ESPN Bet Helps Propel PA to Record Numbers....And Big Losses
Below you will find the latest gambling news out of Pennsylvania.
ESPN Bet Delivers Record Numbers to PA Sports Betting, But at What Cost?
ALLENTOWN, PA (Gambling911.com) - Penn National's rebranding of its Barstool Sportsbook app to ESPN Bet delivered record numbers to the Keystone State.
ESPN Bet took $65.1 million in bets in November, more than double what Barstool saw in October, But ESPN Bet also used $14.8 million in promotional credits from bonus offers to reel in new customers, more than twice as much as its $7 million in gross revenue. Ouch!
For Pennsylvania, ESPN Bet contributed to a new high of $934.1 million in collective handle last month between all books. That represents a 12.7% increase from October.
- Updated December 20, 2023, Gilbert Horowitz
PA Gambler Goes on Rampage, Others Banned Then Break Into Jeep
ALLENTOWN, PA (Gambling911.com) - One gambler damaged an elevator then got stuck in it, another vandalized a parked jeep. Both casino patrons allegedly acted out after big losses.
An unidentified Harrisburg man walked into an elevator and then repeatedly kicked the elevator doors causing it to get stuck in between floors.
He was trapped and needed to be rescued by Grantville, Pa. firefighters, according to Pennsylvania TV station WHTM.
Apparently he was oblivious to the fact that there are cameras all over the casino, including the elevator.
Then on Dec. 9, Christopher Motta, 27, of Pittsburgh, was banned permanently from the gaming property in connection with a prior theft only to attempt another theft of a vehicle in the casino garage.
Motta and his friend were ejected and escorted to the elevator lobby at around 4 a.m. and were told to leave the casino property immediately, according to state police. They had other plans.
Forget that there were cameras, PA state police were watching Motta and his friend as they departed the casino. Motta attempted to conceal his identity by covering his head with a jacket.
Investigators said Motta had taken a loaded gun and holster from the victim's vehicle. Motta was charged with violations of the Uniform Firearms Act and theft-related offenses.
- Updated December 18, 2023 - Jagajeet Chiba
