ESPN Bet Review

ESPN Bet is a strong entry into the online sportsbook market, powered by the recognizable ESPN brand and its partnership with Penn Entertainment. The integration with ESPN’s media presence gives it unmatched visibility and credibility, instantly setting it apart from many mid-tier operators. While it isn’t quite on par with industry leaders like DraftKings or FanDuel Sportsbook, ESPN Bet brings enough to the table to be considered a serious option for most bettors.

The platform covers all the standard betting types, including moneylines, spreads, totals, props, parlays, and same-game parlays, with cash-out functionality available on select markets. Odds are competitive across the board, and the app is sleekly designed, drawing on ESPN’s established style and familiarity. Navigation feels smooth, and users who are already fans of ESPN’s ecosystem will likely find the transition into betting intuitive.

That said, ESPN Bet is not without its limitations. The number of promotions and bonus offers can’t quite match the sheer variety available on the largest sportsbooks. While live betting is present, it doesn’t yet deliver the advanced visualizations and lightning-fast updates that seasoned bettors expect. Some players have also noted that while the app is polished, it still feels like a work in progress compared to the more mature platforms dominating the space.

For casual bettors and ESPN loyalists, however, the sportsbook holds clear appeal. The integration with ESPN content, combined with its straightforward betting interface, makes it a comfortable and trustworthy choice. Serious players may crave more depth and variety, but the overall package is reliable and user-friendly.

Overall, ESPN Bet earns a 4 out of 5 in our review. Its brand recognition and clean design make it one of the more notable new betting apps to challenge the established leaders, though it still has ground to cover before it can truly compete at the top.

ESPN Bet keeps its promotional structure accessible and easy to follow. New users can claim a welcome bonus by placing a small qualifying wager, which unlocks bonus bets credited in multiple tokens. These must be used within a short time frame, giving new bettors a simple, low-risk way to try out the platform.

For existing players, ESPN Bet rolls out a steady lineup of offers, though the variety doesn’t quite rival the biggest sportsbooks. Users will find odds boosts, parlay insurance, and themed promos around major sporting events like the Super Bowl or March Madness. While not overwhelming in volume, the in-app betting promotions are straightforward and add ongoing value.

Another notable perk is the “Bet Reset” feature, which refunds your stake in bonus bets if a wager loses under specific conditions. ESPN Bet also runs a refer-a-friend program directly into ESPN’s media coverage, where featured betting insights often connect to app-based offers. These integrations give it a unique flavor compared to most competitors.

How to claim your ESPN Bet welcome bonus

• Register for an ESPN Bet account

• Complete verification and make a qualifying deposit

• Place your first eligible wager (minimum $10)

• Receive $100 in bonus bets, credited as multiple $20 tokens

ESPN Bet is live in 20 U.S. states plus Washington, D.C. as of 2025, with geo-location verification mandatory for placing wagers. If you aren’t physically within one of the approved states, you won’t be able to place bets, though you can still log in, view odds, and manage your account.

Here are the states where ESPN Bet is currently legal for online sports wagering:

• Arizona

• Colorado

• Illinois

• Indiana

• Iowa

• Kansas

• Kentucky

• Louisiana

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• New Jersey

• New York

• North Carolina

• Ohio

• Pennsylvania

• Tennessee

• Virginia

• West Virginia

• Washington, D.C.

While ESPN Bet already has one of the widest footprints of any sportsbook in the country, further expansion is possible as more states legalize online sports betting.

The ESPN Bet app offers a clean, mobile-first experience designed for straightforward betting. Navigation is intuitive, with sports, markets, and the bet slip clearly labeled and easy to access. The uncluttered layout makes it approachable for first-time bettors while still supporting all the core functions seasoned users need.

Live betting is supported, with in-play odds updating quickly and cash-out available on select markets. Bet slips update smoothly, and placing wagers feels seamless across sports and markets.

Where the app could improve is in visual immersion and advanced features. It lacks rich graphical trackers, detailed live stats overlays, and analytical widgets that help enhance the in-play experience. Some users report minor slowdowns during high-traffic events, though overall performance remains solid.

Highlights:

• Clean, intuitive layout and easy navigation
• Fully functional bet slips that update smoothly
• Supports live betting with dynamic odds and cash-out
• Responsive interface across sports and markets

Areas for Improvement:

• Limited live betting visuals and stat overlays
• No advanced analytical tools or immersive graphics
• Occasional performance slowdowns during major events

Overall, the ESPN Bet app provides a solid, beginner-friendly interface. Its focus on clarity and usability makes it easy to navigate, but bettors looking for more advanced visualizations and in-depth tools may find it somewhat basic.

ESPN Bet offers a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options, giving users flexibility and convenience while keeping transactions secure. The sportsbook supports both traditional and modern digital payment methods, making it accessible for a variety of bettors.

Deposits on ESPN Bet

You can fund your account instantly using the following methods:

• Debit Card – Visa and Mastercard accepted; $50,000 max withdrawal; deposit limits may apply

• Credit Card – Visa and Mastercard accepted; limits may apply

• Online Banking – Powered by Trustly; funds are deposited instantly, but may take 2–3 business days to clear

• Apple Pay – Uses linked debit cards; $500 per transaction

• ACH/e-Check – Powered by VIP Preferred; deposits are instant but may take 2–3 business days to clear

• PayPal – Fund your account from a linked bank account or debit card; no deposit limit

• Skrill – $2,000 minimum deposit (up to $250,000 with verification)

• Venmo – Deposit from your Venmo balance or linked bank account; no limit

• Cash at Casino – Deposit cash at participating Hollywood Casino locations; $100,000 max

• Wire Transfer – Minimum deposit $10,000; typically processed within 24 hours

Withdrawals on ESPN Bet

Withdrawals are generally processed via the same method used for deposits, subject to limits and verification. Processing times vary depending on the method. Wire transfers can be among the largest transactions, while digital wallets like Venmo, PayPal, and Skrill provide faster access to funds.

Overall Banking Experience

ESPN Bet’s banking setup is comprehensive, offering one of the widest selections of deposit and withdrawal options for a U.S. sportsbook. The inclusion of Venmo, Apple Pay, and Skrill alongside traditional methods gives users flexibility, while instant deposits and reliable processing make managing funds straightforward. High maximums and multiple digital wallet options make it suitable for casual bettors and high rollers alike.

If you’re already an ESPN fan, this sportsbook feels like a natural extension of everything you love about their coverage. The app is clean, easy to navigate, and makes placing bets simple. There’s no clutter or confusing menus, which is a welcome change if you’re new to sports betting.

The welcome bonus and ongoing promos are solid, though not going to blow anyone away. Live betting works well for most games, but if you’re used to flashy trackers, deep stats, or high-end visuals on other platforms, ESPN Bet might feel a little tame. Still, the basics are all there, and they’re done well.

Banking is a strong point, with plenty of options from PayPal and Venmo to Apple Pay and Skrill, so moving money in and out of your account is generally painless. Customer support could be better, but the 24/7 live AI chat can be handy if you ever get stuck or have a question in the middle of a big game.

Overall, ESPN Bet is a solid choice for casual bettors and anyone already invested in ESPN’s ecosystem. It may not have every high-end feature the top-tier apps boast, but it’s trustworthy, easy to use, and a lot of fun for fans who just want to focus on the games. We give it a 4 out of 5, a dependable, enjoyable sportsbook that gets most things right without overcomplicating the experience.