theScore Bet
- Founded
- 2019-01-01 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Headquarters
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
theScore Bet is a Canadian multinational sportsbook and online casino operator, wholly owned by Penn Entertainment. Launched in September 2019, it was built on the foundation of theScore, a leading sports media app that pioneered integrated betting features through 'Bet Mode'. theScore Bet quickly established itself as a first-mover among media companies in the U.S. sports betting market after the PASPA repeal. In 2021, Penn Entertainment acquired Score Media and Gaming for $2 billion. The brand expanded into Ontario in April 2022, becoming the first Canadian jurisdiction. Today, theScore Bet operates in 21 U.S. states and Ontario, offering sports betting, online casino (theScore Casino in Canada, Hollywood Casino Online in the U.S.), and media-integrated gambling. Following the early termination of Penn's ESPN Bet partnership in late 2025, theScore Bet absorbed ESPN Bet's user base and entered Missouri, becoming Penn's primary online sportsbook. The brand holds an estimated 10% market share in Ontario and is preparing for a launch in Alberta in July 2026. With a proprietary risk and trading platform, theScore Bet controls its pricing and margins.
Detailed Review
History
theScore Bet was launched in September 2019 by Score Media and Gaming Inc., the company behind the popular theScore sports media app. The app's 'Bet Mode' allowed users to transition seamlessly from news to wagering. In 2021, Penn Entertainment acquired Score Media for $2 billion, integrating the brand into its portfolio. The sportsbook launched in Ontario in April 2022, becoming the first regulated online sportsbook in Canada. More recently, in November 2025, Penn and ESPN mutually agreed to terminate their partnership, leading to the absorption of ESPN Bet customers into theScore Bet and expansion into Missouri.
Business Model
theScore Bet operates on a business-to-consumer model, generating revenue from sports betting margins and casino hold. It benefits from cross-promotion with theScore media app, which drives user acquisition. The brand also operates a proprietary risk and trading platform, allowing it to set its own odds and manage risk independently, improving margins.
Products and Platforms
The flagship product is theScore Bet sportsbook app, offering pregame and in-play markets, parlays, live betting, and promotions. In regulated markets, it offers online casino under the theScore Casino (Canada) and Hollywood Casino Online (U.S.) brands. The theScore media app integrates betting via 'Bet Mode', providing real-time odds and one-tap wagering.
Market Position
theScore Bet holds an estimated 10% market share in Ontario's regulated market. In the U.S., it operates across 21 states, with market access through Penn's retail casinos. The brand has exclusive partnerships, including a 10-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays and official NHL sports betting designation in Canada. Following the ESPN Bet transition, it is now Penn's primary online sportsbook in the U.S.
Recent Developments
In November 2025, Penn Entertainment and ESPN ended their partnership early, leading to theScore Bet absorbing ESPN Bet's user base and launching in Missouri. The brand is also preparing for a full-scale launch in Alberta in July 2026. The company continues to invest in its proprietary technology stack.
Key Products
theScore Bet Sportsbook
Mobile sports betting app offering pregame and in-play markets, parlays, live betting, early cashouts, and exclusive promotions across major professional sports leagues.
theScore Casino (Canada) / Hollywood Casino Online (U.S.)
Online casino platform featuring slots, table games, and live dealer games, branded separately for Canadian (theScore Casino) and U.S. (Hollywood Casino Online) markets.
theScore Media App
Sports news and scores application (theScore) that integrates betting features via 'Bet Mode', including real-time odds, bet tracking, and one-tap wagering forwarding to theScore Bet app.
Proprietary Risk & Trading Platform
In-house sportsbook technology platform that replaced third-party middleware, enabling independent pricing, risk management, and trading operations.
Key Persons
- Jay Snowden
Chief Executive Officer, Penn Entertainment (oversees theScore Bet)
John S. LevyFounder
Recent News
Alberta iGaming Market Launches as bet365, BetRivers, and theScore Bet Go Live; Prediction Markets and Pennsylvania Revenue Set Records
Alberta's regulated iGaming market launched on July 13, 2026, with bet365, BetRivers, theScore Bet, and over 15 other operators going live, while Pennsylvania posted record gaming revenue of $7.01 billion and prediction markets captured 27% of U.S. World Cup betting volume.
2026-07-14
Alberta confirms July 13 launch for regulated iGaming market with 50 approved operators
Alberta will open its regulated online gambling market on July 13, 2026, with 50 private operators approved, targeting $1 billion in first-year revenue and aiming to shift the majority of offshore betting into a provincially overseen system.
2026-07-13