ESPN Bet Sportsbook Review: The Official ESPN Betting App

ESPN Bet Overview & Background

PENN Entertainment Ownership & Background

ESPN Bet operates under PENN Entertainment, a major force in the U.S. gaming industry that owns and manages Hollywood Casino and numerous regional gaming properties across the country. PENN has pursued digital expansion for years, and its partnership with ESPN marked the company's boldest step into online sports betting. In November 2023, the former Barstool Sportsbook officially rebranded as ESPN Bet following a $1.5 billion licensing and media agreement with ESPN. The deal gave PENN exclusive rights to use ESPN's globally recognized brand for its sportsbook operations, aiming to capture a massive audience of casual sports fans who already trust ESPN's media ecosystem.

The rebrand represented a deliberate shift from Barstool's edgy personality toward a broader, more family-friendly, and mainstream appeal. The strategy was to merge ESPN's unmatched sports coverage and credibility with PENN's established operational framework, creating a digital sportsbook capable of competing with heavyweights like FanDuel and DraftKings. Initial traction was promising—ESPN Bet surged in downloads and sign-ups following launch—but sustaining that growth has proven difficult as user engagement cooled through 2024.

According to PENN Entertainment's Q4 2024 earnings report, ESPN Bet averaged roughly 300,000 to 400,000 monthly active users, a small fraction of FanDuel's and DraftKings' 3-4 million monthly players. The sportsbook is currently live in 19 states plus Washington, D.C., covering key regulated markets such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and New York. While the ESPN Bet app is stable, visually polished, and benefits from ESPN's cross-promotional reach, it has not yet converted widespread brand familiarity into sustained betting activity.

Getting Started: Sign-Up & Verification

ESPN Bet Login & Account Access

Creating an ESPN Bet login is a simple process on paper but can be inconsistent in practice. New users begin by entering their name, date of birth, email address, and the last four digits of their Social Security number before uploading a government-issued ID and proof of address. These steps align with standard Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements enforced across regulated sportsbooks, ensuring account security and legal compliance. However, users frequently report slower verification times compared to other major platforms.

In testing, registration itself took less than ten minutes, but final verification approval required roughly 48 hours. On Reddit, several users shared experiences of waiting four to five days for identity confirmation, with posts such as "still pending verification after four days" appearing in multiple threads. This feedback mirrors 89 App Store reviews highlighting similar delays. The need to upload both a driver's license and a recent utility bill has also been cited as an extra hurdle, particularly for mobile users who encounter upload errors.

Once approved, users can log in through the ESPN Bet app or desktop platform using the same credentials. Two-factor authentication is available but not enabled by default, leaving some bettors wishing for stronger security options out of the box. ESPN account holders can link existing profiles to their sportsbook account, but fewer than 3% of eligible users have done so, indicating limited incentive even with the $5 cross-platform bonus.

ESPN Bet Bonus: Current Welcome Offer Breakdown

How to Claim the $100 Bonus

The current ESPN Bet bonus is straightforward: bet $10, get $100 in bonus bets. To activate the offer, create a new account, complete identity verification, and make a minimum deposit of $10. Place your first cash wager of $10 or more on any sport at any odds, and once that qualifying bet settles, ESPN Bet will credit five separate $20 bonus bets to your account within 72 hours. Each of these bonus bets expires seven days after being issued, so it's important to use them quickly. Winnings from bonus bets are withdrawable, but the stake amount is not returned. Only one bonus bet can be applied per wager, and the offer cannot be combined with other promotions.

Do I Need an ESPN Bet Promo Code?

You do not need an ESPN Bet promo code to access the welcome offer. The promotion activates automatically after your first qualifying bet settles and your account verification is complete. For ongoing rewards and short-term specials, visit our ESPN Bet promo code page, where rotating state-specific offers and odds boosts are updated regularly.

Complete Terms & Conditions

ESPN Bet App Review: iOS & Android Performance

The ESPN betting app represents the most refined aspect of the sportsbook's overall offering, providing a fast, visually clean, and accessible platform tailored primarily for casual users. Its sleek interface and ESPN-inspired branding make it instantly recognizable, while its stability and ease of use give it an advantage among new bettors who prioritize speed and simplicity over advanced customization.

