ESPN BET Review: Is it Legit or Overrated?
You’re watching SportsCenter, a highlight reel fires up, and BAM—you place a bet without having to leave the app. ESPN BET swears it’s the future of sports wagering. But is it a slam dunk or a wild Hail Mary throw that ends up in the stands?
ESPN BET is a sportsbook that’s fused with the ESPN network that has defined sports culture and had its first broadcast in 1979 when SportsCenter debuted. But does the betting app live up to the hype of its parent company, or is it B-team material?
ESPN BET, born from a $1.5B partnership between ESPN and PENN Entertainment, aims to dominate the U.S. sports betting scene with its brand power and seamless ESPN integration. Launched in late 2023, it’s already live in 19 states, and it has competitive odds, eye-catching promotions, and a user-friendly app.
If you’re a casual bettor chasing Monday Night Football thrills or a stats-obsessed sharpshooter, our complete review will tell you if ESPN BET truly deserves a spot in your betting lineup.
Full Disclosure: GamblingSite.com may earn a commission if you sign up via our links—but it will never influence our hot takes. Scout’s honor!
| Owned By | Penn Entertainment and ESPN |
| Year Established | November 2023 |
| Welcome Bonus | 100% deposit match up to $1,000 OR $200 in bonus bets |
| Sports Markets Offered | Football, basketball, hockey, golf, baseball, soccer, motorsports, tennis, MMA, boxing, Aussie Rules, etc. |
| Mobile Compatibility | iOS and Android mobile devices + desktop PC or Mac |
| Banking Options | Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, Skrill, wire transfers, eChecks, checks, and online banking |
| Payout Speed | 1-5 business days |
Use the links below to get around our ESPN BET review with ease. Find the information you’re looking for quickly!
- Welcome Bonuses and Promotions
- Ease of Use
- Competitor Comparison
- ESPN Integration
- Sports & Markets Offered
- Account Funding
- Responsible Gambling Tools
- Pros and Cons
- Final Verdict
Main Features & User Experience
What can you expect from our ESPN BET review? Well, we are gonna take you on a VIP tour of its locker room and break down the playbook—everything from signing up to cashing out—so you know exactly what to expect before you play.
Sign-Up Process & Getting Started
First impressions matter the most. Does ESPN BET’s sign-up process feel like a nice warm-up stretch or a false start? Look below for a detailed breakdown of ESPN BET’s registration, verification, funding, and withdrawal processes—all are based on our review and the app’s 2025 updates.
Ease of Use
The registration was pretty quick (it took us about 3-5 minutes to sign up, but have your documents ready to get it done in that timeframe), and it was intuitive. FYI: Existing Barstool Sportsbook users can log in with old credentials!
Here’s a step-by-step guide that you can follow:
- Visit ESPN BET: Go to the website or download the dedicated mobile app on iOS or Android.
- Click “Sign Up”: Enter basic info: email, phone, username, and password.
- Verify Email: Click the link sent to your email.
- Personal Details: Add your full name, date of birth, and address.
- Promo Code: Enter DIME for the welcome bonus (Bet $10, Get $100 + ESPN+).
- KYC (Know Your Customer) Verification: Submit the last 4 digits of your SSN and upload a government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport).
- Set Limits (Optional but highly recommended): Customize deposit, time, or loss limits for responsible gambling.
- Deposit Funds: Choose a payment method (min. $10).
- Place Your First Bet: Navigate the app/site and start wagering!
Verification Process
KYC (Know Your Customer) is a mandatory identity verification process used by regulated platforms like ESPN BET to confirm who you say you are and where you say you live. It’s not just a formality—it’s required by law to prevent fraud, underage gambling, and money laundering. Here’s how it works at ESPN BET and why it matters so much:
- Legal Compliance: ESPN BET must follow state and federal gambling laws.
- Safety: Protects you from identity theft and ensures fair play.
- Responsible Gambling: Prevents minors from accessing the platform.
ESPN BET’s KYC Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Basic Info Submission
- During sign up, you’ll enter your name, date of birth, address, and SSN (last 4 digits).
- Document upload: Government-Issued ID: Driver’s license, passport, or state ID.
- What they check: Name, DOB, photo, expiration date.
- Proof of address (if flagged): Utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement (must show your name and address and be dated within 90 days.)
- Selfie verification (sometimes): A quick photo to match your face to your ID.
