PENN Entertainment has ended its partnership with Barstool and recently converted its U.S. sportsbook platforms to new branding with ESPN. In this review, we’ll touch on what the immediate future looks like for the bookmaker and what Arizona sports bettors can expect with the changeover to ESPN Bet.
ESPN Bet explained
PENN’s total acquisition of Barstool in February 2023 led many to believe the controversial sports and entertainment brand had turned over a new leaf and would focus content on the betting angle. However, over time, the former realized such an endeavor was no longer worth the effort. Barstool founder Dave Portnoy cited himself as a reason the sportsbook was unable to secure licenses and that the split from PENN would be the right decision for all parties involved.
When announcing that the company had sold ownership of Barstool back to Portnoy, PENN announced a 10-year branding partnership with ESPN which will manifest in the ESPN Bet sportsbook platform. Though there are concerns surrounding ESPN’s access to players, teams, and organizations and how that can impact the sportsbook’s lines and odds, ESPN is not physically running any of the gambling operations. The platform could be nearly identical to the old Barstool operation, just with a new skin over the product.
Is ESPN Bet sportsbook legal in Arizona?
Yes, ESPN Bet sportsbook is legal in Arizona. PENN Entertainment still holds the gambling operator's license in the state as issued by the Arizona Department of Gaming, so ESPN Bet was able to begin operations once PENN converted the platform. Barstool Sportsbook users had their accounts rolled over to the new platform automatically and won't need to redo their registration.
ESPN Bet launched on November 14, 2023, just in time for the Thanksgiving Day NFL and NBA games.
Registering at ESPN Bet in Arizona and claiming the bonus
Now that ESPN Bet is accepting signups, registering at ESPN Bet in Arizona and claiming the bonus has become a simple, straightforward process. Most users will find the process takes no more than 10 minutes. Here’s how to get started.
Those who previously had accounts with Barstool Sportsbook had their accounts rolled over automatically and will not need to re-register.
Leading features of ESPN Bet Sportsbook Arizona
While there will undoubtedly be future developments and added features coming soon, we've already determined the following as the leading features of ESPN Bet Sportsbook Arizona out of the gates.
As a welcome promo, ESPN Bet is offering players $200 in bonus bets, broken up as four $50 wagers, following their first wager with the bookie. The bet can be placed on any sport, market, and odds line, and it doesn't not carry a minimum or maximum stake to qualify.
This offer gives players virtually limitless flexibility in how they choose to take advantage of the bonus. The promo will be credited to your account within 72 hours of making your first bet, so the bonus bets could arrive before your initial wager settles.
The ESPN Bet promo will be credited to your account within 72 hours of playing your first bet. Your initial wager doesn't need to settle before the bonus bets land in your account, and you'll have seven days to play them after they arrive before the credits expire.
How to troubleshoot if the ESPN Bet Arizona bonus is not working
If the ESPN Bet Arizona bonus is not working, there are a few steps you can take in an effort to troubleshoot the situation. Most of the time, logging out of your account and logging back in again will solve the issue.
Additionally, closing out of the browser or app may rectify the problem.
Finally, try completely restarting the device you’re using to access the sportsbook.
Should all of those steps fail to address the glitch, you will need to get in touch with ESPN Bet’s customer support team (more details on that are below).
Different kinds of bets on ESPN Bet Sportsbook
ESPN Bet has many different bets to appeal to hardcore and casual bettors alike. Here are some of the different kinds of bets you are able to play on ESPN Bet Sportsbook.
Leading sports you can bet on using ESPN Bet Arizona
PENN has expanded the betting catalog for ESPN Bet users. An impressive 17 sports are available to Arizona players, with markets for esports and other entertainment wagers live and ready.
Here are some of the leading sports you can bet on using ESPN Bet Arizona.
The ESPN Bet betting app in Arizona
Betting apps in Arizona offer a convenient way to play on the go. More than 80% of sports bets are placed online with roughly 60% being made through a betting app. Many AZ sportsbooks have now optimized their platforms for mobile users making apps the superior way to place a wager.
ESPN Bet's app is now live in Arizona and the early reviews are glowing. iOS reviewers rated the app a 4.9/5 while Android users found similar favorability at 4.8/5. Since these ratings are similar to those at FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars (which have a virtual stranglehold on the Arizona market), there's a major opportunity for ESPN Bet to secure market share if these scores stay high.
How to download the ESPN Bet app on iOS
The ESPN Bet app is live and free to download! Here's how to install it on your iOS device today.
After the download is complete, you’ll be prompted to log in with your existing account credentials or to register for a new account.
How to download the ESPN Bet app on Android
The ESPN Bet app is already impressing Android users with its speed and navigability. Here’s how you can download it and experience the optimal way to wager with ESPN Bet today!
Once the installation finishes, you’ll be able to create a new account or log in with the account ID and password you used for creating the account.
Can I bet on AZ college sports with ESPN Bet?
Yes, you can bet on AZ college sports with ESPN Bet. As part of the state’s sports betting bill, the Arizona legislature decided to approve betting on collegiate athletics, including for in-state teams.
Arizona has four NCAA Division I schools: the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, and Northern Arizona University. Markets involving each of these programs are listed on ESPN Bet's pages
ESPN Bet Sportsbook Arizona payment options
PENN Entertainment has made a noticeable upgrade to the banking methods available on the ESPN Bet platform, with some similar to those at other sportsbook operators in the state but a few that aren't as commonly available.
Here are some of the most popular payment options at ESPN Bet Sportsbook Arizona.
Customer support at ESPN Bet Sportsbook AZ
ESPN is very protective of its brand, so anything shy of top-notch customer service won’t be accepted. You'll be able to find a detailed, easy-to-access FAQ section explaining the rewards program, how to work around any account difficulties, how to practice responsible gambling in Arizona, and more on the ESPN Bet site and in the mobile app.
However, if you can’t find what you need in that section, ESPN Bet also has email and phone support options available. There isn't yet a support chat feature implemented with the site, though that could come in a future update.