Penn National Gaming’s Barstool Sportsbook is under investigation in the aftermath of sexual misconduct allegations brought against Barstool President, Dave Portnoy.
Nevada and Indiana are probing both companies in wake of an Insider Inc. story published Nov. 2021, accusing the Barstool founder of filming sex without consent and breaking another partner’s ribs.
The investigations—first reported by the Wall Street Journal—could result in regulators revoking Penn's mobile license in Indiana, where it operates the Barstool Sportsbook app. There’s no Barstool Sportsbook in Nevada, though Penn runs two casinos in Las Vegas.
"The Board’s statutory obligation is to protect the reputation of the state and the reputation of the state’s gaming industry, Nevada Gaming Control board chairman, Brian Gibson said in a statement.
He declined to comment further.
Penn acquired a 36% stake in the brash sports and pop culture blog over two years ago. Later that same year, they partnered to launch Barstool Sportsbook, a mobile sports betting app present in 12 states.
Penn CEO Jay Snowden has stood by Portnoy, urging the public to hear his side of the story.
“The allegations are from anonymous sources made about Dave in his personal life, and Dave has responded publicly – many of you have probably seen that – just as he did last time,” Snowden during an earnings call in February.
Portnoy has denied all allegations and is suing Insider for defamation.
"After being presented with all the facts surrounding the story and not just a one sided smear campaign by Business Insider everybody associated with me both personally and professionally have stuck with me because I proved the allegations have zero merit," Portnoy told the Action Network.
He added that state regulators "wouldn't be doing their job" if they didn't investigate the allegations.
"The IGC is conducting a review of this matter as it pertains to Penn’s responsibilities as a licensee," Jennifer Reske, deputy director of the Indiana Gaming Commission said in a statement. "Penn is aware of the IGC’s ongoing concerns and we will continue to evaluate any new information that emerges."
READ MORE: Barstool Sportsbook was rebranded to ESPN BET in November 2023. Learn about Action Network's exclusive ESPN BET promo code in our app review.
