ESPN Bet partners with Chicago Bears

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ESPN Bet Sportsbook is partnering with the Chicago Bears ahead of the NFL season, as part of a wider deal between the franchise and gambling operator Penn Entertainment.

The multi-year deal will see ESPN Bet become the official sports betting partner of the Bears, while Penn’s two casino brands in Chicago, Hollywood Casino Aurora and Hollywood Casino Joliet, will become the franchise’s official casino partners.

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According to Penn, the partnership highlights the group’s focus on digital engagement, as it will be relying on ESPN Bet’s technology to connect fans online and in-person.

The deal also includes in-stadium branding, digital media integrations, and exclusive experiences designed to drive users to ESPN Bet’s online platform.

“Teaming up with one of the premier franchises in the NFL creates exciting new omnichannel marketing opportunities for our ESPN Bet and Hollywood Casino brands. Through the partnership, we look forward to engaging a large and passionate audience at Soldier Field as well as across our online products and at the new property in the Chicagoland area,” said Todd George, Executive Vice President of Operations at Penn Entertainment.

ESPN Bet is live in 20 US jurisdictions, including Illinois, and has been updated ahead of the NFL season to include its new in-app hub FanCenter.

The personalized hub allows users to track betting markets tied to their favorite teams, players, and ESPN fantasy football rosters, which ESPN says will enhance the digital fan experience.

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2025/01/22: ESPN Bet goes live in Washington D.C. 2025/08/06: ESPN Bet announces betting integration with fantasy sports 2025/01/14: Penn Entertainment announces long-term partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment 2025/08/13: Optimove study indicates NFL bettors will bet consistently this year