN has been promoting the app on its TV shows, website and other outlets, using the site’s betting odds in stories, for example, rather than other brands.
BetMGM
MGM Resorts & BetMGM Commit Over $1 Million to Responsible Gaming Initiatives During Problem Gambling Awareness Month
MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have announced a $1 million expanded commitment to responsible gaming research, public awareness, community partnerships, and employee engagement. This news comes as MGM Resorts and BetMGM join the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).
Initiatives include the following:
MGM Resorts & BetMGM Support Independent, Evidence-Based Research
MGM Resorts and BetMGM have jointly committed $450,000 to the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) to fund a new, groundbreaking research initiative examining sports wagering and its impact on player behavior. This contribution will support independent, peer-reviewed research aimed at developing best practices and strengthening long-term industry sustainability.
“As sports betting continues to grow so must our understanding of its impact on our guests and customers. Investing in high quality research allows us to be guided by valuable data and insights, which will ultimately help us support our patrons, communities and industry,” said Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at MGM Resorts.
Over three years, the research will examine factors that may influence sports betting behaviors, including decision-making and risk patterns across different populations. The study will also explore trends and prevention efforts designed to strengthen industry-wide responsible gaming strategies.
Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer at BetMGM, said: “Problem Gambling Awareness Month is an important reminder of our year-round responsibility to assist and empower our players. We prioritize player protection by investing in education, tools, collaboration, and meaningful support resources. Our commitment remains clear: to help every player make informed decisions and enjoy our products safely.”
Community & State Support Initiatives
In 2026, MGM Resorts and BetMGM will contribute over $850,000 to state and national organizations focused on problem gambling prevention, treatment, and responsible gaming measures. As a Founding Member, MGM Resorts will continue its sponsorship of the annual Nevada Council on Problem Gambling Conference and will feature the organization’s leaders in responsible gaming training sessions for employees.
Expanding GameSense Engagement & Employee Certification
Throughout March and beyond, MGM Resorts and BetMGM will increase responsible gaming messaging across casino floors, sportsbooks, and digital platforms through their shared GameSense program, developed and licensed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC).
This involves:
Expanded nationwide GameSense Advisor training, now exceeding 2000 certified team members equipped to engage guests in proactive conversations and support
Increased responsible gaming visibility across both gaming and non-gaming resort areas, including convention spaces, arenas, theaters, as well as MGM Rewards desks and the BetMGM app, with messages and QR codes reminding players to “take a time-out” and “set a budget”
A Problem Gambling Awareness Month email campaign, featuring GameSense, sent to all BetMGM customers
An MGM Rewards guest survey to measure awareness and perception of responsible gaming initiatives and GameSense
Participation in the Cambridge Health Alliance’s 13th annual Gambling Disorder Screening Day, supported through employee communications and training channels.
Launch of New Responsible Gaming Campaign
This spring, MGM Resorts will introduce a new campaign, Earn More. Play Smart. integrating MGM Rewards with responsible play messaging. The campaign will remind guests that membership comes with responsibility, not just perks. BetMGM’s Mullet Over hockey-themed responsible gaming commercial featuring company ambassador Connor McDavid will continue to air during key sports broadcast across North America and will also be featured prominently across MGM Resorts properties.
The post MGM Resorts & BetMGM Commit Over $1 Million to Responsible Gaming Initiatives During Problem Gambling Awareness Month appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
BetMGM
BetMGM and the Cavinder Twins to Debut “The Court of Legends” at Bellagio in Las Vegas for College Basketball Championship
BetMGM, a leading sports betting and iGaming operator, will team up with Haley and Hanna Cavinder — former Division I basketball players and prominent social media influencers — to unveil The Court of Legends, a first–of–its–kind, speakeasy–style basketball experience, April 4-6 at Bellagio in Las Vegas during the final weekend of March Matchups.
Hidden within the resort, the Court of Legends will feature an immersive, custom-built court serving as the hub for BetMGM’s March basketball celebrations. Throughout the weekend, the venue will host exclusive events and influencer-driven basketball exhibitions, all building toward a Cavinder vs. Cavinder skills showdown on Sunday, April 5. The twins will go head-to–head in custom competitions, with the event live streamed on X, YouTube and the BetMGM app, giving fans a front-row seat to the action.
“BetMGM is committed to creating legendary experiences for our players that go beyond the game, and the Court of Legends will be our most ambitious idea yet. We’re creating something epic that blends basketball, entertainment and the unmistakable energy of Las Vegas. With their rare ability to connect with fans on and off the court, Haley and Hanna are the perfect partners to bring this concept to life,” said Casey Hurbis, Chief Marketing Officer at BetMGM.
The Cavinder twins said in a joint statement: “We’ve played on a lot of courts over the years, but nothing like the Court of Legends. BetMGM is bringing together VIPs, creators, and all the vibes in one place, and we’re excited to step on that floor, compete, and have fun.”
The post BetMGM and the Cavinder Twins to Debut “The Court of Legends” at Bellagio in Las Vegas for College Basketball Championship appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
BetMGM
FanDuel to Eliminate Credit Card Deposits Starting March 2
FanDuel Sportsbook will no longer accept deposits by credit cards beginning March 2, the same step DraftKings Sportsbook took in August.
FanDuel issued a statement saying this decision has been in the works.
“Over the last few months, FanDuel has been evaluating the payment methods that we offer to customers and made the decision to remove credit cards as an option for our Sportsbook, casino and racing product in the United States. This change was made to improve the deposit experience for our customers,” the sportsbook said.
Many sports bettors don’t use credit cards because they are responsible for the fees.
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts applauded FanDuel’s actions.
“Last week, I asked sports betting companies about Americans getting scammed by credit card companies when placing sports bets – to the tune of a $10 junk fee just to fund a $20 bet,” Warren posted on social media.
“Glad to see Fanduel take action to protect consumers from these junk fees, joining DraftKings. The rest of the industry should follow suit.”
Two notable sportsbooks with nationwide locations, BetMGM and Caesars, accept credit cards.
FanDuel also announced Jan. 22 a program called “Play with a Plan” to encourage responsible wagering. Bettors are able to track their account activity, set spending limits and establish deposit notifications.
The post FanDuel to Eliminate Credit Card Deposits Starting March 2 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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