HomeESPN Bet Sportsbook Illinois

ESPN Bet Sportsbook Illinois Promo Code

200% Deposit Match Up To $500

21+ and present in IL. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or text "ILGAMB" to 53342.
Dan Bradley By: Dan Bradley
| Last Updated:
Table of contents

What is the ESPN Bet Illinois promo?

The ESPN BET Sportsbook Illinois promo is a 200% deposit match for new players who sign up, offering up to $500 in Eligible Cashback. Example: To claim the promo, visit the ESPN BET website and register as a new player. Make your first deposit without needing to opt-in. The 200% match, up to $500 in Eligible Cashback, will be added to your account automatically. Cashback rate is 10% for the sportsbook. This promo starts on May 1, 2024, and ends on May 31, 2024.

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ESPN Bet IL bonus

Sign-up bonus: 200% Deposit Match Up To $500
Promo code: No code needed
Minimum deposit: $10
Last updated: May 2024

Sportsbook overview

Sportsbook: ESPN Bet
Legal in Illinois: Yes
Partner in Illinois: Argosy Casino Alton +2 more
Payment methods:
(+3)

ESPN Bet is finally live in Illinois! With the November 14th, 2023 conversion from the Barstool Sportsbook brand, parent company PENN Entertainment completed the changeover and has launched ESPN Bet in 17 states and counting!

Capitalizing on the brand recognition of the “Worldwide Leader in Sports” should make for a profitable endeavor for PENN. In this ESPN Bet sportsbook Illinois review, we’ll discuss what Prairie State bettors can expect when the new platform is ready to launch and how to get started with the bookie.

How to register at ESPN Bet in Illinois and claim the promo

Registering at ESPN Bet in Illinois and claiming the promo can be done in a matter of minutes. Here’s how you can get started.

  1. Visit the official ESPN BET Sportsbook Illinois website.
  2. Register for an account on ESPN BET by providing the required information.
  3. Make your first-time deposit into your player account without the need for opt-in.
  4. Receive a 200% match on your first deposit, up to $500, paid in Eligible Cashback automatically added to your account.
  5. Understand that Eligible Cashback is a non-wagerable bonus balance and converts to withdrawable cash through eligible cash wagers at a specified rate.
  6. Use your Eligible Cashback within 30 days after receipt to avoid expiration.

Terms for the ESPN Bet Illinois promo

  • Players must make their first time deposit to unlock the Promotion Offer.
  • 200% deposit match on first deposit, up to $500, paid in Eligible Cashback.
  • Eligible Cashback must be used within 30 days after receipt.
  • Eligible Cashback is a non-wagerable bonus balance which converts to withdrawable cash through eligible cash wagers.
  • Cashback rate on on Sportsbook is 10%.
  • Eligible Cashback awarded may be converted by wagering real cash on sportsbook or Casino.
  • Eligible Cashback converted to real cash on sportsbook is restricted to wagers with odds greater than -200.
  • Promotion period begins on May 1, 2024 and ends on May 31, 2024.
  • Must be physically present in IL in order to wager.

When will the ESPN Bet promo be credited to my account?

When ESPN BET players make their first deposit, they will receive a 200% match up to $500, paid in Eligible Cashback, added automatically to their account upon the deposit. This means the promo credit should appear in your account right after your initial deposit is made. 

However, if there is an unexpected delay in receiving your eligible cashback, you are encouraged to reach out to ESPN BET support for assistance. The support team can be contacted via email at [email protected].

What should I do if the ESPN Bet Illinois promo is not working?

If the ESPN BET Illinois promo is not working, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. First, ensure that you are a new player who has never previously registered on the ESPN BET app, as the promotion is only available to new users in states where the app is live.

Another step is to ensure that your first time deposit meets the requirements to trigger the 200% deposit match up to $500 in eligible cashback. If after these checks the promo still doesn't work, it's possible there may be restrictions based on your wagering patterns or history.

