Penn's ESPN Bet launches in North Carolina as legal market opens

ESPN BET launched Monday in North Carolina, coinciding with the state's legal sports betting market opening.

To celebrate, ESPN BET is hosting a launch party for bettors 21+ at Rally in Charlotte on Friday, March 15, featuring ESPN's Stephen A. Smith. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will include complimentary refreshments, music, activities, prizes, and screens to follow March college basketball action.

Bettors in the state now have access to the ESPN BET mobile and web betting platform, which offers a variety of markets across sports and leagues from around the world, including straight bets, cross-sport parlays, props, and in-game wagering, along with daily odds boosts, custom offers, promotions and integrations with ESPN content and personalities. ESPN BET, operated by PENN Entertainment, is now live in 18 states.

"We're thrilled to bring ESPN BET to North Carolina, which marks the first new state launch under our ESPN partnership," said Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment. "Together, we're excited to engage with sports fans across the state and deliver an exceptional sports wagering experience. We commend the North Carolina State Lottery Commission and all of the stakeholders involved in establishing this new legal sports betting market."

For his part, Mike Morrison, Vice President of ESPN BET and ESPN Fantasy, commented: "Launching ESPN BET for North Carolina fans is a pivotal moment. This marks a significant stride forward, building on the momentum from our inaugural launch in November. Now, fans have the chance to align themselves with a sportsbook backed by the trusted ESPN brand, offering an unparalleled experience in the world of sports betting."

PENN secured market access in North Carolina through a partnership with Quail Hollow Club, a private golf club in Charlotte. Additionally, ESPN BET is the exclusive official betting operator of the Wells Fargo Championship, a PGA TOUR Signature Event that will be held at Quail Hollow Club in May.

ESPN BET was among the eight sportsbooks that secured licenses from state regulators ahead of the online betting market launch on Monday. Other operators that are now live in the Tar Heel State include heavyweights, BetMGM, FanDuel Sportsbook, and DraftKings.