App Store (iOS)

On Apple devices, the ESPN betting app maintains an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating across more than 173,000 reviews, analyzed in October 2025. Users consistently praise the platform for its performance and user-friendly layout. Specifically, 847 reviewers mention "fast interface," 612 refer to its "clean design," and 234 describe it as having "no lag like DraftKings." This feedback reinforces that ESPN Bet has successfully delivered one of the most stable and responsive mobile betting environments in the U.S. market.

Google Play (Android)

The Android version of the ESPN betting app holds a solid 4.4 out of 5 rating from 13,000 reviews, analyzed in October 2025. Android users highlight similar strengths, with 127 reviews mentioning "quick PayPal payouts" and an overall sense of reliability. However, 402 reviews reference payout delays and 298 mention inconsistent withdrawal times, suggesting variation across payment processors.

The ESPN Integration Reality

The $1.5 billion brand partnership between ESPN and PENN Entertainment was billed as the start of a new era in sports betting. This "watch-and-bet" revolution would merge ESPN's massive sports media presence with PENN's operational expertise. However, the execution has fallen short of expectations, and the integration remains more of a marketing achievement than a technological breakthrough.

In theory, the ESPN Bet integration was designed to let users access real-time betting lines, manage wagers, and view outcomes directly within the ESPN app. The most prominent feature of this initiative is the "My Bets" section, which links ESPN and ESPN Bet accounts, enabling users to see active wagers alongside live scores and game stats. Despite this promising functionality, fewer than 3% of eligible ESPN app users in regulated states have actually linked their accounts, even with a $5 bonus offered as an incentive.

Live Betting & Quick Bets Feature

ESPN Bet's live betting system is one of the more responsive components of the platform, providing a fast and visually polished experience for casual bettors who enjoy wagering as games unfold. The live betting interface covers all major sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and popular college contests, while also offering limited support for soccer and tennis.

The highlight of this section is ESPN Bet's Quick Bets feature, which allows one-tap wagering on in-progress markets. It is particularly effective for fast-paced events such as NBA games, where users can place bets on the next team to score or the outcome of a specific quarter without navigating through multiple menus.

Parlay+ & Same Game Parlays

Same Game Parlays (SGPs) have become a defining feature of modern sportsbooks, allowing bettors to combine multiple selections from a single event into one high-payout ticket. While ESPN Bet offers its version of this feature, branded as Parlay+, the overall experience falls short of competitors in both flexibility and market depth.

Sports Coverage & Betting Markets

ESPN Bet provides comprehensive coverage of major U.S. and international sports, offering a full range of markets for fans of football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. Core leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL feature prominently, with hundreds of betting options available for both pregame and live wagering.

One of the platform's most notable partnerships is with the NHL, where ESPN Bet benefits from its connection to ESPN's broadcast rights. This collaboration produces unique game-day props, special odds boosts, and integrated promotions tied to nationally televised hockey events.

Odds Quality & Competitiveness

ESPN Bet's pricing structure is straightforward and aligns closely with industry standards, particularly for spread and total markets. Across major sports like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, the sportsbook typically posts standard -110 lines, mirroring the prevailing odds found on most U.S. betting platforms. This makes ESPN Bet's baseline pricing fair and predictable, though it rarely provides a decisive edge for bettors seeking maximum value.

Banking: Deposits & Withdrawals

ESPN Bet's banking system provides dependable functionality across major payment types, with a solid variety of deposit and withdrawal options suitable for most users. The process is generally smooth, but payout speed varies widely depending on the method used—a point that frequently appears in user feedback.

ESPN Bet Withdrawal Time: How Fast Are Payouts?

Based on user reports on Reddit's r/sportsbook, ESPN Bet withdrawals typically take 24-48 hours from request to funds arriving in your account when using PayPal. However, performance is mixed. Reddit users frequently report PayPal withdrawals arriving in as little as 30 minutes, with some threads citing transfers completed in under five minutes. Over 15 verified Reddit discussions confirm PayPal as ESPN Bet's most reliable and consistent option. However, users also report 2+ day delays for ACH transfers and debit card withdrawals, showing significant variance between methods.

Withdrawal times by method (user-reported):

• PayPal: Typically 30-60 minutes, occasionally faster
• ACH bank transfer: 1-3 business days
• Debit/credit card: 2-5 business days
• Play+ card: Usually within 24 hours

Customer Support

Customer service at ESPN Bet is professional, responsive, and available through multiple channels, offering bettors several ways to get help when needed. The sportsbook emphasizes accessibility, maintaining round-the-clock assistance through its digital and phone-based systems.

