• Loading stock data...
Thursday, February 6, 2025

Moving The Lines: How Will ESPN Insiders Play Into ESPN Bet?

  • The network’s insiders will be kept far away from gambling-focused programs like “Daily Wager.”
  • ESPN vowed to continue its ‘high standard of journalistic integrity.’
Adam Schefter
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

During the NBA Draft, sports bettors cried foul when hoops insider Shams Charania seemingly moved betting lines around a top draft pick.

Charania’s credentials as a reporter weren’t in question. It was his part-time job with FanDuel Sportsbook that led to conflict-of-interest charges.

The next player to step into the minefield will be ESPN. The sports giant — home of league insiders like Adam Schefter (NFL), Adrian Wojnarowski (NBA), and Jeff Passan (MLB) — will now face the responsibility that comes with the power to impact odds and betting markets with a single tweet.  

ESPN’s $2 billion, 10-year deal with PENN Entertainment to rebrand Barstool Sportsbooks “ESPN Bet” is a giant gamble — and one that raises questions. 

Will we see Wojnarowski touting picks on ESPN’s “Daily Wager?” What roles, if any, will Woj, Schefter, Passan, and others play with ESPN Bet?

The word out of ESPN is that it will implement strict lines of demarcation between journalism and sports betting. The network’s insiders will be kept far away from gambling-focused programs like “Daily Wager,” sources told Front Office Sports.

Man wearing ESPN logo on back of shirt while court side at mens college basketball game

ESPN Makes Landmark Entry Into Sports Betting With PENN Entertainment Deal

ESPN is finally entering the legal sports betting space.
August 8, 2023

On Tuesday, ESPN vowed to continue its “high standard of journalistic integrity when covering the sports betting space.” It also promised to develop a committee on “responsible gaming.” 

But things get murky quickly when it comes to sports betting. Ever since the NFL backtracked on its long-standing opposition to sports betting, it has struggled with an outbreak of gambling violations by players. And more than a year ago, it was Wojnarowski who apparently changed the odds on Draft night. 

As the saying goes, the next best thing to playing and winning is playing and losing. ESPN is about to roll the dice.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Announces 2026 Rams Game in Australia Despite Player Concerns

Rams to play in Melbourne in 2026, marking NFL’s first game in Australia.
Stephen A. Smith
exclusive

Stephen A. Smith Says Deal to Return to ESPN Coming ‘Very, Very..

Smith’s old contract was set to expire this summer.

NFLPA’s Austin Ekeler: Idea of 18-Game Season ‘Makes Me Cringe’

NFLPA’s Lloyd Howell opposes 18-game season, citing serious concerns for player health.

Chiefs’ Ambitious Facility Plans Hinge on Stadium Future

Chiefs consider $425 million training facility as stadium future and brand strategy evolve.

Featured Today

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
Feb 3, 2019; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears mascot dances on the court during a stoppage in play in the second half against the Stanford Cardinal at Haas Pavilion.
January 31, 2025

The Toll of Bicoastal Travel on New ACC Members Cal and Stanford

Cal and Stanford face missed flights, chaotic sleep schedules, and academic demands.
January 28, 2025

It’s Starting to Pay to Be Good at Cornhole

American Cornhole League players made $7.7 million in 2024.
Aug 22, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) talks with home plate umpire Pat Hoberg as Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) adjusts his PitchCom device during the second inning at Minute Maid Park.

MLB Fires Umpire Pat Hoberg: Third Gambling Scandal in Under a Year

The league terminates the umpire for failing to uphold the game’s integrity.
Terry Rozier
January 30, 2025

Feds Investigating Terry Rozier for NBA Point Shaving

Rozier is eyed in the same investigation that snagged Jontay Porter.
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) walks off the field after winning the NFC Championship game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field.
February 3, 2025

Robinhood Suspends Rollout of Super Bowl Betting After CFTC Request

Robinhood has suspended trading of event contracts on the Super Bowl.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
A Delta flight takes off from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on July 12, 2024, in Phoenix.
January 23, 2025

Is Sports Gambling on Planes Next?

A 1962 law prohibits the use of gambling devices on commercial aircraft.
Kelce
January 22, 2025

Prediction Market Company Kalshi to Launch Super Bowl Betting

Crypto.com launched a similar offering recently.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) hands the ball to running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26).
January 15, 2025

Crypto.com Continues Super Bowl Futures Contract Despite Feds’ Pause Request

A showdown between Crypto.com and the CFTC is on the horizon.
January 9, 2025

Sports Betting Is Growing, but Match-Fixing Continues to Drop

The number of suspicious matches globally falls 17% in 2024.