ESPN BET has officially launched in New York, marking another major milestone for Penn Entertainment's growing presence in the sports betting industry. ESPN BET offers a generous welcome promotion in other states where the sportsbook is available: a First Bet Reset worth up to $1,000 in bonus bets. Plus, a 200% first deposit match bonus of up to $500 is also available. We expect ESPN BET to make a similar offer available in New York soon, but until then we recommend taking advantage of the live offers from other top legal sportsbooks in NY found below.
Fanatics Sportsbook NY
Caesars Sportsbook NY
FanDuel Sportsbook NY
BetMGM Sportsbook NY
ESPN Bet Bonus Code | None Required |
Offer | First Bet Reset up to $1000 if your first bet loses |
Secondary Offer | 200% first deposit match, up to $500 |
Eligible Bet Types | All bet types |
Availability | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA & WV |
Requirements | Must be a new user, at least 21 years old, and located in an eligible state |
Minimum Deposit | $10 |
Gambling Problem? | Call 1-877-8-HOPENY (467369) |
The ESPN BET sportsbook is making waves with its arrival, offering new users two of the most enticing welcome promotions in the industry. First-timers can take advantage of up to $1,000 in first bet insurance and a 200% first deposit match bonus of up to $500. Even better, you can claim both offers without needing a promo code. Here’s a breakdown of each offer:
With ESPN BET’s first bet insurance, you have the opportunity to place your first wager without fear of losing your entire stake. Here’s what you need to know:
This promotion is perfect for newcomers who want to place their first wager with added peace of mind, knowing that they’re covered if it doesn’t go their way.
Alongside the first bet insurance, ESPN BET also offers a unique 200% deposit match bonus, up to $500, for new users. Here’s how it works:
What makes this offer stand out is ESPN BET’s decision to let you claim both the deposit match and first bet insurance. This dual-offer flexibility ensures both high and low-stakes bettors can benefit from ESPN BET’s welcome promotions.
Claiming your welcome bonuses at ESPN BET is straightforward, but understanding how to maximize each offer will ensure you get the most value.
The registration process is simple. You’ll need to download the ESPN BET app or access the desktop site. After entering your personal details and verifying your identity, your account will be set up and ready to use.
Once you’ve registered, the next step is to fund your account. A minimum deposit of $10 is required, but for those looking to take full advantage of ESPN BET’s 200% deposit match bonus, a $250 deposit will unlock the maximum $500 cashback.
With your account funded, you’re now ready to place your first wager. This is important because it’s your first bet that qualifies for ESPN BET’s First Bet Reset. If your bet loses, ESPN BET will refund your stake, up to $1,000, in the form of bonus bets. These bonus bets will be credited to your account in five equal portions, each representing 20% of the original wager, and will appear within 72 hours of your loss. You'll have seven days to use these bonus bets before they expire.
Meanwhile, the 200% deposit match bonus is automatically activated when you make your initial deposit. The cashback will be visible in your account and can be unlocked progressively. For every real-money bet you place, 10% of your deposit match will convert into withdrawable cash.
If your initial bet wins, you can request a withdrawal for your winnings. Remember that bonus funds and cashback amounts are not withdrawable, but your profits from real-money wagers are ready to be cashed out whenever you choose.
| NY Sportsbook | Promo Code | Welcome Offer |
| FanDuel NY Promo Code | Click to Claim | Bet $5, Get $150 In Bonus Bets |
| BetMGM NY Promo Code | NYSB1500 | Get up to $1000 in Bonus Bets |
| Caesars NY Promo Code | SAFEBET1000 | Up to $1,000 |
| Fanatics NY Promo Code | Click To Claim | Up To $1,000 In Bonus Bets |
| BetRivers NY Promo Code | No Code Required | TBC |
| DraftKings NY Promo Code | No Code Required | 20% Deposit Match up to $1,000 |
| ESPN Bet NY Promo Code | No Code Required | TBC |
| Resorts World Bet NY Promo Code | No Code Required | TBC |
| Bally Bet NY Promo Code | No Code Required | TBC |
ESPN BET has landed in New York and is expected to to soon offer a welcome bonus that will instantly make the PENN-operated sportsbook a competitive one against the best NY betting promos on offer elsewhere.
