ESPN BET Review
ESPN Bet Review
ESPN announced an agreement worth over $1 billion with PENN Entertainment to launch a new sportsbook branded ESPN Bet on August 8, 2023. The official launch in 17 states was in November of 2023.
Penn Entertainment was the company behind Barstool, which closed for several reasons, leaving room for ESPN Bet to take the stage. This means that you can expect ESPN Bet to share many of the same features as Barstool while including a few upgrades.
ESPN Bet is new to the game but being such a big brand, they’re probably destined for success. However, if the ghost of Barstool chases them, it may be a difficult obstacle to overcome. Some clients have already reported having withdrawal issues as they did back with Barstool; let’s hope this is just a shadow they can leave behind and nobody gets hurt.
ESPN Bet Sportsbook Review & Full Analysis
*Last update: 05/06/2024
Pros and Cons of ESPN Bet
PROS
Promotional Value: ESPN Bet offers a variety of promotions, including odds boosts, welcome bonuses, and the Parlay+ feature.
Brand Name: Being part of the renowned ESPN ecosystem, ESPN Bet benefits from a strong brand reputation and a wealth of sports knowledge. This integration offers bettors in-depth sports analysis, insights, and coverage, which can inform and influence betting decisions.
Casino Variation: In states where it’s available, ESPN Bet includes a casino feature with a diverse range of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options. This variety allows users to enjoy a broad gaming experience beyond sports betting.
CONS
Site Layout Improvement: The ESPN Bet website and app could use a design upgrade to make the user experience more intuitive and visually appealing. While functional, the current layout might seem plain; it could use more vibrant elements to match the brand’s dynamic nature.
Limited Availability: ESPN Bet’s services are only available in certain states due to legal and regulatory constraints, which limits the platform’s accessibility to a broader audience across the country.
Verification Issues: Some users experience difficulties with the verification process, facing delays and a lack of communication from customer support, which can delay or hinder the ability to place bets and access the platform.
ESPN BET Around USA
Taking advantage of PENN Entertainment’s already set up licenses, ESPN Bet was able to set up shop easily in the following states:
Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
There was a small delay with Kentucky; however, they approved the rebrand a week after the launch of the brand.
ESPN Bet has plans to launch in more states, the paperwork is already in place and awaiting approval for some states even. Their next state to go live in is North Carolina, as of March 11th after a partnership with Quail Hollow Club.
| US STATE | ALLOWED | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Mobile app and online sports betting are allowed | With November’s nationwide ESPN BET launch, the online sportsbook site and app are available |
| Colorado | Mobile app and online sports betting are allowed | The ESPN BET app is currently available here |
| Illinois | Mobile and online sports betting are allowed | ESPN BET is live in right now in Illinois |
| Indiana | Both mobile and online | ESPN Bet is legal in Indiana |
| Indiana | Both mobile and online | ESPN Bet is legal in Indiana |
| Kansas | Mobile and online sports betting is live | With app downloads available for residents |
| Kentucky | Mobile and online sports betting is live | They approved the rebrand a week after the launch of the brand. |
| Louisiana | Offers both online and mobile app sports betting | Offers both online and retail sports betting |
| Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan | Supports both mobile and online betting | With partnerships including The Brook and Filotimo Casino. |
| North Carolina | Upcoming | Their next state to go live |
| New Jersey | Online sports betting is live | With a retail location at DraftKings Sportsbook at Del Lago Resort. |
| Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia | Online and mobile sports betting are available | With ESPN BET offering a robust platform for bettors in these states. |
ESPN Bet Bonuses and Promotions & Promo Codes
ESPN Bet offers many bonuses, which are for a limited time. They range from welcome bonuses to specific event specials. These promotions are constantly being updated. Some of the offerings ESPN Bet has are these:
200% First Time Deposit Match
New players at ESPN BET are treated to a generous 200% match on their first deposit, with the opportunity to earn up to $500 in Eligible Cashback.
To qualify for this offer, simply sign up and make your initial deposit at ESPN BET. This introductory promotion is designed to maximize your betting potential right from the start.
Please note that this deposit match offer is valid until March 18th, so be sure to take advantage of it before the deadline.
Make Any Sportsbook Bet, Get $100
ESPN BET’s welcome offer is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. To take advantage of this promotion, create a new ESPN BET account and place a wager of any amount on one of the available sports betting markets.
You will then receive $100 in bonus bets, which are distributed in increments of five $20 allotments. Notably, there is no requirement for an ESPN BET bonus code to access this benefit.