Support Options

• 24/7 Live Chat: Available directly through the ESPN Bet app and website, connecting users to real agents within minutes.
• Email: support@espnbet.com — for account verification, withdrawal issues, or general queries.
• Phone Support: 1-844-953-2121, operating as a callback system where users can request assistance during business hours.
• FAQ Center: A searchable help database that includes detailed articles on deposits, withdrawals, bonus terms, and state-specific regulations.

Mint Club Loyalty Program

The Mint Club serves as ESPN Bet's exclusive loyalty and rewards program, designed to enhance engagement for users who connect their ESPN and ESPN Bet accounts. This linkage unlocks a series of perks that merge ESPN's media ecosystem with sportsbook incentives, creating a hybrid experience that rewards both betting activity and brand interaction.

How It Works

The Mint Club operates on a simple structure without complex tiers or point systems. Users automatically begin earning rewards based on wagering volume and app engagement once their accounts are linked. Perks include:

• Personalized bonus bets tailored to individual betting patterns
• Monthly free bet offers based on recent activity and bet frequency
• Exclusive ESPN+ integrations, such as temporary access to premium content and game previews
• Special promotions tied to ESPN-televised events and major sports seasons

ESPN Bet Market Share & Financial Reality

Despite its powerful brand association, ESPN Bet operates as a mid-tier sportsbook in a highly competitive market dominated by FanDuel and DraftKings. According to PENN Entertainment's Q4 2024 financial disclosures, ESPN Bet currently maintains between 300,000 and 400,000 monthly active users, a fraction of the 3 to 4 million users that each of its leading rivals attracts.

ESPN Bet vs Top Competitors

When comparing ESPN Bet to the dominant sportsbook brands in the U.S. market, it's clear that the platform sits comfortably in the middle tier—polished, fast, and credible, but lacking the technical sophistication and depth of its larger rivals.

ESPN Bet vs FanDuel: Market Leader Comparison

FanDuel remains the undisputed market leader, with more than 4 million monthly users and unmatched dominance in live betting, parlay flexibility, and odds competitiveness. ESPN Bet performs best for users who prefer clean layouts, quick bet placement, and brand familiarity. However, FanDuel provides a more complete betting experience overall.

ESPN Bet vs DraftKings: Feature Comparison

DraftKings is the clear leader in analytics, player props, and live market depth. ESPN Bet, by contrast, is far simpler, with fewer customization options but a cleaner interface. For feature depth and long-term betting efficiency, DraftKings is still the smarter choice.

ESPN Bet vs BetMGM: Markets Comparison

BetMGM excels in market diversity and breadth. ESPN Bet's primary advantage is its reliable app performance and intuitive design. However, serious bettors seeking large prop menus, exotic markets, or loyalty-based perks will find greater long-term value with BetMGM.

Is ESPN Bet Legal & Safe?

Yes, ESPN Bet is fully legal, licensed, and regulated across 19 U.S. states and Washington D.C., operating under the direct supervision of each jurisdiction's state gaming commission. This ensures that the sportsbook complies with all responsible gambling regulations, player protection standards, and fair play requirements.

Available States

Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky (18+), Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington D.C. In these regions, ESPN Bet operates as a legitimate, regulated sportsbook through partnerships with local gaming operators and approved license holders.

Pros & Cons Summary

Final Verdict

ESPN Bet is a capable and visually refined sportsbook that successfully leverages the power of ESPN's household name to attract casual bettors. Its interface is one of the cleanest in the industry, the app runs quickly across devices, and navigation feels intuitive even for users new to online betting. The sportsbook's welcome bonus, Bet $10, Get $100, adds genuine value, especially for fans already immersed in the ESPN ecosystem.

However, for seasoned bettors or line-shoppers, ESPN Bet remains behind the leaders. Its limited Same Game Parlay options, slower verification times, and inconsistent withdrawal processing create friction that competitors such as FanDuel and DraftKings have largely eliminated. The app performs well but lacks the data-rich tools, prop depth, and loyalty structures that appeal to high-volume players.

Overall, ESPN Bet earns a 3.5 out of 5 stars rating. It's best suited for casual bettors who value brand trust, smooth design, and ESPN familiarity—not for advanced or parlay-focused users seeking maximum market depth or elite rewards. If you're new to sports betting and want a fast, credible, and easy-to-use platform, ESPN Bet is a strong place to start.