Penn Entertainment has incorporated ESPN account linking into the launch of its standalone Hollywood Casino app in Pennsylvania, US.
The company’s Barstool Sportsbook brand was rebranded to ESPN Bet as part of the 10-year deal between the omnichannel gaming operator and the US media giant.
However, in November, Penn also revealed an account linking feature which it is using to try to differentiate itself from DraftKings and Flutter Entertainment’s FanDuel in the US sports betting market.
Penn has now revealed that players can access the Hollywood Casino app through either the ESPN Bet app or through the Hollywood Casino app itself, using their ESPN Bet log-in details.
The Hollywood Casino app has been built using Penn’s tech stack and features over 700 igaming titles, daily promotions and jackpots.
A dedicated Casino Floor lobby allows users to find online versions of land-based slots from Penn’s retail properties.
Penn Game Studios, Penn’s in-house game developer, has integrated some of its titles into the app, including Legendary Larry and Wuji Mines.
“With four Hollywood Casino properties in the state, the app leverages our trusted retail brand and creates a seamless connection between our online and retail gaming experiences,” said Penn’s chief technology officer, Aaron LaBerge.
“We look forward to bringing this enhanced Hollywood Casino experience to more icasino markets in early 2025, pending regulatory approvals.”
Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has unanimously voted to renew the Category 1 horse track casino licence for Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Association, the operator of Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Dauphin County.
“Since its opening in February 2008, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course has generated US$6.49bn in gross revenue from the play of retail slot machines and table games, sports wagering and igaming, and has returned to the Commonwealth a total of $3.16bn in tax revenue, assessments and fees,” the state regulator said.
