ESPN Bet Sportsbook
ESPN Bet

Download the ESPN Bet Sportsbook app today to bet on dozens of sports. ESPN Bet is the official sports betting site of ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports. Its Parlay+ tool helps new players build parlay bets, while the First Take Matchup presents special bets based on key matchups in a game.

ESPN Bet Sportsbook boasts high ratings on the App Store and Google Play Store. Customers praise the ease of use, whether they make pregame or in-game bets. ESPN Bet also supports betting from a desktop computer, so a full range of online and mobile sports bettors should enjoy the site.

Keep reading to learn about ESPN Bet’s odds and betting layout, as well as its supported deposit methods. We’ll lay out the pros and cons of using ESPN Bet while we compare it to top online sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings. See the states where ESPN Bet operates and learn about the factors that make ESPN Bet a new and worthy option for sports bettors.

How To Get the ESPN Bet Sportsbook App

The ESPN Bet sportsbook app is available for Android and iOS users. Customers who prefer to play on a desktop computer have full access to the sportsbook as well. To play using a mobile phone, follow the steps below.

How To Get the ESPN Bet App for iPhone

Scroll to the bottom of the ESPN Bet homepage and click the icon that says "Download on the App Store." If you prefer a Google search, type "ESPN Bet iOS app." In either case, you'll see the downloadable app under the heading "ESPN Bet on the App Store.” It has a 4.9 rating with 46.5K reviews in all.

How To Install the ESPN Bet for Android

Scroll to the bottom of the ESPN Bet homepage and click the icon that says "Get It on Google Play." If you prefer a Google search, type "ESPN Bet Android app" to be directed to the Play Store. This version of the app simply says "ESPN Bet." Click "Install" to begin the download and installation process.

How To Create an ESPN Bet Sportsbook Account

To create an account, fill in the registration form. The process includes basic information like your first and last name, username, physical address, and email address. Verify your location with the geolocation software and be prepared to give the final four digits of your Social Security number.

ESPN Bet Sportsbook app review (4.7/5)

Longtime users of the mobile version of ESPN Bet should be thrilled by the relaunch of its mobile app. In the Barstool era, the app had a low rating on Android. That’s no longer the case. On the Play Store, the app has a 4.5 rating with 2.7K reviews and 100+ downloads.

It’s even better for iPhone and iPad users. On the App Store, the ESPN Bet app has a 4.9 rating with 46.5K reviews.

ESPN Bet Online Sportsbook Betting Markets (4.5/5)

Let’s run down some of the most popular ways to wager at ESPN Bet.

  • Straight Bets: ESPN Bet has point spreads, moneylines, and totals galore. Click the odds, and they’ll appear on your betslip.
  • Parlays: Parlay+ is ESPN Bet's parlay builder tool. Click "P+" next to a game to see the options. Same-game parlays are easy to build using the feature. Click Boosts for premade same-game parlays. Teasers also appear in the betslip.
  • Futures: The odds on NFL and NBA futures are not as good as you'll find on DraftKings.
  • Others: First Take Matchups gives bettors access to special odds in games featuring a matchup between top stars in their sport.

ESPN Bet Sportsbook User Experience (4.7/5)

Navigation on the desktop version is easy. The designers give users plenty of pathways to find the pregame and live bets they want. The site has a clean, straightforward layout that makes it easy to find bets. “Live” appears next to any current game, helping you make in-game bets. Also, users can click on the “P+” icon to find same-game parlay options.

In the app version, ease and simplicity remain watchwords for App Store and Play Store users. One asked for a collapsible "My Bets" screen, but that's an issue only for volume bettors. Some want more flexibility in the size of the bets allowed on the betslip. Despite that, the iOS app has higher ratings than the comparable apps for DraftKings and FanDuel. 

In both versions, the site design has a white background with black letters. Individual sports and bet boosts are found at the bottom of the page in dark gray with a black outline. This makes for an aesthetically pleasing layout.

Customer Service at ESPN Bet Sportsbook (4.5/5)

Bettors can choose from seven different deposit methods, so most US residents should find an option that suits them. Credit cards work in most states, and debit cards work everywhere. Those who prefer other methods will find everything from PayPal to bank checks to direct deposits (ACH).

The minimum deposit amount at ESPN Bet is $10. While the sportsbook has no upward limit on deposits, your bank might impose its own maximum. No fees apply to credit card or debit card deposits, but a domestic bank must have issued the Visa and MasterCard.

