ESPN Bet Review: Is It a Good Sportsbook?

The ESPN Bet Welcome Bonus

ESPN Bet offers a straightforward bonus for new customers. The main promotion is a “Bet $10, Get $100 in Bonus Bets” deal. You do not need a special promo code to claim it.

Here is how the offer works:

1. Sign up for a new ESPN Bet account.
2. Deposit at least $10.
3. Place any real-money bet of $10 or more.
4. You will receive $100 in bonus bets, regardless of whether your first bet wins or loses.

The bonus is paid out as five separate $20 bets. They typically show up in your account within 72 hours.

In some states, you might see a different offer: a “First Bet Reset” up to $1,000. If your first bet loses, you get the amount back in bonus bets. The “Bet $10, Get $100” offer is more common.

Important Bonus Rules:

• Expiration: Bonus bets expire seven days after you get them.
• Winnings: When you win using a bonus bet, you only keep the profit, not the value of the bet.
• Minimum Odds: Your first bet must have odds of -500 or longer (e.g., -400 or +150 are valid).
• Availability: The main offer is available in all ESPN Bet states except New York.

Where is ESPN Bet Legal?

ESPN Bet is one of the most widely available sportsbooks in the country. It is legal and licensed in 19 states and Washington D.C. You must be 21 or older and physically located in one of these places to bet.

The legal states are:

• 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.

The platform uses geofencing technology to verify your location. It works with state gaming boards, like the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, to ensure it operates legally and securely.

The Betting Experience: A Mobile-Only App

The entire ESPN Bet experience is on a mobile app. There is no desktop website for placing bets. This is common, as most Americans bet on their phones.

The app gets very high ratings from users. It has a 4.9 out of 5 on the Apple App Store, based on nearly 90,000 reviews. The design is modern, with a dark theme that is easy on the eyes. Navigation is simple, with a menu of sports at the top and a search bar to find what you need.

The live betting section is a strong point. It provides real-time odds and stats. For certain events, you can even stream the game directly within the app.

However, the experience is not perfect. Some users have reported glitches, like the app crashing or problems with logging in. These issues seem to happen more often during busy times, like on an NFL Sunday. The Android app’s rating is lower, at 4.4 out of 5, suggesting a smoother experience on iOS.

What Can You Bet On at ESPN Bet?

ESPN Bet offers a wide variety of sports and bet types. The focus is clearly on major American sports leagues.

Popular Sports Available:

• NFL: Bet on spreads, totals, and tons of player props.
• NBA: Find odds on player points, assists, rebounds, and game outcomes.
• MLB: Wager on run lines, home run props, and more.
• NHL: Bet on puck lines, goal scorers, and game totals.
• College Sports: NCAA football and basketball are fully covered.
• Other Sports: You can also bet on soccer (Premier League), golf (PGA Tour), tennis, NASCAR, and MMA.

Types of Bets:

• Standard Bets: Moneyline, point spread, and totals.
• Props: Bets on player performance or specific game events.
• Futures: Long-term bets, like who will win the championship.
• Parlays: Combine multiple bets for a bigger payout.
• Same-Game Parlays (SGPs): Build a parlay using bets from a single game.
• Early Cash Out: Settle your bet before the game is over to lock in a profit or cut a loss.

The odds are generally competitive, often set at the industry-standard -110 for spreads and totals. However, some users have noted that odds can sometimes be less favorable than those at FanDuel or DraftKings.

Promotions and The MINT CLUB Loyalty Program

Beyond the welcome bonus, ESPN Bet offers promotions to keep players engaged. It also has a rewards program called the ESPN BET MINT CLUB.

Ongoing Promotions:

• Parlay Boosts: Get extra winnings on successful parlays.
• Odds Boosts: Find better odds daily on specific markets, often highlighted by ESPN personalities.
• Bet-and-Get Offers: Place a specific bet and get a bonus bet in return.
• Eligible Cashback: Get money back on certain losing bets.

The MINT CLUB:
This is the loyalty program, which was carried over from PENN Entertainment’s old system. You earn points for every bet you place. Parlays and Same Game Parlays earn points at a higher rate than straight bets.

You can redeem your points for bonus bets, merchandise, or experiences at PENN Entertainment casino properties, such as Hollywood Casino locations.

Deposits and Withdrawals

Getting money in and out of ESPN Bet is easy. The platform supports many popular payment methods.

Deposit Options:

• Visa / Mastercard
• PayPal
• eCheck (ACH)
• Online Banking
• Skrill

The minimum deposit is $10. Deposits are instant and have no fees from ESPN Bet.

Withdrawal Options:

• PayPal (processed in 1-2 days)
• eCheck (processed in 3-5 days)
• Wire Transfer (processed in 3-5 days)

PayPal is the fastest and most reliable way to get your winnings. Some users have reported withdrawal delays, especially with bank transfers. This is an area where the sportsbook could improve.

ESPN Bet vs. The Competition

ESPN Bet entered a competitive market. Here is how it stacks up against the biggest names.

• vs. FanDuel: FanDuel is known for its user-friendly app and frequent promotions. ESPN Bet’s app is also excellent, but FanDuel often has more daily odds boosts.
• vs. DraftKings: DraftKings offers huge welcome bonuses and a very customizable app. ESPN Bet’s welcome bonus is smaller but much easier to claim. DraftKings also offers more betting markets for niche sports.
• vs. BetMGM: BetMGM’s loyalty program, MGM Rewards, is similar to the MINT CLUB, connecting online betting to physical casinos. Both platforms offer a great all-around experience.

ESPN Bet’s main strength is the power of its brand and its seamless integration with ESPN media.

Final Verdict: Who Should Use ESPN Bet?

ESPN Bet is a strong contender in the US sports betting market. It combines a great app with a simple bonus and a solid rewards program.

ESPN Bet is a great choice for you if:

• You are a fan of ESPN and enjoy promotions tied to its content.
• You primarily bet on major US sports leagues.
• You want a modern, easy-to-use mobile app.
• You value a simple welcome bonus that is easy to claim.

You might want another sportsbook if:

• You prefer to bet on a desktop computer.
• You are seeking the largest possible bonus amount.
• You have had issues with withdrawal speeds on other platforms.

Overall, ESPN Bet is a reliable and enjoyable sportsbook. It is a fantastic option for most casual and serious American sports fans.