Launched in 2020, Barstool Sportsbook was the product of a partnership between Penn National Gaming (now PENN Entertainment) and Barstool Sports, a sports media brand with a massive online following. Designed to merge content, community, and wagering, Barstool Sportsbook differentiated itself by leaning heavily into Barstool’s cult-like media personality and loyal fanbase.
In 2023, Penn shifted its long-term strategy by striking a deal with ESPN, rebranding its U.S. sportsbook operations to ESPN Bet, effectively phasing out the Barstool Sportsbook brand. However, Barstool’s impact on the U.S. betting market remains notable, and users in certain regions may still encounter Barstool branding as the transition continues.
What Makes Barstool Unique?
Media + Sportsbook Integration
The first major U.S. book to integrate a strong sports media personality into its platform.
Barstool Personality Influence
Promotions, boosts, and betting markets tied to Barstool personalities.
Community-Driven
Appealed to the Barstool audience with unique contests and banter-driven engagement.
Now Rebranded
As of late 2023, operations transitioned into ESPN Bet under PENN Entertainment.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Strong media crossover between Barstool content and betting
Popular among younger bettors drawn to the Barstool brand
Frequent promos and boosts tied to Barstool personalities
Bettors loyal to the Barstool Sports brand and personalities
Younger bettors looking for a community-driven sportsbook
Players in states where PENN Gaming casinos partnered with Barstool branding
Potential Drawbacks of Barstool
Brand is no longer active — fully replaced by ESPN Bet
Limited beyond U.S. audiences
Focused more on personality-driven promos than sharp odds
No deep loyalty or rewards ecosystem
Final Thoughts on the Barstool Sportsbook
Barstool Sportsbook was a bold experiment in merging sports media and sports betting, leveraging Barstool’s personality-driven content to attract a younger audience. While it had modest success in several U.S. states, the brand was phased out in 2023 in favor of the more mainstream ESPN Bet partnership. Its legacy remains as a cultural experiment in fan-driven wagering, but the future lies in ESPN Bet under PENN Entertainment.