Jay Snowden

Snowden was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1976. His mother worked as a poker dealer at the Frontier Casino, giving him early exposure to the casino industry. He is highly educated, holding a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Harvard University and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis.

His net worth is estimated at at least $18 million as of late 2025, driven by substantial executive compensation (reported at over $26.6 million in 2024) and stock holdings.

Roots in Gaming and Academic Training

Snowden’s career blends practical insights from the casino floor with a rigorous academic background in finance and strategy.

Early Exposure to Las Vegas

Growing up in Las Vegas gave Snowden an intimate knowledge of the gaming business. His early exposure came from watching his mother work as a poker dealer. This experience instilled in him a focus on operations and customer dynamics that guides his leadership today.

Formal Education

Snowden’s education provided a strong foundation for his executive career:

• Harvard University: He earned a BA from the prestigious Ivy League school.
• Washington University in St. Louis: He secured an MBA, specializing his skills in business and corporate strategy.

Career Trajectory and Digital Pivot

Snowden began his career at a major gaming rival before moving to PENN and orchestrating the company’s dramatic shift to digital platforms.

Path Through Operations

Snowden started at Caesars Entertainment in 1998. For over a decade, he held numerous leadership roles in various markets, including St. Louis, San Diego, and Las Vegas. Significantly, he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of both Caesars and Harrah’s Resorts in Atlantic City from 2010 to 2011.

He joined PENN Entertainment (then Penn National Gaming) in October 2011 as Senior Vice President of Regional Operations. He quickly rose through the ranks:

• Chief Operating Officer (COO): Appointed in 2014, he drove operational efficiency and managed the company’s physical casino portfolio.
• President and COO: Promoted in 2017, he focused on strategic growth and was later appointed to the Board of Directors in 2019.

The ESPN BET Strategy

Snowden took over as CEO in January 2020 and immediately accelerated PENN’s digital transformation. He made two major, high-stakes moves:

1. Acquisition of theScore (2021): PENN spent $2 billion to acquire the popular Canadian sports media and betting company, gaining a proprietary technology platform.
2. ESPN BET Launch (2023): Snowden orchestrated a $1.5 billion partnership with ESPN over ten years. This deal created ESPN BET, the company’s new online sportsbook. It replaced the Barstool Sportsbook brand, which PENN sold back to its founder for $1.

The ESPN BET strategy aims to leverage the ESPN brand’s massive audience for customer acquisition. While the launch attracted over one million first-time depositors quickly, the company acknowledges it faces challenges in achieving high market share against leaders like FanDuel and DraftKings.

Achievements and Personal Life

Under Snowden’s leadership, PENN achieved a record $6.4 billion in revenues in 2024. His focus on the omnichannel experience has been recognized by the industry, and he was named to the Boston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2014.

Snowden maintains a private personal life. Details about his marriage, children, or personal hobbies are not publicly available, reflecting his professional focus. His leadership style, however, is frequently debated by shareholders due to the large spending and strategic shifts involved in the company’s aggressive digital expansion.