Sports Betting Analyst Erin Dolan Teams Up With ESPN

Considering it’s the biggest name in sports media, ESPN has to follow the betting trends. And the biggest trend of the past few years, of course, is the rapid rise of sports wagering. In order to keep up with this, ESPN now flashes point spreads and point totals on their news ticker in a seamless fashion. The channel’s website even has its own news section on sports betting called ESPN Chalk. Additionally, the channel has launched its own betting-centric content, such as the Daily Wager program in which host Doug Kezirian consults with a variety of different betting experts. Well, looking at a recent move by the network, it appears that ESPN is serious about putting their chips on sports gambling.

ESPN Adds Sports Betting Expert Erin Dolan

Considering ESPN’s lean towards sports wagering, it’s not surprising that the network has struck a multi-year deal to bring on sports betting analyst Erin Dolan. Dolan, who had previously worked with the network in 2017, is making her return as a contributor for a number of different programs, such as the Daily Wager television show and podcast.

Dolan brings plenty of experience to the table. She had previously hosted content for both PointsBet and FanDuel, in addition to the online program “Girls Who Bet.” Additionally, Dolan hosted SiriusXM’s “The Early Line” as well as contributed to Bleacher Report’s “The Group Chat.” With her recent comeback on ESPN, she could signal a new wave of talent focused primarily on betting.

Will the Gamble Pay Off For ESPN?

Having more betting-related content on ESPN is definitely a double-edged sword. While betting-related content will definitely pique the interest of plenty of fans, more casual sports enthusiasts and those residing in states without legalized wagering might be alienated by mentions of moneyline numbers and spreads and change the channel. ESPN surely isn’t the only network struggling with this issue, and it’ll be interesting to see how the move to include more wagering talk will affect the media platform longterm.

ESPN Talent Transitioning to Gambling

Adding Dolan to the mix likely helps to ease the blow from numerous hosts jumping ship for more betting-related content. One of the biggest instances of this was the loss of longtime host Trey Wingo. Since his departure, Wingo has joined Caesars Sportsbook as a content creator, hosting the “Trey’s Trends” show on the platform’s YouTube channel. Kenny Mayne, another ESPN host, moved to Caesars after ESPN let him go in May. Is this a sign that more ESPN talent is planning on moving to the sportsbook?

Well, if we’re going off of some speculation, 2022 might see a major shift in talent. Adam Schefter, longtime NFL insider for ESPN, has a contract ending next year. Some rumors have started that the ESPN personality could make the move to Caesars next year, which would signal a major shift in the state of sports media. Caesars is clearly ready to spend, as the sportsbook has recently signed on the entire Manning family as brand ambassadors.