theScore granted initial approval for online and mobile sports betting in New Jersey

theScore announced Friday that the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has granted an initial approval authorizing the company’s subsidiary, Score Digital Sports Ventures to engage in Internet and mobile sports wagering activities in the state.

In accordance with the DGE’s procedures, theScore will undertake a soft-launch phase of its sportsbook app with a select group of sports bettors in the state in the coming days, ahead of its anticipated state-wide launch in advance of football season.

“This is a huge milestone and a result of the tireless hard work that has gone into getting our sportsbook ready for launch,” said John Levy, Founder and CEO of theScore. “We can’t wait to debut a best-in-class sports betting offering in New Jersey, delivering a truly unique and holistic sports media and wagering experience for fans.”

theScore became the first media company in North America to announce plans to operate a sports betting platform in December 2018 after finalizing an official licensing partnership for New Jersey market access with Darby Development, the operator of Monmouth Park Racetrack, and the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.

Last month, theScore announced a major expansion to its U.S. mobile sports betting platform through a strategic multi-state market access framework agreement with Penn National Gaming, North America’s largest regional gaming operator. The framework agreement provides theScore with the right to offer online and mobile sports betting and i-gaming applications in 11 states where Penn National operates casinos and racetracks, subject to applicable state gaming laws and regulations.