Barstool Sportsbook would like to thank Major League Baseball (MLB) for its annual All-Star break.
Never mind that the National League broke its nine-year curse and beat the American League. The more important reason to give props to MLB is that it opened a 72-hour opening for Barstool to shut down to allow a platform overhaul to create a new in-house system.
No baseball. No problem. No bets, no deposits, no withdrawals.
The sportsbook’s customers in 16 states got the news on July 7. The shutdown began July 9.
“We are currently upgrading the Barstool Sportsbook to bring you an improved app experience with more markets and wagering options,” the company told bettors.
PENN Entertainment’s Barstool Sportsbook has depended on tech provider Kambi since its launch in September 2020.
When Barstool returns, Kambi will be replaced with an in-house platform. The switch makes sense since PENN coughed up $2.1 billion in October 2021 to acquire theScore, a Toronto-based media and sports betting company which was developing its own platform. The new system debuted in Canada last year and PENN has been tinkering to get the technology ready for use in the U.S.
When asked for comment, a spokesman for PENN referred Sports Handle to past statements made about it on earnings calls by President and CEO Jay Snowden.
PENN hopes good things come from the switch as Barstool has been a mid-tier sportsbook in terms of betting volume with handle well below that of the big three: FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM.
“Having full control of our product roadmap in the U.S. will enable us to connect with our customers on a more personal level and quickly add new features and betting markets to the Barstool Sportsbook, while also enhancing our iCasino product with new content and bonus mechanics. In addition, with an improved customer experience post-migration, we will be well positioned to drive stronger loyalty and retention, while offering seamless cross-play in our omnichannel ecosystem,” Snowden said.
Customers could expect faster load times, more player props, more exclusive bet offers exclusive to Barstool, enhanced promotions, and theScore media app, among other features.
And the account balance is 100 percent secured during the upgrade. Outstanding wagers carry over to the brand new Barstool Sportsbook & Casino experience. And…logins will rely on email instead of having to remember usernames.
