Edited by Jim Pignatiello, MassLive Deputy Editor/Sports & Audience Development

Three months and change. That’s how long it took for Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy to reacquire full control of his company from PENN Entertainment and for PENN Entertainment to partner with ESPN and launch a new ESPN BET sports betting app on November 14, 2023.

However, the fast-tracked partnership between PENN and ESPN didn’t sit well with every state.

Although the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) had concerns around ESPN’s coverage of sports betting when broadcasting from college campuses, ESPN BET launched in Massachusetts along with 16 other states and became the No. 1 App Store download in less than 24 hours.

It remains one of Massachusetts best online sportsbooks and our ESPN BET sports betting app review will highlight some of what the worldwide leader’s first foray into legalized sports betting has to offer.

ESPN BET OVERVIEW

For those sports bettors in Massachusetts interested in a quick-hit overview of ESPN BET, check out the summary below.

Pros & Cons

What I like about ESPN BET is that PENN Entertainment made a solid investment by partnering with a global sports brand. PENN already had the foundation of its sports betting app built via their previous partnership with Barstool Sports and its Barstool Sportsbook. PENN’s partnership with ESPN’s innovative team will allow the ESPN BET app to improve from its first iteration and add more features and enhancements that will benefit new and existing customers. ESPN’s brand reputation is a big reason why this sports betting app shot to the top of App Store downloads within the first 24 hours of launch.

Mobile App Experience

Aside from its sleek mint green and black display, the first thing you notice when you log into ESPN BET’s app for the first time is the focus on cross-promoting ESPN personalities with all the available bonuses, promotions and bets of the day.

Navigating ESPN BET is silky smooth as its easy to move from one betting market to another and dig deeper into individual events for more nuanced sports betting options like player prop bets and additional exotic wagers. It only takes a few clicks to finalize your bet slip.

One uber convenient feature for new players is that ESPN BET has integrated the live customer support option right into the app. Simply visit your account page and click help to reach support without leaving the app.

ESPN BET Welcome Bonus & Promotions

ESPN BET is offering new customers a “First Bet Reset” up to $1,000 using promo code MASS at sign-up and when making a first deposit.

How does a “First Bet Reset” work?

If your first bet loses, ESPN BET will stake your account up to $1,000 in bonus bets. So, for example, if you risk $1,000 on your first Boston Celtics bet and it loses, ESPN BET will give you $1,000 in bonus bets. There is a small catch, the bonus bets will be divided into five equal amounts and hit your account within 72 hours of your first bet loss. So, a $1,000 first bet loss would earn five (5) $200 bonus bets. This money can not be withdrawn until its used in full on other bets.

Be sure to read all terms and conditions as there is often an expiration date on bonus bets and you don’t want to lose out on those because you ran out of time.

ESPN BET Promos for Existing Customers

New perks for existing ESPN BET customers pop up daily in the form of odds boosts, bonus bets, risk free bets and same-game parlay insurance. ESPN tends to lean on their well-known personalities like Steven A. Smith to promote their current offers and custom sports bets of the day.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Banking on sports betting sites and apps was at one time a big headache, but ESPN BET makes it easy on new customers to complete a first deposit and request a payout when you’re ready to enjoy their winnings.

The most convenient aspect of ESPN BET banking is that the minimum deposit is just $10 for every option except bank wire transfer and the operator accepts deposit via Paypal and Venmo for a streamlined experience.

The most important thing to know about ESPN BET payout methods is that you can only withdraw to certain accounts that have been previously verified by a deposit.

For example, if you made a deposit with Venmo, you can request a withdrawal via Venmo. If you made a deposit with Paypal and request a withdrawal via Venmo, you must first make a deposit with Venmo to authorize the payout.

Several ESPN BET payouts occur instantly. So, you can enjoy your winnings right away.

ESPN BET Customer Support

With any new sports betting app, questions may arise about banking, cash out options and how specific bets were graded. ESPN BET’s superior customer support team is around 24/7/365 to answer all your queries.

You can reach out a few different ways:

• Live chat
• Email at support@espnbet.com
• Phone at 1-844-953-2121
• They are also on X (Twitter) @ESPNBetSupport

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ESPN BET legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, despite the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s concerns over ESPN’s coverage on college campuses, ESPN BET went live on November 14, 2023.

What is ESPN BET’s minimum deposit?

New customers must deposit a minimum of $10 at time of sign-up.

Is ESPN BET available on desktop?

Currently ESPN BET is only available on mobile iOS and Android devices.

Is ESPN BET a legit sports betting app?

Yes, by partnering with PENN Entertainment, ESPN BET possesses all the necessary licenses and security certificates required to operate in the state of Massachusetts. Should questions arise before or after sign up, ESPN BET offers 24/7 customer service via phone, email and live chat.

How long does it take ESPN BET to process a payout?

ESPN says it will take up to 1-3 business days to process a withdrawal when sports bettors are ready to cash out.