PENN Entertainment and the Chicago Bears have announced a multi-year partnership that designates PENN’s Chicagoland retail properties, Hollywood Casino Aurora and the new state-of-the-art Hollywood Casino Joliet as Official Casino Partners, and ESPN BET Sportsbook as an Official Sports Betting Partner of the Bears.

Under the agreement, PENN receives a host of entitlements for both brands, including IP rights, expansive in-stadium signage, an in-game Hollywood Casino feature, digital media and marketing integrations, opportunities to provide its customers with exclusive team-related experiences and more.

“We’re thrilled to announce this partnership in connection with the opening of our new state-of-the-art Joliet property and on the precipice of football season.” said Todd George, Executive Vice President, Operations, PENN Entertainment. “Teaming up with one of the premier franchises in the NFL creates exciting new omnichannel marketing opportunities for our ESPN BET and Hollywood Casino brands. Through the partnership, we look forward to engaging a large and passionate audience at Soldier Field as well as across our online products and at the new property in the Chicagoland area.”

ESPN BET, the official sportsbook of ESPN, is a best-in-class online sports betting product loaded with a suite of cutting-edge features, fast load times and seamless navigation. ESPN BET is live in 20 U.S. jurisdictions, including Illinois. New for this football season, ESPN BET has launched FanCenter, a personalized in-app hub that allows customers to easily find wagering markets based on their favorite teams, players, and ESPN fantasy football rosters.

The all-new land based Hollywood Casino Joliet celebrated its grand opening on August 11, 2025, replacing the former riverboat location. Bears executives and NFL legend and Joliet native Tom Thayer were on-hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony. The new casino is part of Rock Run Collection, a super-regional commercial and residential development. The property features approximately 1,000 slots and 43 live table games, an ESPN BET sportsbook, several celebrity-led restaurants and bars, event center and meeting space, and ample parking.