In August 2023, ESPN and PENN Entertainment agreed to a 10-year partnership to launch ESPN Bet, a newly branded sports betting site for bettors across the United States. Barstool Sportsbook, the platform PENN Entertainment previously operated, was rebranded as ESPN Bet and the new platform launched in November 2023.
With Vermont launching sports betting on January 11, 2024, ESPN Bet was one of five sportsbook operators to apply for licensing in the state. However, there were some issues with the paperwork that prevented ESPN Bet from launching on Day One. For now, the bookie is in limbo while awaiting further approval and a clear path to a Vermont launch.
Is ESPN Bet Sportsbook licensed in VT?
No, ESPN Bet is not licensed in Vermont just yet. In September 2023, the sportsbook applied for licensing in the state. Given PENN’s stature in the sports betting industry, we fully expect ESPN Bet to gain market access in VT, though it unfortunately didn't get the go-ahead for the launch of Vermont sports betting in January 2024.
When ESPN Bet launches in Vermont, their promo will be $200 in bonus bets following a player's first wager with the sportsbook. Example: Register for a new ESPN Bet account in Vermont, open and log into the website or mobile app, make a real-money deposit of at least $10, and place your first bet of any kind on the sportsbook. ESPN Bet will then award your four bonus bets valued at $50 each (totaling $200 in bonus bets) within 72 hours of placing your first wager.
What is ESPN Bet?
ESPN Bet is a new sports betting site that replaced Barstool Sportsbook. After PENN and Barstool Sports parted ways in August 2023, PENN swiftly partnered with ESPN to launch ESPN Bet, locking in a 10-year deal that could be worth as much as $2 billion.
The new ESPN Bet platform rolled out on November 14, 2023, with Barstool users automatically having their accounts rolled over to the new platform.
Based on the early success seen in other states, ESPN Bet is poised to be extremely competitive with other top sports betting operators once they launch in Vermont.
Opening an account at ESPN Bet in Vermont and claiming their bonus
ESPN Bet's registration process may have slightly different steps depending on the state where you're playing, but there are a few points that apply regardless of state lines. The entire registration process should take you around 10 minutes to complete, after which point you can make a deposit, place your first wager on the site, and claim the welcome bonus.
Here's a brief overview of the expected steps for users in Vermont to register for ESPN Bet and access the welcome offer.
What types of wagers are offered at ESPN Bet Sportsbook?
Similar to the majority of Vermont sportsbooks, ESPN Bet is expected to offer a diverse range of betting options for its users. Below are some of the popular bet types that ESPN Bet players will have access to.
How much time will it take for my ESPN Bet bonus to be credited?
As part of the welcome bonus in other states, ESPN Bet will credit the bonus to your account within 72 hours. This length of time is somewhat of an industry expectation for welcome bonuses, though if the offer changes, so too could the time it takes for the bonus credits to land.
How do I fix issues if the ESPN Bet Vermont bonus is not working?
When encountering difficulties with a promotional offer that isn't functioning correctly, there are several steps users can follow to resolve the issue. Firstly, it's crucial to thoroughly review the terms and conditions associated with the promotion, as they typically provide comprehensive guidance on how to fully utilize the offer.
Next, the offer may require you to wait 72 hours after placing your first wager for the bonus funds to arrive. If this time length has not passed, you will need to keep waiting.
If you've already reviewed the terms and conditions and continue to experience difficulties in activating the betting bonus in Vermont, reaching out to the operator via their customer service portal is typically an effective solution. This approach usually resolves the issue.
Will you be able to bet on college sports in Vermont with ESPN Bet?
Yes, VT bettors will be able to wager on college sports through ESPN Bet. However, VT users may not wager on collegiate programs within the state, unless they’re participating in an out-of-state tournament (i.e. March Madness).
Best sports leagues you will be able to bet on using ESPN Bet Vermont
ESPN Bet offers its users 17 sports on its platform with additional markets for esports and other entertainment programming. Many of the top domestic and international leagues will be covered with potential for future expansion given ESPN's standing as the "Worldwide Leader in Sports."
Below, we outline where we anticipate the primary action will unfold for ESPN Bet users in VT.
The ESPN Bet betting app in Vermont
After the official launch of ESPN Bet in the state, users will have access to the Vermont mobile betting app. Utilizing the ESPN Bet app will prove to be the most convenient method for placing bets with the operator.
The ESPN Bet app will be readily downloadable on both iOS and Android devices, and there is no cost associated with installation.
How to download the ESPN Bet app on iOS
How to download the ESPN Bet app on Android
ESPN Bet Sportsbook Vermont probable payment options
ESPN Bet's payment options may vary slightly from state to state due to subtle differences in the laws governing those jurisdictions. For example, in Massachusetts, players are prohibited from making a sportsbook deposit with a credit card.
Keeping this in mind, we can predict the banking options that are likely to become available to Vermont players, drawing insight from the choices available in other states.
Deposit
Customer support at ESPN Bet Sportsbook VT
Registered ESPN Bet users can anticipate exceptional customer service and support. Though there isn't a live chat currently available, such a system could be installed to complement the comprehensive list of frequently asked questions on the site that addresses common issues.
Additionally, sportsbook users can communicate with the ESPN Bet support team via phone call or through email assistance.