It will mean ESPN BET can rival those betting sites with generous cashback deals for relatively high outlays while attracting the casual player who only places a few smaller wagers each week or each month.
DraftKings and FanDuel offer a simple “bet $5, get $200” promo, with smaller stakes but easy access to bonus bets.
Caesars and BetMGM target higher stakes players with first bet offers, refunding losses up to $1,000 (Caesars) or $1,500 (BetMGM).
ESPN BET rivals BetMGM and Caesars by offering first bet insurance, but adds more value with its 200% deposit match, something no other sportsbook offers. This makes ESPN BET a great choice for both casual and high-stakes players.
All sportsbooks have a $10 minimum deposit, except DraftKings $5.
We can already tell that ESPN BET in New York is set to be the sportsbook of choice for all manner of sports fans and bettors. We can expect its promos for existing customers to follow the same path.
What promotions ESPN BET is currently offering on an ongoing basis is also impressive. Few other betting sites offer this array of bonuses available each week. Just take a look at what customers can access:
Boosted odds are regularly available for the biggest games. Plus, props odds boosts such as first touchdown scorers.
Your stake back if you bet on an NFL team to win that goes on to lose in overtime, an NBA team is defeated by a “buzzer beater”, or an NHL wager flunks in a shootout.
Place four parlays with 4-legs or more and receive a $10 free bet whether your combination picks win or lose.
Place a moneyline bet on an NBA game and if there’s a 50-point scorer, you could gain $1000 of site credit if you wager wins.
Existing ESPN BET customers can also register for the PENN PLAY loyalty programme. It wouldn’t be a surprise if this is rebranded during 2024 given the ESPN branding but for now, it’s an impressive rewards scheme.
Like those offered by some other sportsbooks, PENN PLAY is a tiered loyalty initiative of which there are five levels. Essentially, users are rewarded with perks and promotions for their activity on the sports betting platform. The more you bet, the more you get. Such benefits include hotel discounts, vacation promotions, complimentary travel, and an assortment of other exclusive deals.
✍️ Sign-Up Offer: | First Bet Reset up to $1000 200% first deposit match, up to $500 |
💸 ESPN BET NY Promo Code: | None Required |
💳 Minimum Deposit: | $10 |
🤓 Expert Review & Rating: | 4.4 / 5 |
🔥 Highlights: | ✅ User friendly interface ✅ Good range of sports ✅ Choice of welcome promo ✅ Access to additional sports content |
🥇 Recommended for: | Avid sports fans, Casual bettors, High rollers |
In essence, the ESPN BET platform is a flawless, easy-to-use betting experience while delivering enough unique features to appeal to the masses.
Unlike some other sportsbooks that have had to return to the drawing board, ESPN BET has gone live with all the basics neatly checked off. The site layout is simple and follows a structure that has become a gold standard in the industry.
This is a high-class sportsbook that has clearly been designed by a team who have taken some of the best bits of other operators, avoided the worst parts that bedevil some others, and fronted it with a trusted brand name that delivers more content than your average sports betting site.
🏢 Parent Company | Penn Entertainment |
📅 Founded | 1972 (Penn) 2023 (ESPN BET) |
👨💼 CEO | Jay Snowden |
👥 Employees | 21,800 |
US States Active In | Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. |
ESPN BET Sportsbook represents a fusion of one of the world’s biggest sports content and broadcasting corporations along with a company boasting bundles of experience in gaming, racing and gambling.
Where the majority of new entrants into the burgeoning North American sportsbook industry have been rooted in brick-and-mortar and online casinos, ESPN BET instantly stands out as one fronted by a highly recognizable sports brand.
