Will Barstool Sportsbook App Be Ready When Michigan Goes Online?

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During the company’s quarterly earnings call, executives from Penn National Gaming announced that the launch of the Barstool Sportsbook app is scheduled for the third quarter.

In the realm of Michigan sports betting, the current inquiry is: When can we expect its availability here?

The app and the mobile sports betting launch in Michigan are competing to be the first to arrive. According to the latest estimates, both are expected to be available sometime in the latter half of 2020.

In January, Barstool Sports and Penn National entered into a deal where the gaming company acquired a 36% stake in the popular men’s lifestyle brand for $163 million. As a result, the brand became the sole gaming partner for Penn National casinos, including the Greektown Casino-Hotel in Detroit.

Barstool app might be waiting on Michigan

Rep. Brandt Iden, the sponsor of the bills that prompted the expansion of gambling laws in the state, has speculated that the Michigan market may not be entirely prepared for the launch of online gambling.

During the ICE North America digital conference, he mentioned that if Michigan advances the online gaming launch date to the fall, it could result in certain operators and casinos being unprepared with their online sportsbooks and iGaming technology.

However, Jay Snowden, the CEO of Penn National, suggests that the Barstool app could be one of the apps that are fully prepared and available.

During the shutdown, Snowden mentioned that Penn National has managed to make progress in the development of the Barstool app.

On Thursday, Snowden expressed his expectation that this development would enable us to adhere to our planned launch in the third quarter of 2020, when sports activities are anticipated to resume. He further emphasized that the Barstool brand and its powerful marketing capabilities would play a significant role in garnering a substantial market share. With the introduction of our product to our extensive database of 20 million casino customers and Barstool’s ever-growing audience of over 66 million fans, we are confident in our ability to drive substantial success.

Permanent Greektown sportsbook still planned

Penn National’s new Chief Financial Officer, Dave Williams, announced that the company will adopt a conservative spending approach in the near future. Nevertheless, Penn remains fully dedicated to the launch of the app and the development of Barstool-themed sportsbooks at Greektown and Ameristar Black Hawk in Colorado.

Greektown initiated its temporary book as sports betting became available in Michigan on March 11. Marvin Beatty, representing Greektown, anticipates the establishment of a permanent sportsbook on the casino floor by the onset of football season.

According to Williams’ estimation, Penn National would need to allocate a budget of $8 million to $10 million for the rebranding of their facilities as Barstool.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Detroit, Snowden commended Greektown for their commendable actions. The hotel generously provided 50 hotel rooms free of charge to first responders, demonstrating their unwavering support during the most challenging period.

Never a dull moment for Barstool

According to PlayPennsylvania’s recent report on Monday, Barstool remains an unpredictable brand.

On Thursday, The Daily Beast released an article discussing the internal operations of Barstool, which garnered attention. Simultaneously, Barstool’s founder, Dave Portnoy, made noteworthy statements regarding the article and his personal wealth, attracting media coverage.

Penn National surprised investors on Monday morning by announcing a public stock offering that had not been disclosed during Thursday’s call.

There is a possibility of significant changes occurring before the autumn season arrives. It is likely that individuals in Michigan will be able to place bets on football games through the Barstool Sportsbook app during that time.

Keep watching.

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