The wait for ESPN BET’s first retail sportsbook is finally over. Hollywood Casino at Greektown is unveiling the new branded area today with a grand opening ceremony set for 4 p.m.
PlayMichigan broke the news of the retail sportsbook opening earlier this month, which coincides with Detroit playing host to the NFL Draft later this week.
Hollywood Casino at Greektown is going to be in the center of all the action this week, celebrating the opening of its newly branded retail sportsbook and a premier NFL event.
ESPN BET retail sportsbook is officially open in Detroit
“The Sportsbook,” as it’s been called, inside Hollywood Casino at Greektown has been completely renovated. Now, the establishment is prepared for a grand opening, ribbon-cutting ceremony to recognize the new ESPN BET retail sportsbook inside the casino later this afternoon.
PENN Entertainment CEO, Jay Snowden, announced the new branding inside the facility during a Q4 2023 earnings call in February.
The timing is optimal with the NFL Draft starting Thursday in Detroit just steps away from the new sportsbook.
Kansas City, which played host to the draft last year. The city welcomed 312,000 visitors to the city during the three-day event. It resulted in an economic impact of $164.3 million for the city.
Detroit is expecting a similar number of visitors to the city, with hopefully, an even greater economic impact. Hollywood Casino at Greektown is in the center of all the action.
The facility is located just five blocks from the main stage, where commissioner Roger Goodell hugs the top draft picks, at Campus Maritus Park. That equates to a nine minute walk.
NFL Draft in Detroit provides perfect week to open sportsbook
PENN Entertainment acknowledged the perfect timing for the sportsbook opening in a press release issue after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“This is an exciting week to debut PENN’s first physical ESPN BET sportsbook as the city of Detroit hosts the NFL Draft and its festivities,” said Hollywood Casino at Greektown General Manager, John Drake (shown above speaking at the opening).
“Bringing ESPN BET to Hollywood Greektown combines PENN’s premier sports media and sports betting offerings to create an amazing atmosphere for fans to watch and bet on sports. To celebrate the opening, we’re thrilled to host ESPN talent and programming at our property throughout the week.”
Mike Morrison, Vice President, ESPN BET and ESPN Fantasy, said, “We’re thrilled to open the first ESPN BET retail location in Detroit and become part of a community of deeply passionate sports fans. We want fans to come embrace a first-class betting experience and we’re excited to showcase the ESPN BET brand in a contemporary space.”
PENN Entertainment sent shockwaves around the sports betting landscape when it decided to end its partnership with Barstool. That happened just months after fully acquiring the media company.
While announcing the split, PENN also partnered with ESPN as its new sportsbook.
Teaming up with ESPN is a big deal, considering the stature ESPN has in the industry.
NFL Draft visitors are welcome to check out the new ESPN BET retail casino at Hollywood Casino at Greektown.
Either way, it should be a fun-filled weekend at the casino, along with the entire city of Detroit.