ESPN is a household name, trusted by millions for its comprehensive sports insights and reports. On the other hand, PENN Entertainment has been built on an extensive portfolio in the gaming world and a reputation for innovative user experiences.
The only question mark on this joint venture might be PENN’s previous foray into sports betting - the ill-fated Barstool sportsbook. That particular sports betting offering was never terrible but it had suffered from a reputation for poor customer service.
ESPN BET signals a strategic pivot for Penn from Barstool, which has faced challenges in navigating the regulated market and will cater to the exploding demand for sports betting insights, data, and entertainment.
Drawing from the credibility and trust associated with the ESPN brand, the sportsbook has been crafted to deliver top-tier betting options coupled with in-depth analysis and insights from ESPN's panel of experts.
The sportsbook is an extension of ESPN’s efforts to cater to the evolving needs of sports enthusiasts. By integrating betting with sports content, the platform aims to offer an all-rounded experience for its users.
With ESPN's solid reputation and wide reach, the prospects for entering New York seem promising, inevitable even. And both companies have a lot at stake here. PENN will reportedly pay ESPN $1.5 billion over the initial 10-year period of the deal which includes exclusive rights to the broadcaster’s trademark. In return, ESPN will provide promotion and access across its vast network of platforms.
Following months of speculation, ESPN Bet launched in New York on September 27, 2024. This marked the debut of the Penn Entertainment-operated sportsbook in the Empire State, joining a competitive market with its unique blend of first bet insurance and deposit match offers.
Given ESPN's long-standing reputation in the sports world, aligned with PENN Entertainment’s experience in mobile gaming and gambling, the ESPN BET Sportsbook offers a rich blend of comprehensive betting options.
Available on iOS and Android apps plus a desktop version, ESPN BET is unashamedly a rebranded Bar Stool reboot, but one enhanced by its new mega partnership with one of the biggest global names in sport.
A simple color scheme that catches the eye brings much to the overall experience and across all versions, ESPN BET is one of the fastest sportsbooks around.
With live sports being ESPN’s bread and butter, in-play and streaming options may be the standout features but there’s a lot more to like about one of the newest additions to the US sports betting industry.
ESPN BET is essentially identical whether on iOS or Android apps. The red-and-white color palette associated with ESPN has been replaced with green, white, and black for the app and it delivers an aesthetically pleasing sense of readability with slick navigation.
On the ESPN BET apps, all of the most popular events to bet on are listed vertically. As with most of the top sportsbooks, the main page clearly displays moneyline, over/under and points spread odds.
A notable variation to most sports betting sites is that clicking on one of these markets then displays a quick bet feature rather than a separate bet slip to enable super fast staking. Your wager will then be added to the ‘My Bets’ tab.
ESPN BET has also shied away from the traditional parlay builder options employed by most sportsbooks. The experience of constructing parlays is no less for it though. Instead, ESPN BET calls this ‘Parlay Plus’ which has its own tab from selected games with all of the options available to add to a parlay then listed clearly.
Combined, these fresh takes on the bet slips and parlay builder are fantastic. That applies even if it takes seasoned bettors, used to the more standard structures at other sportsbooks, a couple of goes to get the feel for them. Once you’ve achieved that, you might not look back.
Near the top of the screen is a scrolling promo section and as we’ve discovered, there’s plenty to see here. Above that, there are buttons to navigate to the biggest leagues to bet on plus a super handy ‘Boosts’ link which will take you to a list of the day’s exclusive amplified odds.
Another pair of cool features on the ESPN BET apps are its personalization and social attributes. The apps will remember which events, teams and competitions have been your previous favorites. You can also share the wagers you’ve made with your buddies from the ‘My Bets’ tab and also join in with ESPN BET’s enormous sports community.