Lastly, for issues not resolved by these steps, contact the Player Experience team at [email protected] for assistance. Remember, the eligible cashback is added automatically upon making the qualifying deposit, so ensure that you have checked your account balance correctly.

What is ESPN Bet?

ESPN Bet is the new skin representing PENN Entertainment’s betting platform. The new branding replaced the Barstool Sportsbook label, meaning Barstool will no longer have any presence in the sports betting industry.

Instead, ESPN is the front-facing brand while PENN is operating the sportsbook behind the scenes. This new branding is the result of a 10-year, $2 billion partnership between PENN and ESPN which was announced in August 2023.

PENN also positioned itself to acquire 50% of any money from future sales of Barstool, as well as requiring non-compete clauses keeping the latter from re-entering the sports betting sphere. ESPN’s on-air talent will be heavily involved in the promotion of the sportsbook, and ESPN will be the network’s exclusive betting platform.

While this move has fallen under scrutiny given ESPN’s unparalleled access to teams and players and the potential to provide information to the betting platform before the news is available to the public, it’s important to remember that PENN will be the company operating the betting site and app, not ESPN.

Is ESPN Bet sportsbook live in Illinois?

Yes, ESPN Bet sportsbook is live in Illinois; following the November 14, 2023 launch date for the new platform, Illinoisans can now sign up and register for a new ESPN Bet account.

If they were previously registered with Barstool Sportsbook, users' account information will have been rolled over automatically.

Top features of ESPN Bet Sportsbook Illinois

ESPN Bet Sportsbook Illinois carried over many of the top features which were part of the Barstool platform. As such, here are a few of the best traits we expect will be popular draws for ESPN Bet users.

  • Excellent welcome bonus: ESPN Bet's welcome bonus simply requires users to make a wager on the sportsbook platform; any amount, any line, win or lose. Once that wager is placed, gamblers receive $200 in bonus bets. From a cost-to-value standpoint, this is one of the best offers available to Illinois bettors.
  • Generous loyalty program: The “PENN Play Program” is considered one of the top loyalty programs across sports betting operators. Every wager made at the sportsbook earns players credits towards special sportsbook offers and promotions, luxury gifts, hotel, and cruise line stays, and early access to entertainment presales.
  • Daily odds boosts: ESPN Bet runs exclusive daily odds boosts for select bets, allowing users the chance to make more money on winning wagers. These boosts typically fall in a range of +25 to +100 on a given line, but in some cases, we’ve seen as much as a +250 addition.

Watch our ESPN Bet Sportsbook Illinois video review

Different kinds of wagers on ESPN Bet sportsbook

ESPN Bet sportsbook offers many different kinds of wagers on the betting platforms. Here are some of the more popular options you’ll find.

  • Moneyline bets: Moneyline bets are the most straightforward bet type you’ll find. They simply involve choosing a winner for a given sporting event. The margin of victory doesn’t matter, nor do other factors like winning in regulation/overtime or the method of victory (such as a knockout or a decision in boxing).
  • Totals bets: Unlike picking a winner, totals bets involve bets on the combined point total between two clubs in a given matchup. These are also called “over/under bets” since you’re wagering on whether the teams will finish over or under the total decided by ESPN Bet.
  • Futures bets: Futures bets are long-term bets that often cover things like which team will win the championship or which player will win a given award. Usually, the earlier you place a futures bet, the more favorable the odds will be.
  • Parlays: A parlay bet involves combining multiple betting outcomes into a single wager. For example, you could place a $10 wager on each of the Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls to win their next game (spending $30 as a stake) and have a lower combined payout, OR you could parlay all three together for a bet with a higher overall payout. Just be careful, as if any of those three lose, your entire bet is a loss.

Illinois sports teams you can bet on using ESPN Bet Illinois

The Illinois sports scene is one of 13 markets with a team in each of the “Big Four” U.S. sports leagues, making it one of the premier sports betting destinations. Here are some of the best Illinois teams you will be able to bet on using ESPN Bet Illinois.