  • Debit Card: Visa and MasterCard debit deposits are available in all states. Debit card withdrawals are allowed, but you have to use that debit card for your original deposit.
  • Credit Card: Visa and MasterCard deposits are available in all states besides Iowa, Tennessee, and Massachusetts. Those states ban credit card deposits for sports betting.
  • PayPal: PayPal has instant deposits and withdrawals within 24 hours. These transactions have no limit. 
  • ACH or E-Check: Using VIP Preferred: VIP Preferred powers ACH or e-check transfers. Deposits are instant, and payouts take 2-3 business days. Your bank might impose limits.
  • Online Banking: Bank transfers powered by Trustly. Deposits are instant, while withdrawals with online banking take 2-3 business days. These have a $10,000 max limit per transaction.
  • Skrill: The Skrill web wallet has a $2,000 limit before account verification, but this increases to $250,000 per transaction after additional verification. These are instant payments but come with a fee.
  • Venmo: Venmo users can load funds using their bank account if it's linked to Venmo. These have no limit and arrive instantly.
  • Wire Transfer: Customers can wire funds from their bank account to their ESPN Bet account. These have a $10,000 minimum deposit limit and typically arrive within 24 hours.
  • Paper Check: Request a check to be mailed to the address on file. These have a $250 minimum withdrawal and arrive within 14 to 21 days.
  • Cash at Casino: Deposit cash in certain states if a Hollywood Casino is nearby. These have a $100,000 max deposit limit and are instant. Once again, these are not available in every state.

Contact Information

To contact ESPN Bet’s customer service, send an email to [email protected]. The support staff should answer your email within a few hours. If you prefer a phone call, dial 844-953-2121.

There’s also the ESPN Bet contact form. Enter the email address you gave when you signed up, plus a subject line. In the description box, describe your issue or comment. A customer support member will contact you shortly.

Promotions at ESPN Bet Sportsbook (4.7/5)

The first deposit bonus gives customers a 100% deposit match up to $1,000. Users also receive an open-ended first bet offer. Bet anything and get $200 in bonus bets.

To receive the $200 in bonus bets, make a first deposit of $10 or more. Once you make a first bet, the bonus money appears in your account as four $50 bonus bets. This should appear within 24 to 48 hours.

No promo code is required for either of ESPN Bet's promotions.

Final Verdict for ESPN Bet Sportsbook 

ESPN Bet Sportsbook is a competent and trustworthy new name in the online sports betting market. The ESPN Bet site layout is simple, making it easy to navigate and make bets. Its app rating for iOS devices is higher than DraftKings’ or FanDuel’s ratings, while the Android app’s ratings are on par with those sportsbooks.

The standard odds at ESPN Bet are comparable to those at DraftKings and FanDuel. While ESPN Bet’s promotions are a step down, the welcome bonus is comparable, and the promotions are still good. All in all, ESPN Bet Sportsbook is a product many sports gamblers will find better than the competition.

Pros

  • NFL and NBA odds are often better than DraftKings’
  • Easy-to-use betslip with straight bets, parlays, and teasers
  • ESPN Bet app has a 4.9 rating on the App Store and a 4.5 rating on the Play Store
  • 22 sports and over 40 major leagues are available
  • The trust and support of betting on ESPN's official sportsbook page

Cons

  • Limited withdrawal options
  • Live betting page should be customizable to avoid excess scrolling
  • Parlay+ tool is not easy to find for newcomers
  • Live chat begins with FanBot, an Ai customer rep

Is ESPN Bet Sportsbook Trustworthy?

ESPN Bet is a trustworthy online bookmaker. The site stems from a 10-year, $1.5 billion deal between sports broadcaster ESPN and casino operator Penn Entertainment. While ESPN is the most trusted name in sports, Penn Entertainment has a solid reputation as a gaming operator in 17 US states. Since 2020, the ESPN Bet website (once called Barstool) has launched in a growing number of states.

Here is a brief history of its growth. Note that any references to a launch before 2023 refer to Barstool Sportsbook, which became ESPN Bet in November 2023.

