Penn Entertainment has rolled out its Hollywood Casino online gaming app in New Jersey, US.
The Garden State launch follows its go-live in Pennsylvania and Michigan.
As with the app in the latter two states, Penn has incorporated account linking between Hollywood Casino and its ESPN Bet app.
“We’re thrilled to introduce our dedicated, casino-first experience to customers across New Jersey,” said Aaron LaBerge, chief technology officer at Penn Entertainment.
"Hollywood Casino delivers a best-in-class experience with an extensive game library, seamless gameplay and exclusive content from our in-house studio. This launch builds on the strong momentum we've gained since introducing our enhanced standalone app in December.”
Hollywood Casino offers titles from Penn Game Studios as well as bespoke live dealer tables and game launches such as the recently launched Devils Blackjack.
Hollywood Casino and ESPN Bet are part of Penn’s Interactive segment.
While Penn is upbeat about the prospects of Hollywood Casino this year and in 2026, doubts have already been raised about the future of ESPN Bet as the two-year anniversary of the US$2bn deal with the media giant to rename Barstool Sportsbook approaches.
Penn’s Interactive segment adjusted EBITDA loss, while narrowing in a Q4 year-on-year comparison from $333.8m to $109.8m, widened in the full-year comparison from $402.5m to $499.5m.
Revenues of US$275m for Q4 2024 were up significantly from $31.5m in Q4 2023.
Penn CEO and president Jay Snowden said the “significant year-over-year improvements” in revenue and adjusted EBITDA in Q4 were down to “disciplined promotional strategies” and “accelerated growth” in Penn’s online casino business.
But speaking to investors after the results, Snowden admitted there is “more work to do” to unlock the full potential and value of the ESPN partnership.
“When we announced our partnership, both sides made it very clear that we expected to compete for a seat at the podium. And we’re not on pace right now to do that,” he said.
“We have tremendous plans in place for 2025 and 2026. But if, for whatever reason, we’re not hitting the levels that we need to, then obviously as you’re approaching the third anniversary, you have a three-year clause in that contract that both sides will have to do what’s in their best interests. And so that’s always out there.”
