Our Verdict
ESPN BET is the result of Penn Entertainment's partnership with ESPN, replacing the former Barstool Sportsbook. The brand recognition is unmatched — ESPN is synonymous with sports. The integration with ESPN's app ecosystem is genuinely useful if you're already consuming their content.
That said, ESPN BET is still catching up to the established players. The app is solid but not exceptional. The odds are competitive but rarely best-in-class. It's a good Tier 2 option that's improving rapidly, especially for casual bettors who live in the ESPN ecosystem.
- ESPN app integration
- $1,000 first bet insurance
- Hollywood Casino retail connection
- Improving rapidly since launch
- Strong brand trust
- Good for casual ESPN viewers
- Not as polished as FanDuel/DraftKings
- Fewer props than competitors
- Odds rarely the best in market
- Still building out features
ESPN BET Ohio Bonus Explained
ESPN BET offers $1,000 first bet insurance with code ESPNBET. This works like BetMGM and Caesars: if your first bet loses, you get the stake back as bonus bets (up to $1,000). If it wins, you keep the winnings but no bonus activates.
The $1,000 ceiling matches Caesars and sits below BetMGM's $1,500. It's a solid middle-ground offer for bettors comfortable with the insurance model.
ESPN Integration: The Key Differentiator
The biggest selling point is the ESPN ecosystem integration. You can access ESPN BET directly from the ESPN app, see betting lines alongside scores and stats, and move seamlessly between content and wagering.
If you're already using the ESPN app to follow games, the integration is genuinely convenient. See a stat, place a bet, all without switching apps. For casual bettors who consume ESPN content daily, this is a real advantage.
ESPN BET is powered by Penn Entertainment (formerly Penn National Gaming), which also operates Hollywood Casino properties. Your ESPN BET account connects to Penn's loyalty program, earning rewards redeemable at their casinos.
App & Betting Experience
The ESPN BET app is clean and functional. Navigation is intuitive, bet placement works smoothly, and the ESPN branding is well-integrated. It's not as feature-rich as DraftKings or as polished as FanDuel, but it's perfectly usable.
Live betting is adequate. Prop selection is growing but doesn't match DraftKings' depth. Same-game parlays are available. The app has improved significantly since launch and continues to add features.
Odds Quality
ESPN BET's odds are competitive but rarely market-leading. On major games, they're in the mix. On smaller markets, they tend to lag behind the Tier 1 books. For line shopping purposes, ESPN BET is worth checking but shouldn't be your only book.
Who Should Use ESPN BET?
Best for: ESPN app users who want seamless integration, casual bettors who value brand trust, and anyone who frequents Hollywood Casino properties. Good as a secondary app for line shopping.
Maybe skip if: You prioritize getting the best odds (FanDuel usually wins), want the deepest props (DraftKings is better), or need the most polished app experience. As your only sportsbook, ESPN BET is fine but not optimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Barstool Sportsbook was rebranded to ESPN BET in late 2023 when Penn Entertainment partnered with ESPN. Existing Barstool accounts were migrated to ESPN BET. The Barstool brand is no longer used for sports betting.
No, they're different products. theScore Bet operates separately and is transitioning in some markets. ESPN BET is Penn Entertainment's flagship betting product with full ESPN integration.
Yes. ESPN BET integrates directly with the ESPN app. You can view odds, access betting, and place wagers without leaving ESPN's ecosystem. You'll need an ESPN BET account to wager.
ESPN BET connects to Hollywood Casino properties, which have retail sportsbooks in Ohio. Penn Entertainment operates Hollywood Casino Columbus, Toledo, and Youngstown locations.