- SSN Check
- Confirm you’re over 21 and a resident of a legal betting state (e.g., Michigan, New Jersey).
- Approval
- Most accounts are verified instantly. If there’s a problem, ESPN BET will email you.
Common KYC Delays (and How to Avoid Them)
| Issue | Why It Happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
Blurry ID Photos | Unreadable text or glare | Use a smartphone camera in good lighting |
Expired ID | License/passport is out of date | Renew your ID before signing up |
Address Mismatch | Registration address ≠ ID/bill address | Update your ESPN BET profile or upload a recent bill |
SSN Rejection | Typo or outdated records | Double-check your SSN or contact support |
– Instant: 70% of users get verified in under 5 minutes.
– Delayed: 30% face manual reviews (up to 72 hours).
– Rejections: Rare but fixable by re-uploading documents.
– State Laws: Rules vary wildly (e.g., Ohio has stricter address checks than New Jersey).
– Anti-Fraud Tech: ESPN BET uses AI to flag suspicious activity (e.g., multiple accounts).
– High Stakes: Larger deposits/withdrawals trigger extra checks.
– Prep Your Docs: Have your ID and a recent bill ready before signing up.
– No Typos: Triple-check your name/address to make sure it matches your ID exactly.
– Use a Smartphone: Way better camera quality than webcams.
– Contact Support: Stuck? ESPN BET’s live chat can help with fast-tracking approvals.
– You can’t deposit or withdraw money.
– You can’t claim bonuses (e.g., the $100 welcome offer).
– Your account could be frozen until verification is complete.
Account Funding
Check the table below for all of your account funding options available on ESPN BET:
| Method | Min | Max | Processing Time | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Debit/Credit Card | $10 | $250K | Instant | None |
PayPal | $10 | $50K | Instant | None |
ACH Bank Transfer | $10 | $999K | Instant | None |
Venmo | $10 | $50K | Instant | None |
Skrill | $10 | $50K | Instant | None |
Max limits will increase after account verification, and credit cards can be blocked by some banks due to gambling restrictions.
Withdrawal Process
The withdrawal process is pretty simple, but you have to use the same method as you did for your deposits (e.g., deposited via PayPal? Withdraw to PayPal).
- First-time withdrawals require ID re-verification.
- Fees: ESPN BET charges none, but banks/processors might (e.g., wire transfers).
Step-by-Step Withdrawal Guide
- Log In: Go to “Account” → “Withdraw Funds.” Select Method: Choose from linked options (e.g., PayPal, debit card).
- Enter Amount: Min. $10, max based on the method.
- Confirm Identity: Upload ID if prompted (first-time users).
- Submit Request: Wait for approval (instant to 24 hours).
- Get Funds: Timing varies by method (instant debit card vs. 5 days for checks).
NOTE: For faster payouts, use debit cards or PayPal. Avoid checks unless it’s absolutely necessary!
Betting Interface & App Design
If the ESPN BET app were a quarterback, would it be more of a Patrick Mahomes or a rookie that’s still a little green around the gills? Let’s unpack the X’s and O’s.
Navigation
Can you find your favorite team’s odds faster than Steph Curry can sink a three-pointer? Let’s explore!
- App/Website Ease of Use: The app and website feature a clean, sportsbook-style design with menus organized by sport, league, and event. Key sections (sports, live betting, promotions) are prominently displayed, cutting back on any clutter.
- Search Functionality: The search bar is highly effective, allowing users to quickly locate teams, players, or specific bet types (e.g., “NBA player props”) without scrolling.
- Criticisms: It’s super functional, but the design is a little too minimalist for some users. The desktop site has “chunks of blank space,” which makes it look unfinished when compared to the mobile app.
Sports/League Accessibility
Major leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB) are front-and-center, but niche sports (e.g., darts, cycling) require scrolling or searching. Coverage of international leagues (e.g., rugby) struggles to keep pace with competitors.
Mobile App Review (iOS & Android)
Is the app a Ferrari or a hoopty under the hood? It’s not quite a Ferrari, but it’s close as apps go!
- Speed & Stability: The app loads odds in real-time with “zero lag,” even during high-traffic events like March Madness or NFL Sundays. No crashes reported during testing.
- Ratings: iOS (4.8/5 stars, 130k+ reviews) outperforms Android (4.3/5 stars), partly due to more frequent updates on Apple devices.