Finally, ESPN and PENN Entertainment execs must have been rejoicing at the positive reception received from users. Reviews and scores on the App Store and Google Play have been on par with, and in some cases higher, than those relevant to FanDuel, DraftKings and the other biggest sportsbooks.
All of the above features of ESPN BET on mobile app apply to its desktop version except for the physical presence of a whole load more space to take it all in.
ESPN BET has evidently been designed to be an optimal experience on mobile devices but if you’re the type of bettor who appreciates being able to take in a lot of information simultaneously to inform your wagers then the desktop version is an excellent option.
With that in mind, we’ll discuss a few more highlights of using ESPN BET as it applies to app and web versions alike.
Like the app, the desktop version has a dedicated tab for live betting. Current live markets are grouped by competition for ease of navigating to your favorite sports and leagues. Real-time odds update exceptionally quickly and along with in-play moneylines, totals and spreads, there’s a host of game and player props available to bet while the action is underway.
Another cool feature that will become increasingly apparent is the ‘Bet Mode’ functionality which will allow ESPN customers with an associated sportsbook account to place bets from the media giant’s dedicated app.
As with all the best sportsbooks of late, there’s also an easy-to-access search facility to browse everything available on ESPN BET relevant to the keywords entered. This applies to desktop and app versions.
As a sportsbook, ESPN BET delivers a fantastic overall user experience. There simply isn’t a betting site that is faster or more responsive. Making bets and tracking them is as easy as it gets. The user interface and mechanics that power it are extremely impressive.
Furthermore, in theory having garnered millions of users through its sports content and fantasy products, ESPN should seamlessly demonstrate its ability to create user-friendly and trustworthy betting platforms. This coupled with PENN Entertainment's expansive experience, market reach and cutting-edge technology means that the partnership should redefine industry standards.
The trouble with this vision may be a nagging doubt that the customer service experience associated with Bar Stool was never top-notch. There are still a few gripes evident on ESPN BET reviews left by users on the App Store and Google Play, though, in fairness, there is for every sportsbook. Still, there’s a wealth of customer support options available that will suit everyone.
ESPN BET provides several customer support options. There is an extensive help section accessible from any page with frequently asked questions. This also includes comprehensive guides such as using the platform, banking options, promos, how to make bets, rules as they apply to wagering, and responsible gambling features.
For those seeking extra assistance to iron out specific issues, or who may have additional questions not readily covered by the help section, ESPN BET offers further resources.
These include a live chat option that’s available 24/7 though you’ll first be greeted by an AI bot which will try to provide an answer. Should this not suffice, you can then access a customer service agent.
You can also request a telephone callback, email the support team, send them a direct message on the ESPN BET social media platforms or complete a customer service support form. All of these direct contact methods are notably responsive, especially in comparison with ESPN BET’s rivals and it all bodes well for anyone considering whether to sign up or not.
Registration and sign-up for ESPN BET is a breeze, with a streamlined process that emphasizes user security through identity verification.
Firstly, you will need to ensure your location settings are turned on to be able to download the ESPN BET app and complete the registration steps. You’ll also need to be physically situated within a region in which ESPN BET is licensed to operate.
Then all you need do is follow the registration link that’s prominently displayed on app and desktop versions. As with every other sportsbook, you’ll need to complete some key personal details. Make sure these match those on your photo ID such as a driver’s license as ESPN BET will need to check this to verify a new account.
ESPN BET users can choose from eight different deposit and withdrawal options. Details are as follows:
Method | Fee | Deposit | Withdrawal | ||
Minimum | Process Time | Minimum | Process Time | ||
Online Banking | Free | $10 | Instant | $10 | 2-3 business days |
Visa | Free | $10 | Instant | $10 | Instant |
Mastercard | Free | $10 | Instant | $10 | Instant |
ACH/e-Check | Free | $10 | Instant | $10 | 2-3 business days |
PayPal | Free | $10 | Instant | $10 | Instant |
Skrill | Free | $10 | Instant | $10 | Instant |
Venmo | Free | $10 | Instant | $10 | 24 hours |
Wire Transfer | Free | $10 | Instant | $10 | 14 - 21 business days |
Depositing to your ESPN BET account is straightforward. All you need do is visit the ‘My Account’ section and select ‘Deposit’. From there you’ll be prompted to enter your chosen method. Enter the amount you wish to deposit, confirm some details and in most cases, funds will be available in your account instantaneously.