This offer must be claimed by March 31st to take advantage of the bonus.
Special Market
There is a unique selection of bets influenced by various ESPN figures like Scott Van Pelt, Mike Greenberg, Elle Duncan, Stephen A. Smith, and others.
These personalized wagers offer a novel way to engage with sports betting through the insights of well-known sports analysts and personalities.
Parlay Club
Engage in the Parlay Club by placing four standard parlays, each consisting of four or more bets and valued at $10 during the specified promo period.
Regardless of the parlays’ results, you’ll be credited with a $5 bonus bet, enhancing your betting experience.
Overtime/Shootout Protection
For fans of the NFL or NHL, this promo offers a safety net. Make a pre-game moneyline bet on any NFL or NHL team and get a full refund of your stake if your chosen team is defeated in overtime or a shootout.
The refund cap is set at $1,000 for NFL bets and $100 for NHL bets.
50 Point Special
NBA bettors can capitalize on the 50-Point Special. When you place a pre-game moneyline bet and a player scores 50 points in that game, you may qualify for bonus bets up to $1,000, provided your original wager was successful.
Buzzer Beater Protection
This offer caters to college basketball bettors. If you make a pre-game moneyline bet on an NCAAB game and your team loses to a last-second basket, you can receive a refund equal to 100% of your stake, up to a maximum of $100.
*All of these promotions have different terms and conditions, we advise taking a look into these before opting to claim any.
Deposit Methods & Limits
Debit Card
- Accepted Brands: Visa and Mastercard, subject to bank gaming transaction policies.
- Limit: Determined by your banking institution.
- Timing: Deposits are processed instantly.
Credit Card
- Accepted Brands: Visa and Mastercard offer fast and straightforward deposits.
- Limit: Your bank may set deposit limits.
- Timing: Deposits are processed instantly.
Online Banking
- Provider: Uses Trustly for direct bank transfers, which are deposited instantly, though bank clearance might take 2-3 business days.
- Limit: Up to $10,000 per transaction.
- Timing: Deposits are recognized instantly.
Apple Pay
- Details: Use debit cards linked to Apple Pay for depositing funds.
- Limit: $500 per transaction.
- Timing: Deposits are processed instantly.
ACH/e-Check
- Provider: Managed by VIP Preferred, offering immediate deposit while clearance can take 2-3 business days.
- Limit: Subject to banking institution restrictions.
- Timing: Deposits are recognized instantly.
PayPal
- Details: Link your PayPal account for seamless fund transfers from your bank account or debit card.
- Limit: Unlimited.
- Timing: Deposits are processed instantly.
Skrill
- Details: Skrill digital wallet facilitates quick funding to avoid banking delays.
- Limit: $2,000 with account verification; up to $250,000 per transaction upon additional verification.
- Timing: Deposits are processed instantly.
Venmo
- Details: Use your existing Venmo balance or bank accounts linked to Venmo for deposits.
- Limit: Unlimited.
- Timing: Deposits are processed instantly.
Cash at Casino
- Details: Make deposits in cash at participating Hollywood Casino locations.
- Limit: Up to $100,000 per deposit.
- Timing: Deposits are processed instantly.
Wire Transfer
- Details: Directly transfer funds from your bank account to your ESPN BET account.
- Limit: A minimum of $10,000 per deposit.
- Timing: Usually within 24 hours.
Withdrawal Methods and Payout Speed
Withdrawing winnings from DraftKings is just as convenient, with several methods mirroring those available for deposits. Here’s an overview:
ESPN BET Website Review for Sports and Casino
The ESPN BET desktop site presents a clean design with a black top menu, contrasted against a primarily white background with gray boxes outlining the various sports events and matchups. The bet slip maintains this color theme, with a black header and a white body.
The side menu on the left is akin to what you would find in other sportsbooks, putting featured leagues and sports at the forefront, followed by an organized list of all the sports offered.
Responsiveness:
The website operates efficiently, with quick loading times that facilitate easy navigation between sections.
This quick response aids in creating a smooth user journey throughout the sports and casino sections of the site.
While the site’s functionality is solid, adding some vibrancy to the design could elevate the user’s visual experience, making it more dynamic and reflective of ESPN BET’s brand reputation.
Mobile App
App Features:
The ESPN BET mobile app is highly rated, with a score of 4.8/5 from over 129,000 reviews on the iOS App Store and 4.2/5 from more than 8,400 reviews on the Google Play Store.