  • Pennsylvania: ESPN Bet Sportsbook (then Barstool) launched in Pennsylvania in September 2020. The retail partner for ESPN Bet is Hollywood Casino Morgantown and Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (GGCB) licenses ESPN Bet.
  • Michigan: The site launched in Michigan in January 2021. Its land-based partner in the state is Hollywood Casino at Greektown, formerly Greektown Casino in Detroit. The Michigan Gaming Control Board licenses and regulates ESPN Bet Sportsbook Michigan.
  • Illinois: The launch of ESPN Bet Sportsbook in Illinois happened in March 2021. Its retail partner is Hollywood Casino & Hotel Joliet, while the Illinois Gaming Board extended the site its license.
  • Indiana: In May 2021, ESPN Bet launched operations in Indiana. The Hollywood Casino & Hotel Lawrenceburg is its retail sportsbook outlet. The Indiana Gaming Commission issued the sports betting license.
  • Colorado: ESPN Bet next launched in Colorado in August 2021. Its land-based sportsbook partner is Ameristar Black Hawk in Black Hawk. The site operates under a license from the Colorado Division of Gaming.
  • Virginia: The Virginia launch for ESPN Bet occurred in August 2021. The Virginia Lottery granted a license based on ESPN Bet's ties to Penn Entertainment, the Pennsylvania-based gaming company that owns the Hollywood Casino, Ameristar, and Boomtown Casino brands.
  • New Jersey: August 2021 was a big month for ESPN Bet (then Barstool Sportsbook), as it also launched in New Jersey in that month. The sportsbook's New Jersey partner is Freehold Raceway in Freehold Borough, New Jersey. Its regulator is the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE).
  • Tennessee: In September 2021, ESPN Bet launched in the Volunteer State. Like in Virginia, the site has no retail partner and gained its license due to Penn Entertainment's ownership stake. The Tennessee Education Lottery first licensed the sportsbook, while the Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council continues to oversee its gaming activities.
  • Arizona: September 2021 saw ESPN Bet gain a license in Arizona, too. Its retail sportsbook partner is at Phoenix Raceway, while the Arizona Department of Gaming issued the bookmaker with its license.
  • West Virginia: November 2021 saw ESPN Bet enter two more states. The sportsbook's West Virginia partner is Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, while the West Virginia Lottery Commission licensed the site.
  • Iowa: ESPN Bet Sportsbook also entered the Iowa sports betting market in November 2021. The retail sportsbook partner in Iowa is Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs. ESPN Bet maintains its license under the auspices of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
  • Louisiana: In January 2022, ESPN Bet launched its sports betting operations in Louisiana. The L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge and the L'Auberge Casino in Lake Charles act as land-based partners, while the Louisiana Gaming Control Board licensed the sportsbook.
  • Kansas: After eight months without a new launch, ESPN Bet Sportsbook (then Barstool) began taking bets in Kansas in September 2022. The retail sports betting partner is Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway. The licensing authority is the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.
  • Ohio: In January 2023, ESPN Bet started operations in Ohio. ESPN Bet and Penn Entertainment have several locations in the state, including Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway, Hollywood Casino Columbus, and Hollywood Casino Toledo. ESPN Bet's gaming license derives from the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
  • Kentucky: ESPN Bet launched in Kentucky in September 2023. Its retail sports betting partner is Ellis Park in Henderson, while the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) granted a license to ESPN Bet Sportsbook.

ESPN Bet Online Sportsbook FAQ

Does ESPN have a sportsbook?

Yes. ESPN Bet Sportsbook is the product of a $1.5 billion, 10-year partnership between Penn Entertainment and ESPN. The site offers online sports betting for desktop and mobile users. Everything is undersigned by ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports.

Can you place bets on the ESPN Sportsbook?

Yes. It is a real money online sports betting site. ESPN Bet has the same game lines and bet types you’ll find at FanDuel and DraftKings. The site has everything you would expect from a mobile sports betting app, but it's tied to the ESPN brand.

Can you cash out on ESPN Bet?

Yes. Banking methods vary from state to state, but payment processors like PayPal, Play+, online banking, ACH via VIP Preferred, and paper checks work everywhere. In most states, bettors can deposit and withdraw funds through the cashier cage at a retail sportsbook.

How do I place a bet at ESPN Bet Sportsbook?

Open the sports betting app or log in to your account with a desktop device. Click the main sportsbook page for pregame bets or the live betting page for in-game bets. Choose a sporting event and then click on the sports betting market you prefer. This moves that bet to the betslip. Add how much you wish to wager and confirm the wager size. Making a straight bet is that easy.

How do I bet the moneyline at ESPN Bet Sportsbook?

ESPN Bet offers two ways to bet moneylines. First, click on the third column of bets on a particular game or event. In the first example from the site, the New York Giants are playing the Washington Commanders. The third column has the Giants at +320 and the Commanders at -400. This is the moneyline bet.

If you click "See All Bets" on the same game, the first betting option is the moneyline bet. This is betting on the outright winner, regardless of point spreads or over/under considerations. A minus (-) indicates the favorite, while a plus (+) indicates the underdog. In this case, a -400 means a bettor must bet $400 to win $100, while +320 means a bettor wins $320 when betting $100 (and winning).

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