On Tuesday (7 May) the PGA Championship became the first major golf tournament to make a deal with a wagering company. ESPN Bet parent company Penn Entertainment announced the deal.
Under the terms of the deal, ESPN Bet becomes the “official sports betting partner” of the PGA Championship.
The tournament will be held at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville between 16-19 May. Because the PGA Championship changes venues each year, no brick-and-mortar sportsbook will be associated with the deal.
Next week, ESPN Bet will have a members lounge set up adjacent to the green on the 13th hole. ESPN Bet customers will be able to use the lounge.
Inside the lounge, ESPN Bet account holders will find beverages and covered seating and will also get special betting offers. The lounge will have a view of the par-4 13th hole.
“The added onsite presence of ESPN Bet as well as broadcast and content offerings will provide spectators with exciting new ways to enjoy and engage with all of the action during the PGA Championship,” Jeff Price, the PGA of America’s chief commercial officer, said by press release.
Three-year deal covers wagering states
The deal lasts through 2026 and the PGA Championship will be played in legal sports betting states for the duration of the agreement.
The tournament is set for North Carolina’s Quail Hollow Golf Club in 2025 and Pennsylvania’s Aronimink Golf Club in 2026. ESPN Bet is live in both states, as well as Kentucky.
ESPN Bet launched in November 2023 after Penn cut ties with its original platform partner, Barstool Sportsbook. The digital betting app is live in 19 US jurisdictions.
In addition to being on-site at Valhalla, ESPN Bet will be “integrated” into PGA Championship coverage on ESPN. The deal also allows for ESPN Bet content on PGA of America digital platforms. Special PGA Championship betting offers will be available prior to and throughout the tournament.
