theScore Bet Review: The New Name for PENN’s Sportsbook (Formerly ESPN Bet)

For existing users, the transition is simple. If you had an ESPN Bet account, you now have a theScore Bet account. Your login, balance, and open bets have moved over automatically.

For new users, this platform offers a proven technology stack that has already seen major success in Ontario, Canada.

Is theScore Bet the right sportsbook for you?

Why Did ESPN Bet Become theScore Bet?

The rebrand is the result of a strategic shift by PENN Entertainment. The company originally paid $150 million annually to use the ESPN name. However, the results did not justify the cost.

• Market Share Struggle: PENN aimed for a 10-20% share of the U.S. betting market. ESPN Bet stalled at roughly 3-4%.

• Cost Savings: By ending the deal early, PENN saves significant capital.

• Strategic Control: PENN is now focusing on its own technology and the integration with theScore media app, which has 4 million active monthly users.

Meanwhile, ESPN has moved on as well. The network announced a new partnership with DraftKings, which will become the exclusive betting partner for ESPN starting in December 2025.

The Welcome Bonus: What to Expect

With the rebrand, theScore Bet continues to offer aggressive promotions to retain former ESPN Bet users and attract new ones.

The core offer remains a “Bet and Get” structure, similar to the previous platform. Typical Welcome Offer: “Bet $10, Get $100 in Bonus Bets.”

• How to Claim: Sign up, deposit at least $10, and place a real-money wager of $10 or more.

• Payout: You receive the bonus bets regardless of whether your first bet wins or loses.

• Distribution: These are usually paid out as five separate $20 bets.

In some states, theScore Bet may offer a “Safety Net” style bonus up to $1,000. This refunds your first bet in bonus credit if it loses.

Important Bonus Rules:

• Expiration: Bonus bets are valid for seven days.

• Winnings: You keep the profit from bonus bets, not the stake.

• Eligibility: This offer is available to new customers in all licensed states.

Existing Users: Do You Need a New Account?

No. The transition from ESPN Bet to theScore Bet was designed to be completely smooth.

• Login: Use your existing email and password.

• Balance: Your funds remain safe and available.

• Open Bets: Any pending wagers you placed on ESPN Bet are still active on theScore Bet.

• History: Your transaction and betting history are preserved.

PENN retained the database of 2.9 million digital users from the ESPN partnership, so your data is already in the new system.

Where is theScore Bet Legal?

theScore Bet is available in 21 jurisdictions. This includes a brand new launch in Missouri, where the platform went live on day one of the state’s market opening (December 1, 2025).

Legal States List:

• Arizona

• Colorado

• Illinois

• Indiana

• Iowa

• Kansas

• Kentucky

• Louisiana

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• Missouri (New)

• New Jersey

• New York

• North Carolina

• Ohio

• Pennsylvania

• Tennessee

• Virginia

• West Virginia

• Washington D.C.

The app uses geofencing to ensure you are physically located in one of these areas before allowing a bet.

The Betting Experience: A Tech-First Approach

The biggest change users will notice is the branding. The “ESPN” red and white is gone, replaced by the visual identity of theScore.

App Integration PENN’s strategy relies on the connection between theScore Bet (sportsbook) and theScore (media app).

• Media Ecosystem: The media app has millions of users who use it for scores and news.

• Bet Mode: You can build a bet slip directly inside the media app while checking stats, then execute the bet seamlessly in the sportsbook app.

• User Ratings: theScore Bet has historically held high ratings in Canada (4.7+ stars) for its speed and interface.

Casino Integration In states where online casinos are legal (Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia), the Hollywood Casino is integrated directly into theScore Bet app. You can switch between sports betting and casino games instantly.

What Can You Bet On?

The betting markets remain extensive. PENN owns the technology stack, so the odds and markets are consistent with what users saw previously.

Popular Sports:

• NFL & NBA: Extensive markets including spreads, totals, and player props.

• MLB & NHL: Run lines, goal scorers, and inning-specific bets.

• College Sports: Full coverage of NCAA football and basketball.

• Global Sports: Soccer (EPL, MLS, Champions League), Tennis, Golf, MMA, and F1.

Bet Types:

• Same Game Parlays (SGP): Build complex wagers from a single match.

• Live Betting: Bet on games in progress with real-time odds updates.

• Futures: Wager on championship winners months in advance.

• Teasers: Adjust the spread in your favor for a lower payout.

Promotions and Loyalty Program

PENN Entertainment operates a unified loyalty program. Formerly linked to the “Mint Club” under the ESPN brand, it now falls under the standard PENN Play umbrella.

How it Works:

• Earn Points: You earn PENN Cash for every rated wager you place on the app.

• Redeem: Use points for bonus bets online or for hotel stays, dining, and merchandise at PENN’s physical properties (like Hollywood Casinos).

Daily Promos:

• Odds Boosts: Enhanced payouts on specific games.

• Parlay Insurance: Get your stake back in bonus bets if one leg of your parlay fails.

Deposits and Withdrawals

Banking remains stable and efficient. Since the backend technology did not change, payment processing remains the same.

Deposit Methods:

• Visa / Mastercard

• PayPal

• Online Banking (Trustly)

• VIP Preferred (eCheck)

• Skrill

• Cash at Casino Cage (in applicable states)

Withdrawal Times:

• PayPal: Typically 1-24 hours.

• Online Banking: 1-3 business days.

• Check: 7-10 business days.

theScore Bet vs. The Competition

Now that PENN is flying its own flag, how does it compare?

vs. DraftKings: DraftKings is the new partner of ESPN and the market leader. It offers more niche betting markets. However, theScore Bet offers better integration between sports news/stats and the betting slip.

vs. FanDuel: FanDuel is known for the best Same Game Parlay product. theScore Bet competes well on app speed and reliability, but FanDuel still holds a slight edge in navigation.

vs. BetMGM: Both platforms are tied to massive casino rewards programs. If you live near a PENN property (Hollywood Casino), theScore Bet is the better choice. If you frequent MGM resorts, BetMGM wins.

Final Verdict: Is theScore Bet Worth It?

The transition from ESPN Bet to theScore Bet marks a return to basics for PENN Entertainment. They are no longer renting a brand; they are building on their own proven technology.

theScore Bet is a great choice for you if:

• You are already a user of theScore media app for checking stats.

• You live in Missouri and want to try a newly launched option.

• You want a fast, reliable app without the clutter of excessive media tie-ins.

• You visit Hollywood Casino locations and want to earn rewards.

You might want another sportsbook if:

• You specifically wanted the ESPN talent integration (Stephen A. Smith, etc. are no longer involved).

• You want the absolute largest menu of obscure international sports.

Overall, theScore Bet is a top-tier product. It retains the solid technology of the previous version while moving toward a more focused, bettor-centric identity.