Penn National Gaming has announced that a live, real money test period for its new Barstool Sportsbook has been approved by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Taking place from September 15-17, pending final iOS app approval, following the test period the firm intends to officially launch the app in the Keystone State on September 18.
Last month, when documenting its latest quarterly performance, PNG detailed plans for a Q3 launch in Pennsylvania with additional states to follow throughout Q4 and Q1 2021.
“The Barstool Sportsbook app is the centrepiece of our company’s omni-channel strategy,” explained Jay Snowden, President and CEO of Penn National.
“Since forming our exclusive sports betting and igaming partnership with Barstool Sports in January, our product, marketing and operations teams have worked hand-in-hand with Barstool’s top talent, including Dave Portnoy and Dan ‘Big Cat’ Katz, to create a sports betting experience that we’re confident will appeal to Barstool’s army of loyal followers, as well as our extensive database of existing casino customers and sports betting fans at large.”
“As the only gaming operator with a fully integrated sports media and entertainment partner, our customers will have the opportunity to engage with Dave, Big Cat and other Barstool fan favourites on our app – including betting with them, or fading their picks.
“Our customers will also have an opportunity to interact with Barstool personalities live at one of our many casinos’ retail Barstool Sportsbooks in the coming months.”
The “soft launch” test period from September 15-17 will be available to a limited number of pre-registered participants, who will be able to make real-money wagers and access all of the features and functionality of the Barstool Sportsbook.
Subsequently, the company will also work with regulators to test the system and make any refinements prior to the anticipated full launch.
“I want to thank the PGCB and its staff for all their time and effort in reviewing and approving our app for this soft launch,” added Mr. Snowden. “I also want to thank all those who have been working tirelessly at Penn Interactive and our great partners at Barstool Sports for their many months of hard work and collaboration, as well as our risk management and platform providers, Kambi and White Hat Gaming.
“This is an important milestone in our company’s continued evolution to be the leading omni-channel provider of retail and online gaming, live racing and sports betting entertainment, and we couldn’t be more excited to get underway.”