ESPN sent employees guidance on what they can and cannot bet on ahead of ESPN BET’s launch on Tuesday. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Leave no stone unturned
ESPN is making sure that all of its employees are aware of what they can and cannot do when it comes to the soon-to-be-launched ESPN Betting. The new online sports betting brand will launch Tuesday in 17 states, so the Disney-owned media giant has set strict guidelines for its 5,000 or so employees.
Prevent any potential questions regarding journalistic integrity
In an effort to head off any potential questions of journalistic integrity, any employee who covers a particular sports league or has a close working relationship with one of these organizations is not permitted to bet on related events. Anyone who violates this rule will be terminated.
Handling sensitive information
Employees also cannot withhold any inside information – such as news about an injury or team selection – and use it for potential gains through gambling. Additionally, they are not allowed to place bets on any markets determined by off-field metrics, such as awards like MVP.
All of these rules apply to anyone trying to get a third party to bet for them. In reference to disclosing information, ESPN’s guidelines state that no story should be reported, delayed, influenced or withheld in order to influence betting lines.
All eyes at all
The launch of ESPN BET is highly anticipated and is set to radically change the sports betting landscape in the United States. DraftKings and FanDuel have dominated the segment for years, with BetMGM in third place in terms of market share.
License to name ESPN for an initial term of ten years
PENN Entertainment is supplying the technology and will operate the ESPN BET platforms, licensing the ESPN name for an initial period of ten years. This replaces the previous PENN sportsbook that used the Barstool Sports branding. PENN already has market access in a large number of states.