Requesting a withdrawal from an ESPN BET account is very similar to making a deposit. Again, head to the account menu and select ‘Withdrawal’. Enter the value of the withdrawal to be requested, select the banking option where you’ll receive the funds and click to confirm.
As one of the nation’s fastest-growing sportsbooks and soon to be one of the biggest, there’s a fantastic array of bet types on offer at ESPN BET.
The integration with ESPN content adds a whole new dimension to wagering, one that’s not readily available at almost every other sports betting site.
With a comprehensive range of wagering options available at ESPN BET, there’s plenty to suit all types of bettors. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options offered by the platform.
The previously mentioned quick bet functionality available on the main upcoming sports events means placing a moneyline wager is supremely easy. The odds at ESPN BET on straight-up bets are also comparable with the other sportsbook big hitters.
We also touched on ESPN BET’s ‘Parlay Plus’ option earlier which is a fresh take on building parlay bets. The functionality allows for a multitude of combinations, be they moneylines, points spreads, totals or props. Same-game parlay options for the top contests are also extensive.
There’s a heap of prop betting markets to be found at ESPN BET with options as big as any you’ll find elsewhere. One thing that is repeatedly mentioned in reviews of ESPN BET is the availability of alternate prop bets.
That particularly applies to selecting the downside on props - something not found in many sportsbooks. For example, you can choose to bet on the ‘no’ as to whether a player will score a touchdown or whether they’ll achieve under a certain number of yards.
It’s the upgraded live betting and ESPN-powered streaming that should set ESPN BET apart in what is becoming an increasingly crowded marketplace. All of the best sportsbooks recognise that offering in-play markets alone isn’t enough to stand out now. Bet365 is one sports betting operator that long ago realized this and its live features enabled the brand to become one of the world’s biggest.
The sheer speed of the ESPN BET apps means there’s little lag in its live betting options. That also applies to early cashouts. In its present guise, in-play markets are supplemented with visualizations and impressive stats plus plenty of streaming.
That will surely only get bigger and become ESPN BET’s true differential in a big way. The operator’s competitors may already be quaking given the arsenal of broadcasts that are available from ESPN.
The choice of sports to bet on at ESPN BET is up there with the best betting sites in New York. You’ll of course find the major US sports and leagues, plus additional sports from around the world that you might not see at some of the other NY sportsbooks.
The packed NFL schedule when the season is in full flow is impressively reflected at ESPN BET. All pro football matches feature prominently. The same is true for college football betting.
ESPN’s dedicated sports platforms already advertise markets, specials and promos for betting on football which only increases its breadth and ease of checking out odds while enabling the monitoring of line shopping and market movements, which put it amongst the best NFL sportsbooks.
We’ve plenty touched on the outstanding content already overflowing at ESPN that now links to betting options. Baseball fans will not be disappointed by the MLB and collegiate markets and associated bet options available at ESPN BET.
All this combines to deliver one of the top MLB betting apps, while World Series, MLB futures and points spread odds for individual games are equally impressive.
Few sportsbooks can topple the NBA options that are prominently pushed at ESPN BET. All of the traditional markets are already available along with a ton of props and odds boosts which position it amongst the best NBA betting sites in the market.
If you’re able to, it’ll also be worth checking out what their NCAAB betting options are like come March Madness, because the annual frenzy to crown the college basketball champions has long been a massive stalwart in ESPN’s content.