- Bugs: Minor glitches reported in early 2024 (e.g., bet slip freezing), but patches are delivered quickly via app updates.
Desktop vs. Mobile
The mobile app is definitely the priority here—features like the bet slip are pinned to the bottom of the screen to optimize one-handed use. The desktop site feels like it was an afterthought; it has a static right-side bet slip and way less dynamic visuals.
Live Betting
Will you be able to ride the momentum of a live game, or does the app fumble? Um, a little of both?
Strengths
- Real-Time Updates: Odds refresh every 2–3 seconds during games, with key stats (e.g., possession time in NFL) displayed alongside markets.
- Quick Bets: Time-sensitive live bets (e.g., “Next Team to Score”) appear as pop-ups so that users can wager in under 5 seconds.
- Markets: Over 100 live options per major game (NFL: player props, drive outcomes; NBA: quarter spreads, player points). But soccer and tennis lack depth (e.g., no “next corner” bets).
Weaknesses
- No Live Streaming: Despite ESPN’s vast content library, live streams are absent—a missed opportunity that has not gone unnoticed by users.
Bet Slip Functionality
- Adding/Removing Picks: Tap odds to auto-populate the slip. An “X” icon lets users remove legs easily, even mid-parlay.
- Payout Clarity: Potential winnings update dynamically, with a breakdown of stake, odds, and profit. Parlay odds are highlighted in blue for visibility.
Bet Types Supported
- Parlays: Up to 10 legs, including cross-sport combos.
- Teasers/Round Robins: Available for NFL/NBA but with high vig (-150 for 6-point teasers).
- Parlay+: Unique same-game parlays (e.g., “Mahomes 300+ yards + Kelce TD”) with boosted odds.
Gripes
- Voided legs (e.g., due to player injuries) cancel entire parlays—there are no partial cashouts.
Overall Design Aesthetic
Is ESPN’s iconic branding a slam dunk or an airball? Here’s what we found:
- Clean but Bland: The app uses a white/gray/blue palette that feels “professional but sterile.” Missing ESPN’s signature red accents and dynamic visuals.
- ESPN Integration: Branding excels in features like “Parlay Lounge” (pre-built bets tied to ESPN analysts) and in-app highlights. But ESPN+ integration (e.g., live bet while streaming) is still absent.
Sports & Markets Offered
Is ESPN BET serving up a Michelin-star betting menu, or is it just another fast-food spot? They’ve got wagyu beef… but not truffle fries.
Breadth of Coverage
ESPN BET casts a wide net—but does it reel in the big fish and the minnows?
– Core U.S. Sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAAF, NCAAB, MLS, PGA Tour (golf), ATP/WTA (tennis), UFC/MMA.
– Soccer: Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, MLS, and international tournaments (e.g., FIFA World Cup).
– Esports: CS: GO, League of Legends, and occasional Rocket League events.
– Winter Sports: Skiing, snowboarding, and biathlon (limited to seasonal events).
– Cycling: Tour de France, Giro d’Italia.
– Table Tennis: Pro League and World Championships.
– Cricket: T20 leagues (IPL, Big Bash) and international matches.
– Others: Lacrosse, beach volleyball, boxing, and motorsports (NASCAR, Formula 1).
– No rugby, Aussie Rules, darts, or surfing (these are available at DraftKings/BetMGM).
Depth of Markets
It’s not just what you can bet on—it’s also how you can bet. Let’s look at ESPN BET’s betting market playbook:
- Per-Game Betting Options (e.g., NFL/NBA):
- Standard Bets: Point spreads, moneylines, totals (over/under), quarter/half lines.
- Player Props: Passing yards (NFL), points/rebounds (NBA), strikeouts (MLB), “No TD” markets (bet against a player scoring).
- Game Props: First team to score, exact margin of victory, player parlays (e.g., Mahomes 300+ yards + Kelce TD).
- Futures: Division/Conference/Championship winners, MVP awards, season win totals.
- Live Betting: 100+ in-play markets per major game (e.g., next drive outcome in NFL, next corner in soccer).
Comparison to Competitors
- DraftKings/FanDuel: Offer more exotic props (e.g., “Next manager to be fired” in soccer, “Shot outcome” in NBA).
- BetMGM: Stronger in futures (e.g., “Coach of the Year” odds) but weaker in live betting depth.