  • Chicago Bears: NFL betting is far and away the most popular wager type in the U.S. In October 2022 alone, approximately 80% of U.S. sports bettors placed a bet on NFL action. The Bears play in the competitive NFC North Division and are one of the league’s oldest franchises.
  • Chicago Bulls: After the NFL, betting on the NBA is the next most popular league to bet on. The Bulls have won the fourth-most titles of any NBA team, trailing only the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors.
  • Chicago Blackhawks: As one of the NHL’s “Original Six” franchises, the Blackhawks are one of the most marketed franchises in the league. After winning three Stanley Cups in the 2010s, the team is in a rebuild, but with superstar-in-the-making Connor Bedard ready to shine, Chicago is a team on the rise.
  • Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox: Splitting the MLB vote among the North and South Sides of the city, the Cubs and White Sox make up one of the most entertaining rivalries in baseball. Despite playing in different leagues (the Cubs in the National League and the White Sox in the American), the crosstown series that take place each year are always entertaining.

Wagering on college sports in Illinois is permitted; however, betting on in-state teams must be done in person, as an amendment to SB 84 prohibits online betting on Illinois-based teams, effective through July 1, 2024.

Barstool had a land-based sportsbook at the Argosy Casino in Alton, so using ESPN Bet to wager on an in-state college team will only be available once that location converts to the new platforms.

The ESPN Bet mobile betting app in Illinois

Sports betting apps in Illinois are the most popular way to play. An overwhelming majority of sports bets are placed online, and mobile apps account for nearly 60% of all wagers. For that reason, the ESPN Bet mobile betting app is the best way to use the platform in Illinois.

Many sportsbooks have optimized their platforms for mobile users, and with the customizability in design and user experience, it’s certainly a more streamlined way to place your bets. ESPN Bet's app works nationally and is not tied to any specific state, making it easier to place a wager while traveling to another state where the platform is legal.

The app already holds a 4.9/5 rating in the iOS App Store and a 4.8/5 rating in the Google Play Store. While these ratings early on could be seeing a skew because of a small sample size and the need for a strong start, the results from our own tests have so far been encouraging.

Upon opening the app, you'll notice a "featured bets" section showcasing pre-crafted straight bets and parlays with boosted odds that you can wager with the push of a button. We found the app very intuitive and responsive, and the display is evocative of browsing through box scores on the ESPN website (it feels like it is naturally an ESPN brand and not a product forced to carry the ESPN label).

How to download the ESPN Bet app on iOS

The ESPN Bet app is live and listed in the App Store. Here’s how you’ll be able to download the free app on your iOS device.

  1. Use your device to access the App Store. Make sure you’re logged in with your Apple ID and password or you may be asked to provide them later in the process.
  2. Search for “ESPN Bet sportsbook.” Note that the exact name of this app may change. We will update here once the app is named and available for download.
  3. Press “Get” then “Install.”

Once the download is complete, you’ll be able to sign in and make a deposit or create a new sportsbook account.

How to download the ESPN Bet app on Android

The ESPN Bet app is listed in app stores, meaning you can download it to your Android device by following these steps.

  1. Access the Google Play Store on your Android device.
  2. Search for “ESPN Bet Sportsbook.” Note that the exact name of this app may change. We will update here once the app is named and available for download.
  3. Press “Install” and wait for the download to finish.

Once you’ve installed the ESPN Bet app, you’ll be able to create a new sportsbook account or log in with your existing credentials.

Can I bet on IL college sports with ESPN Bet Sportsbook?

Yes, it is possible to bet on IL college sports with ESPN Bet Sportsbook; however, you will only be able to do so in person at the Argosy Casino in Alton.

SB 84 prohibits betting on in-state collegiate athletics programs until at least July 1, 2024. While the legislature could reverse that decision, it will take at least one more session for such a bill to pass, and for that bill to be approved by Governor J.B. Pritzker.

