Is Barstool Sportsbook Coming Back? — What to Expect in the Future of Barstool Betting

After Barstool Sportsbook shut down in late 2023, many loyal bettors began asking the same question — “Will Barstool ever bring back its sportsbook?” This 2025 industry update from fourseasoncycling.com breaks down what really happened, what insiders have said, and whether a comeback could be on the horizon.

1. The Short Version: Barstool Sportsbook Is Gone — For Now

In August 2023, Penn Entertainment sold its ownership stake in Barstool Sports back to its founder, Dave Portnoy, and ended all sportsbook operations under the Barstool name. That same month, Penn announced a 10-year exclusive deal with ESPN to launch ESPN Bet, effectively replacing Barstool Sportsbook overnight.

Since then, no new Barstool-branded betting products have been released. As of 2025, the brand is focused entirely on content and entertainment, not on licensed wagering.

2. Dave Portnoy’s Public Statements

Barstool’s founder, Dave Portnoy, has repeatedly commented that the company is “done with the gambling business.” He explained in interviews that operating a regulated sportsbook conflicted with Barstool’s personality-driven, unfiltered media style.

“I’d rather be funny, controversial, and independent — not dealing with regulators watching every word,” Portnoy said in a late-2024 interview. That comment alone suggests Barstool has no immediate plan to reapply for a U.S. betting license or launch a new sportsbook brand.

3. The ESPN Bet Transition: A Permanent Move

The transition from Barstool to ESPN Bet wasn’t a temporary rebrand — it was a full business shift. Penn Entertainment transferred all betting infrastructure, user databases, and technology to the new ESPN platform.

This means even if Barstool ever decides to re-enter the gambling market, it would need to rebuild everything from scratch: licenses, systems, and payment networks.

4. Could Barstool Return in Another Form?

Industry experts say a comeback isn’t impossible — just unlikely in the near term. Two possible future scenarios exist:

• 💡 Affiliate Model: Barstool could partner with existing sportsbooks as a media affiliate or odds promoter (similar to The Action Network).
• 🎥 Media Expansion: Barstool continues producing betting-related content — odds shows, podcasts, influencer picks — without processing bets directly.

In both cases, Barstool remains influential in sports betting culture, even if it’s no longer taking wagers itself.

5. What Would It Take for Barstool to Relaunch?

If Barstool ever wanted to reopen a sportsbook, it would need to:

• 📝 Obtain new state-level gaming licenses (a multi-year process).
• 🏗️ Build a compliant backend platform or partner with a provider.
• 🤝 Establish payment and KYC integrations for legal verification.
• 📢 Rebuild brand trust with regulators after its 2023 exit.

Given these challenges, a relaunch before 2026 is considered highly unlikely by most analysts.

6. Barstool’s Current Role in Betting Culture

While Barstool no longer runs a sportsbook, its influence on U.S. betting culture remains undeniable. Shows like The Barstool Gambling Cave and Pardon My Take still feature odds breakdowns, betting humor, and weekly pick segments that attract millions of views across YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok.

Barstool’s unique ability to blend betting talk with entertainment has kept the brand relevant — even without a wagering license.

7. Competitors Filling the Gap

Since Barstool’s exit, platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM have absorbed much of its former audience. These sportsbooks offer similar community-focused features, frequent promo boosts, and influencer partnerships that mirror Barstool’s tone.

For fans who loved Barstool’s casual betting environment, ESPN Bet now provides the closest experience under Penn’s modern system.

8. The Verdict from Industry Analysts

Analysts agree that Barstool’s strength lies in media, not gambling operations. Its independence gives it freedom to cover the sports betting industry without legal restrictions or compliance burdens.

However, if market conditions change — for example, if regulatory frameworks become more flexible — Barstool could re-enter as a co-branded entertainment platform in partnership with another operator.

Closing Insights

As of 2025, Barstool Sportsbook is gone for good — at least for now. While fans continue to hope for a comeback, the company has shifted back to its original DNA: media, humor, and the raw energy that made it famous in the first place.

Those seeking real betting action can safely use ESPN Bet or other licensed U.S. sportsbooks. To stay updated on industry shifts and verified promotions, visit https://fourseasoncycling.com.

Barstool Sportsbook is coming soon to be your home for betting on the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA and more. Stay connected and be the first to know about all the things coming to Barstool Sportsbook.

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