- ESPN BET’s Edge: Unique “Same Game Parlays+” (combine props across quarters/periods) and “No TD” markets.
Odds Competitiveness
Are ESPN BET’s odds a touchdown or just a field goal? Let’s take it to the scoreboard.
- Juice/Vig: The commission sportsbooks take. Lower vig = better odds. ESPN BET averages 4.70% vig (vs. DraftKings’ 4.75%, FanDuel’s 4.65%).
- 20-Cent Lines: Standard spread/total odds (e.g., -110/-110). ESPN BET matches DraftKings/FanDuel here but beats books like SI Sportsbook (30-cent lines).
Odds Comparison Examples
NBA Player Prop
- Scottie Barnes “Under 21.5 Points”
- ESPN BET: -115
- FanDuel: -122 | BetMGM: -120.
NHL Moneyline
- Canadiens vs. Sabres
- ESPN BET: +125 (same as FanDuel)
- BetMGM: +120 m.
NFL Futures
- Cowboys Super Bowl Odds
- ESPN BET: +900
- DraftKings: +850 | FanDuel: +875.
Strengths
- Player Props & Moneylines: Usually 5-10% better than competitors.
- Live: Faster updates than BetMGM, with lower vig (4.5% vs. 5%).
Weaknesses
- Futures: Less competitive for long-term bets (e.g., World Series, NBA Finals).
- Soccer: Higher vig on totals (4.8% vs. FanDuel’s 4.5%).
For line shopping, pair ESPN BET with FanDuel/DraftKings to maximize value. Yes, ESPN BET does excel in live betting and unique props, but its niche coverage is left wanting.
Promotions and Bonuses
Free bets, deposit matches, and perks—are these offers grand slams or strikeouts? Keep reading to find out what we discovered!
Welcome Bonus
ESPN BET greets you with two opening pitches—but which one’s a home run?
Bet $10, Get $100 + ESPN+ Free Trial:
- Max Bonus: $100 (split into 5 x $20) + 30 days ESPN+.
- Requirements: Bet $10 (any odds); no promo code needed.
- Fine Print: Bonus bets vanish in 7 days (the industry average: 14 days).
200% Deposit Match (Up to $500):
- Max Bonus: $500 via 10% cashback on bets (e.g., wager $1,000 → unlock $100).
- Catch: Only applies to bets at -200 odds or longer.
Our Value VerdictThe $100 offer is a slam dunk for casual bettors. The deposit match? It’s best for the grinders who are ready to swing big.
Ongoing Promotions
The game isn’t over after the first inning—far from it! Here’s ESPN BET’s playbook for its most loyal players.
- Parlay Club: Weekly $10 bonus bet for 4+ leg parlays (min. $10 each).
- VIP 25% Cashback: Wager $20K in 7 days → 25% cashback on net losses (max $2,500).
- Sport-Specific Insurance
- MLB: Refund if your team loses but hits 3+ HRs.
- NHL: Moneyline refund if the game goes to a shootout.
- ESPN Exclusives
- Boosted odds that are tied to ESPN analysts’ picks (e.g., Stephen A. Smith’s “Lock It In” parlays).
We think all of the above is great, but make no mistake, it’s demanding—you’ll have to play daily to unlock the best rewards.
Terms and Conditions
The rulebook matters—here’s where ESPN BET hides the “gotchas.”
- Expiry Traps
- Bonus bets disappear after 7 days (most competitors: 14 days).
- Deposit match cashback expires in 30 days.
- Stake ≠ Cash
- Win $10 with a bonus bet? You keep $10 profit—the original $10 stake disappears.
- GeoLocks
- You must be physically in legal states (e.g., a bet placed in NC but crossed into SC? Voided!).
Our Pro Tip? Use bonus bets on heavy favorites (-500+) to guarantee cash conversion.
Comparison to Competitors
How does ESPN BET measure up in the big leagues of sportsbook betting apps? See for yourself in the chart below!
| Feature | ESPN BET | DraftKings | BetMGM |
|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Bonus | $100 + ESPN+ | $150 bonus bets | $1,500 bonus back |
Ongoing Promos | Parlay Club, VIP perks | Daily | Parlay insurance |
Loyalty Rewards | PENN Play perks | Crowns (meh) | M Life Rewards |
ESPN BET’s promotions are bold, but they do make users hustle for them.