Its design mirrors the desktop platform, adjusting neatly to fit mobile screens and ensuring a consistent user interface.
App Functionality/Responsiveness:
Though the design of the app is well-received, its performance shows areas for improvement. Users have noted slow response times, particularly when loading sections like live betting, and occasional glitches that necessitate restarting the app.
These technical issues could interfere with placing bets promptly, which may be inconvenient for some users. Despite these concerns, user experiences can differ based on the individual and their device.
However, the general advice is to opt for the desktop version for a more stable betting experience when feasible.
ESPN BET Odds Competitiveness & Markets
The most notable sports leagues in America, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL, are crucial for online sports betting operators, who should provide broad coverage for football, baseball, basketball, and hockey.
Seasonal Betting
Throughout the season, a variety of options are available, with an expanded list of markets emerging during the playoffs of these major leagues.
Soccer, golf, and tennis also attract significant attention in the North American online sports betting scene and are adequately covered by the ESPN Sportsbook.
Additional sports events featured by the sportsbook encompass college football, rugby, cricket, boxing, MMA/UFC, motorsports, and others.
Since its launch, ESPN BET has been a platform where bettors have actively placed wagers on various outcomes and props in the NFL, CFB, NBA, NHL, and CBB.
Sports Markets:
Since its launch, ESPN BET has been a platform where bettors have actively placed wagers on various outcomes and props in the NFL, CFB, NBA, NHL, and CBB.
However, it’s important to verify whether your state permits betting on college sports, as regulations vary across the United States.
Odds Competitiveness:
ESPN Bet offers odds boosts for selected games and bets, providing the opportunity for larger payouts, though these are typically more challenging to win.
It’s recommended to possess a good understanding of the game before engaging in these wagers.
Other Betting Features:
Parlay+: ESPN Bet’s unique same-game parlay feature, Parlay+, allows bettors to combine wagers from a single eligible game and across multiple Parlay+ games, as well as single bets from non-Parlay+ games.
ESPN Bet Casino Review
Type of Casino Games
The casino section within the ESPN Bet app, essentially a rebranded version of Hollywood Casino, includes a variety of gaming options.
Players can enjoy an array of online video slots, which constitute the majority of the game lobby. Alongside these are classic table games and a live casino section, offering a well-rounded gaming experience.
Features
This casino platform is integrated into the ESPN Bet app, making it convenient for users to switch between sports betting and casino gaming seamlessly. Available in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Providers
While the list of software providers for the ESPN Bet casino is not officially confirmed, notable contributions come from industry giants like NETENT and IGT.
ESPN Customer Service
ESPN Bet offers a variety of ways to reach their customer support team. Additionally, ESPN Bet provides a concise yet informative FAQ section at the bottom of the homepage, offering quick answers to common questions.
Contact Methods:
Live Chat: Available around the clock for immediate assistance.
Email: Users can send inquiries to [email protected] for support.
Phone: For those preferring phone communication, a callback can be requested at 1 (844) 953-2121.
Social Media: The support team can also be contacted through Twitter at @ESPNBetSupport.
Languages Supported: The primary language for customer support is English.
Responsiveness:
Customer experiences with ESPN Bet’s service team can vary. There have been instances of delayed responses or difficulties in reaching representatives.
However, there are also numerous reports praising the customer service at ESPN Bet for being excellent, polite, and knowledgeable.
The quality of service you receive may depend on the specific circumstances and timing of your inquiry.
ESPN BET Security & Trust
Verification Process:
To start betting with ESPN Bet, users must complete a registration process that involves entering personal identification information such as name, phone number, email, and physical address.
Additionally, the last four digits of the user’s Social Security Number (SSN) and Date of Birth (DOB) are required for completing the state-specific identity verification protocol where ESPN BET is legally operating.
Feedback from users on forums indicates mixed experiences with the verification process. While some users report being verified swiftly, others have experienced delays, with reports of waiting months after submitting the necessary documents without any updates from ESPN Bet.
Taxes:
Concerning taxes, ESPN Bet ensures that all relevant tax documents are sent to users by January 31st of the following tax year. If you do not receive a W-2G form, it indicates that you were not eligible for one for that year.
Given that sports gambling winnings are considered taxable income, it is essential to report any winnings of $600 or more at odds of 300/1 or higher on your tax return. For detailed tax guidance, consulting with a personal accountant is recommended.
Age Requirements:
ESPN Bet enforces an age requirement of 21 years or older for all users, adhering to the legal standards set for sports betting in the regions where it operate.
