Penn National Gaming out of Wyomissing, PA is looking to gain more exposure with Arizona online sportsbooks. Both states offer legal sports betting with Pennsylvania sportsbooks being one of the biggest markets in the US and AZ getting ready to launch.
Part of that plan includes an expanded strategic partnership with NASCAR at Phoenix Raceway. Penn Interactive, as a subsidiary of Penn National Gaming, has entered into a multi-year agreement with the biggest motor racing league in the nation.
The main crux of the new deal makes Penn National’s Barstool Sportsbook the exclusive sports betting operator at Phoenix Raceway.
Part of the legislation that legalized sports betting in Arizona granted gaming licenses to professional sports facilities. Through this license, Barstool Sportsbook will gain access to the entire Arizona sports betting market.
Phoenix Raceway President Julie Giese had this to say about the new agreement:
“Phoenix Raceway is a state-of-the-art entertainment destination that prides itself on delivering a best-in-class fan experience. Our partnership with Penn National Gaming and Barstool Sportsbook takes this to another level. It will help us continue our mission of redefining the way we engage fans and connect with new audiences.”
Penn National has the unique distinction of being the largest regional casino gaming operator in the US. The company has 42 properties covering 20 different states. Penn Interactive was formed to run the company’s iGaming and online sports betting division.
The centerpiece of this division is Barstool Sportsbook as a highly popular mobile sports betting app where available. Home base in PA was the first state to offer the app. They have expanded into Illinois sportsbooks, Indiana sportsbooks, and Michigan sportsbooks.
This new partnership is part of the overall company strategy of operating as an omnichannel gaming provider. This involves a fully integrated sports media and entertainment component.
As Senior Vice President of Penn Interactive, Jon Kaplowitz offered the following perspective on his company’s latest partnership:
“Barstool Sportsbook has proven itself to be a market leader in the jurisdictions where it has launched due to a combination of unique offers and a leading mobile experience. This new partnership will allow us to engage a passionate sports fan base in Arizona while having access to a best-in-class sports entertainment facility in Phoenix Raceway.”
As part of Barstool Sportsbook’s exclusive status with Phoenix Raceway, it will take an active role in promoting betting odds for NASCAR. This will take place across all properties as well as through the mobile betting app.
Another part of the marketing plan is tie-ins through unique promotions as well as odds boosts for Arizona bettors. Barstool Sportsbook will also have track-side signage along with added brand exposure through NASCAR’s social media and digital channels.
Penn National was NASCAR’s initial gaming partner through a previous strategic alliance. This was the company’s first partnership with a professional US sports league.
In a race title sponsorship with Kansas Speedway, the company operates Hollywood Casino on Turn 2 of that NASCAR track. That partnership was recently extended through the 2026 NASCAR season.