ESPN BET retail sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Greektown to open before NFL Draft

Hollywood Casino Greektown is set to debut its ESPN BET retail sportsbook on April 24, just in time for the kickoff of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit the following day.

Owned by PENN Entertainment, Hollywood Casino Greektown will be the inaugural venue to feature ESPN's retail sportsbook among Hollywood properties nationwide.

The unveiling of the ESPN BET retail sportsbook aligns with PENN Entertainment CEO Jay Snowden's earlier announcement during the company’s Q4 2023 earnings call. Snowden had disclosed plans for ESPN BET branding at Hollywood Casino Greektown in the second quarter of 2024.

In a statement released in February, Mike Morrison, Vice President of ESPN BET, emphasized the significance of expanding the ESPN BET brand presence, stating: “Our commitment to that shows in a variety of ways from new markets to our first retail presence, and we cannot wait to open ESPN BET inside Hollywood Casino at Greektown for fans in Michigan ahead of some key sporting events.”

The strategic timing of the launch coincides with the NFL Draft, anticipated to draw throngs of fans to Detroit from April 25-27. With Hollywood Casino Greektown positioned a mere five blocks from the main stage at Campus Maritus Park, the casino stands to benefit significantly from the influx of visitors.

Last year's NFL Draft in Kansas City attracted 312,000 attendees and generated an economic impact exceeding $164 million over the course of three days. Detroit is bracing for similar numbers this year, with each of its casinos poised to capitalize on the event's foot traffic.

The heightened activity comes after a robust March for Detroit casinos, which collectively raked in $122.3 million, marking the highest monthly total since 2019. Hollywood Casino Greektown, in particular, saw a surge in revenue, recording $28.1 million in March compared to $22.2 million and $23.8 million in January and February, respectively.

Alongside traditional gaming offerings like slots, table games, and poker, retail sports betting witnessed an uptick last month, with Detroit casinos collectively reporting $17.25 million in March retail sports betting handle, marking a 30% month-over-month increase and a 23.7% year-over-year surge.