ESPN Integration
This is where ESPN BET should dominate. But is its integration with the legendary sports broadcast network a power couple or a one-sided relationship? The partnership absolutely shows promise, but it’s still a work in progress with some notable strengths and gaps.
– Account Linking and Cross-Platform Tracking: Users can now link their ESPN BET accounts with their ESPN accounts, enabling them to track live bets, view settled wagers, and monitor upcoming events directly within the ESPN app and website. This integration eliminates the need to switch between platforms for basic bet tracking.
– Live Betting and Content Synergy: While ESPN BET lacks any live streaming of games (like, what a missed opportunity given ESPN’s broadcast rights), it has real-time odds and in-play betting options during events covered on ESPN. Users can access live betting markets while watching ESPN broadcasts.
– Navigation and User Experience: The ESPN BET app is designed for intuitive navigation, with ESPN-branded menus and quick access to sports, leagues, and bet types. However, the desktop experience feels less polished compared to the mobile app, with unused screen space and slower updates.
– Unique Betting Markets: ESPN BET distinguishes itself with “No Touchdown” props, allowing users to wager against players scoring in NFL games—a feature not widely available on competing platforms. This extends to parlays (Parlay+), where users can combine multiple “no TD” bets, though voided legs cancel the entire parlay.
– Expert-Driven Content: ESPN personalities like Stephen A. Smith contribute to exclusive parlay picks and betting analysis, which are promoted within the app. During major events like March Madness, ESPN analysts’ predictions are tied to boosted odds, creating a media-betting synergy.
– ESPN Fantasy Integration: The app leverages users’ fantasy football/basketball rosters to suggest personalized bets, such as player props tied to their fantasy team’s lineup. This feature is still in the early stages but highlights the potential for deeper crossover.
– Tailored Promotions: Linked accounts unlock promotions based on users’ favorite teams, viewing habits, and betting history. For example, MLB fans might receive odds boosts on their team’s games, while NBA bettors see prop recs that match up with their past wagers.
– PENN Play Loyalty Program: The loyalty program rewards consistent betting activity with tiered perks, including hotel stays, dining credits, and cashback. Points are earned through wagers, and higher tiers offer personalized bonuses tied to ESPN content (e.g., VIP access to ESPN events).
– Limitations in Personalization: While ESPN BET uses basic data (e.g., favorite teams) for recommendations, it lacks deeper personalization based on ESPN viewing history. For instance, users watching frequent soccer highlights on ESPN do not automatically get better soccer betting markets—a glaring gap when compared to competitors like DraftKings.
Strengths
- Seamless cross-platform bet tracking.
- Exclusive markets like “No TD” props and Parlay+.
- Expert-driven content that leverages ESPN’s talent.
Weaknesses
- No live streaming integration despite ESPN’s amazing broadcast capabilities.
- Desktop experience lags way behind the mobile. Limited use of ESPN viewing data for personalization.
Future Potential
The PENN Entertainment has plans for deeper integrations, like. betting prompts during live ESPN streams and dynamic odds that are tied to real-time game analytics. These could solidify ESPN BET as a frontrunner in media-betting convergence.
The ESPN-ESPN BET integration is a promising partnership with distinct advantages (exclusive markets, expert content), but as of right now, its execution is uneven. Yes, it excels in cross-platform tracking and niche betting options, but it falls way short in terms of leveraging ESPN’s full media ecosystem.
Customer Support
When things go sideways (and they always do), does ESPN BET’s support team come in clutch, or will they leave you on “read?”
Availability
Customer support infrastructure can make or break your experience—the following is a detailed breakdown of its availability, responsiveness, and self-help resources based on our own experience conducting this review and user feedback.
24/7 Live Chat
- Access: Available via the “Contact Us” section on the ESPN BET app or website.
- Scope: Handles account issues, bonuses, withdrawals, and technical glitches and it is operated by PENN Entertainment’s team.
Email Support
- Address: [email protected]
- Response Time: The average is about 12 hours, but some users report getting replies within 3–6 hours during peak betting times.
Social Media (X/Twitter)
- Handle: @ESPNBetSupport
- Hours: Monitored 24/7, with replies typically received within 1–2 hours. Really useful for public complaints or quick fixes.
Callback Request
- Phone Number: +1 (844) 953-2121
- Process: Request a callback via the app/website. Wait time: Up to 24 hours (no direct phone line is available).
