Former FanDuel Executive Turchin Joins PENN, Will Oversee ESPN Bet

PENN Entertainment has hired former FanDuel executive Billy Turchin as the new Chief Product Officer for its interactive division. This is the latest in a series of moves to improve ESPN Bet’s performance.

Turchin will oversee PENN’s online gaming brands, which include Hollywood Casino and theScore in addition to ESPN Bet.

Turchin announced the move on LinkedIn last week, saying he was “thrilled to be part of shaping what comes next and grateful for the opportunity to be a disrupter in this rapidly evolving industry.”

At FanDuel, Turchin oversaw customer acquisition and player account management, anti-money laundering and fraud prevention, regulatory compliance, and more during three-and-a-half years as Senior Vice President of Product.

“Along with cutting-edge digital products, PENN Entertainment features the largest and most diverse gaming footprint in North America,” Turchin wrote, “operating 43+ casino and racetrack properties under well-known brands including Hollywood, Ameristar, L’Auberge, M, and more.

“The expansive online and physical footprint allows PENN to deliver unparalleled omnichannel entertainment experiences.” 

Hiring Turchin Follows Series of Big Moves for PENN

Turchin’s hiring is the third significant addition by PENN in the last six months as the company seeks to bolster its digital footprint. Gadi Rouache, formerly of Disney and ESPN, was brought on last fall as its SVP and head of design. Joining him was Mike Andrews, also formerly of Disney, as Head of Engineering. Like Turchin, both report to Chief Technology Officer Aaron LaBerge, who was hired by PENN last summer following stints with Disney and ESPN.

Turchin comes aboard at a critical time for PENN, which looks to regain market share following its split with Barstool Sports. Underwhelming results by ESPN Bet have fueled speculation that PENN could seek to opt out of the 10-year licensing deal valued at roughly $2 billion when it was signed in 2023.

According to company estimates, ESPN Bet controls only 2.35% of the U.S. sports betting market, and it struggles to compete with DraftKings and FanDuel. That pales compared to PENN’s original goal of 20% of market share by 2027.

PENN Building Its Portfolio

PENN added to its portfolio earlier this month, inking a partnership with MLB Players Inc. (MLBPI), the business affiliate of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA).

The agreement allows both ESPN Bet and Canadian-based theScoreBet permission to use MLB player names, images, and likenesses (NIL) on their betting platforms for retail and marketing purposes.

PENN owns 32 retail sportsbooks, including 19 under the ESPN Bet brand.

“Partnering with MLB Players Inc. strengthens our connection to the league and its star players and creates additional opportunities to engage fans throughout the season,” PENN VP of Operations Jason Birney said in a news release. 

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 PENN Entertainment has hired former FanDuel executive Billy Turchin as the new Chief Product Officer for its interactive division. This is the latest in a series of moves to improve ESPN Bet’s performance. Turchin will oversee PENN’s online gaming brands, which include Hollywood Casino and theScore in addition to ESPN Bet. Turchin announced the move
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