ESPN BET has excellent coverage of the NFL season schedule. There’s a lot of live streaming and betting lined up for North America’s top hockey league as well as the Stanley Cup, Winter Classic and All-Star Weekend, which make it a worthy rival for the best NHL sportsbooks at the moment.
ESPN BET has already struck a deal to be an official betting partner to the NHL along with PENN stablemate The ScoreBet, its digital media company based in Toronto, Canada. Other hockey leagues from around the world are also present such as the Champions League, Swedish SHL Series and markets for the collegiate championships.
On top of the top US sports, there’s a host of others that appear on ESPN BET. The world’s biggest soccer leagues are a prominent addition most days with markets to rival the best betting sites in Europe and beyond. Golf, UFC betting, autosports and tennis markets are highlights too, but you’ll also find sports that aren’t run by some other books such as rugby and cricket.
There are a few key factors that make ESPN BET stand out as a sportsbook, and these stem from the vision of its creators.
ESPN BET's strategic goal is to have mass market appeal. It’s not a niche betting site that focuses on just a few sports or bet types. While that might not suit hardcore bettors seeking a specialized sportsbook for narrow needs, ESPN BET is a winning choice for the vast majority of sports fans and casual bettors.
The other thing to note is the huge depth of resources that ESPN BET is able to leverage. Industry observers have already pointed to the fact that ESPN BET has positioned itself as one to attract and serve a younger audience. In part that may be an assumption based on Disney owning ESPN but it’s also one that makes perfect sense.
As stated above, the biggest sportsbooks in the US have been based on casino operators broadening their horizons or a handful of fantasy sports providers doing likewise. Elsewhere in the world, betting sites are rooted in race track bookmakers who set up shop on Main Streets. It all leads to the potential for a stale industry.
We can think of ESPN BET as a disruptor at the moment then. But that disruption may become the norm as it begins dominating in the states in which it operates. ESPN BET has a strong product that does sports betting in a manner already rivaling others. Intriguingly though, its journey has only just begun and this sportsbook is only going to get bigger and better.
Based on the combined strengths of ESPN and Penn Entertainment, and the platforms they’ve created, the ESPN BET sportsbook is quickly becoming one of the top-tier sportsbooks in the industry.
The following factors make it a strong contender to be one of the best sportsbooks in New York:
User Experience: This is a sportsbook that delivers a super fast, intuitive and seamless betting experience.
Market Reach: With PENN Entertainment and ESPN’s extensive market access, ESPN BET provides a vast range of betting options covering numerous sports and events. On top of that is a wealth of bonus content that elevates it beyond the traditional sportsbook.
No, ESPN BET does not require a promo code to claim its welcome offers. New users can automatically take advantage of ESPN BET's First Bet Reset (up to $1,000 in bonus bets) and a 200% deposit match bonus (up to $500) without needing to enter any code during registration.
ESPN BET is available in 19 states: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
ESPN BET launched in New York on September 26, 2024. The sportsbook is now live and available to bettors in the state.
Yes, ESPN BET Sportsbook is legal in New York. It launched on September 26, 2024, and operates under the state's legal framework for online sports betting.
No, ESPN BET and Barstool Sports are distinct brands. While both are associated with PENN, they cater to different audiences and have unique branding. PENN Entertainment plans to rebrand the Barstool Sports online betting platform to ESPN BET when it launches.
ESPN BET is a collaboration between PENN Entertainment and ESPN. The partnership leverages the strengths of both companies to provide a premium betting experience. The ESPN brand is currently owned by The Walt Disney Company (80%) and Hearst Communications (20%).
ESPN BET launched in the states in which it is licensed to operate on November 14 2023.
Yes. Live betting is one of the core strengths of ESPN BET with strong in-play markets and plenty of streaming.
Yes. You can get bonus bets at ESPN BET in the states in which it operates by signing up as a new customer. There are also regular promos offering bonuses for ESPN BET’s regular users.
