The sports betting landscape in North Carolina is poised for a significant boost as ESPN Bet aligns itself with the prestigious Quail Hollow Golf Club to become its official betting operator. This strategic move comes as the operator prepares to enter the North Carolina market following its launch in 17 other states on November 14, a timely decision that coincides with Thanksgiving week. The recent proclamation on December 5 signals ESPN Bet’s intent to be among the dozen operators to clinch a coveted license in the Tar Heel State.
North Carolina’s entry into the sports betting domain is on the horizon, with the North Carolina State Lottery Commission opening the application process for sports betting licenses on December 1. The state is anticipated to roll out sports wagering services in the first half of 2024, setting the stage for an exciting expansion of the industry.
ESPN Bet’s collaboration with Quail Hollow Club, the renowned North Carolina golf course, ensures the brand’s position as the official betting operator of the annual Wells Fargo Championship. This PGA Tour event, with an illustrious list of past champions including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, draws substantial attention to Quail Hollow Club each year.
In a recent public announcement, Penn Interactive’s head, Benjie Levy, underscored the implications of the deal, emphasizing the expected fan engagement surge and player acquisition benefits. Levy expressed excitement about the partnership with Quail Hollow Club and the Wells Fargo Championship, saying, “We are thrilled to partner with Quail Hollow Club and the Wells Fargo Championship as we prepare to bring our new online sports betting brand, ESPN BET, to North Carolina.” He also highlighted his enthusiasm for sponsoring the premier golf event and his eagerness for collaboration on unique fan experiences.
At the helm of Quail Hollow Club, President Johnny Harris warmly welcomed the regulatory advancements in online sports wagering in North Carolina and expressed high regard for the partnership with an established gaming and entertainment operator like PENN Entertainment. Harris deemed ESPN Bet, with its cutting-edge technology and deep operational expertise, as an exemplary partner in the burgeoning industry.
The inception of ESPN Bet is attributed to a substantial $1.5 billion deal earlier this year between Penn Entertainment and the Disney-owned media conglomerate ESPN. This deal grants Penn the rights to the ESPN Bet brand for a decade with the provision for a ten-year extension, signifying a long-term commitment to the brand.
This development represents Penn’s strategic pivot from its previous sportsbook operation, having sold Barstool Sportsbook back to its founder Dave Portnoy in August. Mike Morrison, the vice president of ESPN’s sports-betting division, praised the November launch as “really smooth” and remarked positively on the initial feedback and high energy levels from teams on both sides of the partnership.
The pressure to perform hasn’t deterred ESPN Bet, according to Morrison, who spoke confidently about the brand’s aspirations for success and the competitive nature of the teams involved. As online betting in North Carolina edges closer to launch, ESPN Bet solidifies its place in the spotlight.
The sports betting market in North Carolina is becoming quite competitive, with bet365 recently announcing its partnership as the official betting partner for the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. Other industry heavyweights like BetMGM, Fanatics, DraftKings, and FanDuel are also assumed to be contenders for the available licenses. With an application deadline set for December 27, and the licensing process likely concluding post-Super Bowl in February, stakes are high for operators vying for a piece of the North Carolina sports betting pie.
