Score Media and Gaming Inc., the Toronto-based parent company of sports news and data site TheScore, announced the launch of its long-anticipated sports betting app in New Jersey, becoming the first-ever North American media firm to launch a mobile book platform in the U.S. 

The platform, called TheScore Bet, allows users to place bets on a variety of sports, including Major League Baseball, the NBA, NFL, NHL, NCAA football and basketball, soccer from UEFA, English Premier League and Europa League. Support for additional sports betting, including tennis, golf and combat sports, are scheduled for future updates. 

"TheScore Bet is a completely unique and groundbreaking mobile sports betting experience," John Levy, founder and CEO of TheScore, said in the press release. "Our team has launched a best-in-class sports betting app that's been seamlessly integrated with our market leading media app."

The Android and iOS platform was built through a combination of TheScore's sports app and backend technology from sports betting platform Bet.Works. 

The announcement came just hours after Score Media announced a $40 million investment from Fengate Asset Management that will be used to finance the new platform. The company launched the platform under a partnership with Darby Development, the parent company of Monmouth Park Racetrack. 

The company also has an agreement with Penn National Gaming, which will provide market access to 11 additional states, subject to the enactment of local gaming laws and other regulatory approvals and licensing deals. 

The Wall Street Journal reported this week that mobile sports wagering is growing at such an explosive rate that New Jersey is neck and neck with the state of Nevada over national leadership in the space. 

Cover image courtesy Score Media.