FAQ/Help Center
- Location: Buried under the “Support” tab, it has over 100 articles on account management, bonuses, and technical troubleshooting.
Responsiveness: Speed & Quality
- Live Chat Speed: Connects to an agent in 1–2 minutes during our review testing.
- Quality: Agents resolve most issues (e.g., password resets, bonus activation) in under 10 minutes. But, the complex problems (e.g., withdrawal delays) may require escalation.
- Email
- Case Study: A withdrawal delay query received a detailed response in 9 hours, outlining KYC requirements and processing timelines.
- Social Media
- A user tweeted about a frozen bet slip; @ESPNBetSupport resolved it in 45 minutes by reprocessing the wager.
Strengths
- PENN-trained agents show a really strong knowledge of ESPN BET’s PENN Play loyalty program and state-specific regulations.
- Multitasking: Agents can handle both sportsbook and retail casino queries (e.g., redeeming PENN Cash at partner locations).
Common Complaints
- Verification Delays: Some users report 48–72 hour waits for KYC approval, despite any live chat assurances.
- Bonus Confusion: Agents occasionally miscommunicate promo terms (e.g., conflating “bonus bets” with “cashback”).
FAQ/Help Center: Depth & Accessibility
- Basics: Step-by-step guides for deposits, withdrawals, and account linking with ESPN.
- Promotions: Explains bonus expiry rules, wagering requirements, and PENN Play tiers.
- Gaps: Lacks detailed explanations for niche issues (e.g., geolocation errors, parlay voiding rules).
Search Functionality
- Weakness: Generic searches like “bonus terms” yield over 20 unrelated articles, so use exact phrases like “Parlay Club $10 bonus bet.”
User Feedback
72% of users rate the FAQ as “helpful but shallow,” citing missing details on ESPN+ integration and loyalty rewards.
Users can escalate any unresolved issues to PENN Entertainment’s corporate team via email at [email protected].
Responsible Gambling Tools
Safety first? Let’s see if ESPN BET’s responsible gaming tools are a sturdy helmet or a paper-thin one that will leave you concussed.
Deposit Limits
Deposit limits let users cap how much money they can add to their account over daily, weekly, or monthly periods. This helps to prevent overspending by setting hard boundaries.
- Flexible Caps: Choose limits starting as low as $10/day, $50/week, or $100/month, up to a maximum of $250K (after account verification).
- Adjustments: Lower your limit instantly, but raising it requires waiting until the current period ends (e.g., weekly limits reset Mondays at midnight UTC).
- Time Zones: Resets follow UTC time, which can confuse users in regions like ET due to Daylight Saving Time shifts.
Time Limits
Time limits help users manage how long they spend on the app, decreasing the risk of prolonged gambling sessions.
- Session Alerts: Pop-up reminders every 30 minutes (default) or custom intervals to track time and spending.
- Daily Cutoffs: Automatically log out after hitting a self-set time threshold (e.g., 2 hours/day).
Betting Limits
Betting limits restrict how much users can wager, offering a safeguard against impulsive or high-risk bets.
- Spend Caps: Set daily, weekly, or monthly maximums (minimum $10/day).
- Loss Limits: Track and cap net losses (total bets minus winnings) over custom periods—a rare feature that not all sportsbooks have.
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion allows users to temporarily or permanently block access to their accounts.
- Temporary Breaks: Pause betting for 72 hours up to 1 year. Funds can still be withdrawn during this time.
- Permanent Bans: Requires contacting support for long-term or state-mandated exclusion.
- Drawback: There is no one-click self-exclusion option—unlike DraftKings, which lets users lockout instantly.
Resources
ESPN BET provides access to external support organizations and educational materials for those who are struggling with problem gambling.
- Helplines: Direct links to the National Council on Problem Gambling (1-800-GAMBLER) and state-specific services.
- Guides: Articles on recognizing risky behavior and managing habits can be found under the “Responsible Gaming” tab.
ESPN BET State-Specific Responsible Gambling Resources
Below is a complete list of ESPN BET’s state-specific responsible gambling tools and resources, including tailored support, helplines, and self-exclusion programs:
– Self-Exclusion: Use the NJ Self-Exclusion Program to block access to all NJ sportsbooks (including ESPN BET) for 1–5 years or a lifetime.
– Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ-specific counselors available 24/7).
– Deposit Limits: Mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period after increasing limits.
– Self-Exclusion: Enroll via the PA Gaming Control Board website to ban access statewide.
– Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (connects to PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs).
– Time-Outs: 1-day to 6-week temporary exclusions available in-app.
– Self-Exclusion: Statewide ban via the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
– Helpline: 1-800-270-7117 (MI-specific support).
– Loss Limits: Mandatory loss limit options (daily/weekly).
– Self-Exclusion: Register through the IL Gaming Board for statewide bans.
– Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (Illinois Alliance on Problem Gambling).
– Promo Restrictions: You cannot claim bonuses during self-exclusion.
– Self-Exclusion: Enroll via the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
– Helpline: 1-800-589-9966 (Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline).
– Reality Checks: State law requires mandatory pop-ups every 60 minutes.
– Helpline: 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ-specific counseling).
– Self-Exclusion: Requires contacting ESPN BET support directly.
– Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (CO Problem Gambling Coalition).
– Time Limits: There will be a 24-hour delay to reduce daily limits.
– Helpline: 1-888-532-3500 (VA Department of Behavioral Health).
– Self-Exclusion: Enroll via the VA Lottery Board.
– Helpline: 1-800-889-9789 (TN REDLINE).
– No Retail Options: Self-exclusion applies only to online accounts.
Additional Tools
- Casino Block: Disable access to casino games while keeping sports betting active.
- Single Bet Limits: Restrict maximum wager amounts per bet (e.g., $100 per play).
- Payment Restrictions: Block specific deposit methods like credit cards.
What Works Well
- Loss Tracking: Loss limits help users steer clear of chasing losses.
- Reality Checks: Timed reminders keep gambling sessions in check.
- Withdrawal Access: Funds will remain available even during account freezes.
What Needs Work
- UTC: Time-zone confusion tends to frustrate users.
- Hidden Tools: Self-exclusion and limits are buried in menus.
- No Instant Bans: Permanent exclusion requires manual support contact.
Pros & Cons
No time to read the whole playbook? That’s okay; we have the highlight reel of ESPN BET’s wins and fumbles.
Pros
- Sleek, lag-free app
- Generous welcome bonuses
- PENN Play loyalty perks
- Seamless ESPN content integration
Cons
- No live streaming yet
- Limited niche sports (e.g., no rugby)
- Mixed odds competitiveness
- No phone support
Comparison to Competitors
ESPN BET isn’t the only team in the league, so we thought it would be a good idea to pit it against DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM in a head-to-head battle in the table below!
| Feature | ESPN BET | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Bonus | $100 + ESPN+ | $150 bonus bets | $150 bonus back |
Odds | Average | Best for NFL | Best for NBA |
Live Streaming | ❌ | ✅ (Limited) | ✅ (TNT games) |
App Rating | 4.8 iOS / 4.3 Android | 4.7 iOS / 4.5 Android | 4.8 iOS / 4.6 Android |
Conclusion: Odds Are Good You’ll Love ESPN BET
The final whistle has been blown. Is ESPN BET the MVP of your betting lineup, or should it ride the bench?
Here’s what we think: ESPN BET is a strong rookie—it’s great for ESPN superfans and casual bettors who want a more polished app. High rollers might lean toward DraftKings’ odds, but in our opinion? The PENN Play rewards are a really good perk.
Final Verdict (Overall Rating 4/5)
We have awarded ESPN 4.3 out of 5 stars. If it adds live streaming and puts in a little work in a few other areas? Who knows, it could be a 5 out of 5 in the future!
Look below for a recap of ESPN BET’s main strengths & weaknesses:
Strengths
- Buttery-smooth app
- ESPN-driven promos and content
- No-fee withdrawals
Weaknesses
- No live streaming
- Limited international sports
- Bonus expiry deadlines feel rushed
ESPN BET combines sports betting with ESPN’s iconic insights, and it has some outstanding features like the $1,000 First Bet Reset—bonus bets are refunded if your first wager loses. With real-time odds, same-game parlays that are informed by ESPN experts, and a polished app experience, this is a platform that’s designed for both casual fans and serious bettors.
Get Your $1,000 Welcome Bonus Here—we may earn a commission if you sign up via our links, but this I’m no way affects our impartial reviews! Sign up to lock in your bonus bets and experience ESPN BET’s tailored features.