The Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) has approved Penn National Gaming’s application to launch mobile wagering via the Barstool Sportsbook brand in the Hoosier State.
Penn now plans to launch its Kambi-powered apps for iOS, Android and desktop devices on Tuesday, May 18, pending any final regulatory sign-off.
Indiana will soon become the fourth state in which Barstool Sportsbook has launched, after Pennsylvania, Michigan and Illinois. It has also been approved for launch in Virginia.
“We are thrilled to be launching our online Barstool Sportsbook in Indiana at the start of the NBA’s new playoff format,” Penn National president and chief executive Jay Snowden said.
“Our retail Barstool Sportsbooks at Ameristar Casino East Chicago and Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg have been very well received by our customers since opening this past December, and now Hoosiers from across the state will be able to engage with Dave Portnoy, Dan ‘Big Cat’ Katz, and all of the Barstool personalities through the Barstool Sportsbook app.”
The launch will be accompanied by a series of promotional offers, such as risk-free bets, parlay insurance and range of markets on the NBA playoffs and motor racing event the Indianapolis 500, which takes place on May 30.
Snowden thanked the IGC for the approval of Barstool Sportsbook’s application. He described the launch as “another important step” in the company’s evolution into a leading omni-channel gaming provided, aided by additional launches later in 2021.
“As the only gaming operator with a fully integrated sports media and entertainment partner, we have the unique ability to attract new and existing Penn National customers to enjoy our retail and interactive gaming, sports betting and entertainment offerings, as evidenced by our performance to-date in Illinois, Michigan and Pennsylvania,” he added.
For the three months to 31 March, Penn National reported a 14.2% year-on-year increase in revenue, to $1.27bn. The Barstool Sportsbook, it noted, had registered more than 400,000 customers, who staked over $660m, resulting in more than $61m in revenue from the brand.
Indiana’s sports betting market, meanwhile, saw revenue rocket to $20.0m in April, though the prior year’s total was badly affected by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic shutting down casinos and leading to the suspension of sporting action.