Penn Entertainment signs multi-year partnership with Chicago Bears
Hollywood Casino Aurora and Hollywood Casino Joliet have been named Official Casino Partners and ESPN Bet Sportsbook Official Sports Betting Partner.
US.- Penn Entertainment and the Chicago Bears have announced a multi-year partnership. Penn’s properties Hollywood Casino Aurora and the new Hollywood Casino Joliet have been named Official Casino Partners, and ESPN Bet Sportsbook has become Official Sports Betting Partner of the football team.
Entitlements include IP rights, in-stadium signage, an in-game Hollywood Casino feature, digital media and marketing integrations.
Todd George, executive vice president of operations at Penn Entertainment, said: “We’re thrilled to announce this partnership in connection with the opening of our new state-of-the-art Joliet property and on the precipice of football season. Teaming up with one of the premier franchises in the NFL creates exciting new omnichannel marketing opportunities for our ESPN Bet and Hollywood Casino brands. Through the partnership, we look forward to engaging a large and passionate audience at Soldier Field as well as across our online products and at the new property in the Chicagoland area.”
Hollywood Casino Joliet opened in Illinois on August 11, replacing the former riverboat location. The property features approximately 1,000 slots and 43 live table games, an ESPN BET sportsbook, restaurants and bars, event centre and parking.
Construction is currently underway on Hollywood Casino Aurora, which is expected to open in the first half of 2026. The land-based casino, hotel and entertainment facility will again replace a riverboat casino.
Illinois Gaming Board adopts new gambling advertising rules
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) recently updated its marketing and advertising standards for licensed casino, video gaming, and sports betting operators. As of August 1, there is a ban on gambling advertising on college campuses, in school-affiliated newspapers and media, or at sporting venues that primarily host college events.
Operators are prohibited from depicting students or names, logos, or college or university settings in any marketing materials. They are now required to keep record of all marketing and promotional activities, and all materials must include problem gambling language as defined by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