You will still be able to place a bet on a college sporting event that does not involve an Illinois-based team both online and in person.

ESPN Bet Sportsbook Illinois payment options

ESPN Bet Illinois utilizes the same payment options as Barstool Sportsbook, so if you already had an account, this list will look similar. These options are also similar to what you will find at other Illinois online sportsbooks.

Deposit

  • Cash: Cash deposits will only be accepted in person, so if you plan to go that route, you’ll need to visit the retail location at Argosy Casino. PENN will likely be converting that cage from the Barstool brand to the new ESPN Bet skin. Remember to take a government-issued photo ID with you when you’re ready to make your deposit!
  • Credit/Debit Cards: Credit and debit cards are almost universally accepted at sportsbooks because of their convenience and wide reaching access. While ESPN Bet accepts most major credit and debit cards, you won’t be able to withdraw through either of those channels.
  • ESPN Bet Play+: Play+ prepaid cards function similarly to a prepaid ATM card and can only be used at the designated location (in this case, with ESPN Bet). This option also gives bettors another way to self-impose betting limits with how much money they choose to hold on the cards.

Withdrawal

  • Check/E-check: You can request ESPN Bet send you a check, either a paper copy through USPS or an e-check to your bank. These options generally take more time than some of the other methods, but e-checks can be one of the most secure options.
  • PayPal: Using PayPal will result in one of the fastest withdrawal times. Be on the lookout for other e-wallets to be available as well in the near future, potentially including Venmo, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
  • Online banking: Choosing to go with online banking may require a bit more setup on the front end of your account, but once you’ve got it deployed and ready, you won’t have to jump around between multiple apps or use multiple authentications to make a deposit or access your winnings.

Customer support at ESPN Bet Sportsbook IL

ESPN Bet Sportsbook IL has already shown a strong start to its customer service efforts, making information relatively easy to find when browsing the online sportsbook.

The quickest way to get the information you need will likely be to browse through detailed FAQ pages to find an answer. However, if you can’t find answers there, you’ll be able to reach out for phone support or email service.

You won't find a support chat on the website, which is one noticeable drawback, but the other communication methods should be sufficient.

  • Chat: No
  • Phone: 844-953-2121
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Social media: No support is available, but this could be available soon on Twitter with the handle @ESPNBet.

Our rating of ESPN Bet Sportsbook Illinois

(4.5)

Welcome bonus
(5)
Payment options
(4)
Sportsbook app
(5)
Variety & features
(4)
Customer support
(4)

IL Betting has given ESPN Bet Sportsbook Illinois an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5. This rating is based on the following criteria:

  • Welcome Bonus - Rating 5/5:

    The ESPN BET Illinois promo is outstanding due to its generous 200% deposit match up to $500, immediate Eligible Cashback addition, no opt-in requirement, and broad eligibility criteria, making it highly accessible and rewarding for new players.

  • Payment options - Rating 4/5: The payment options with ESPN Bet are par for the course with other Illinois operators, and we expect there will be further developments in this area as the platform continues to evolve. 
  • Sportsbook app - Rating 5/5: Though the app is still quite new, it is already off to a strong start, showing solid performance across Android and iOS devices. Navigating the app is fluid and effortless, and transitioning between menus is lightning-fast. We did not encounter any geolocation issues. 
  • Variety & Features - Rating 4/5: We were quite delighted to see the PENN Play Program carried over from the Barstool platform. ESPN Bet carries 17 different sports markets while also having esports and TV awards betting options.
  • Customer Support - Rating 4/5: Without a 24/7 support chat on the website, we can’t quite give full marks here. However, even while testing on launch day, we found response times to be adequate through both phone and email options.

FAQ

When did ESPN Bet launch in Illinois?

ESPN Bet’s Illinois online sportsbook launched on November 14, 2023. You can now log in and create a new ESPN Bet account, or if you already had an account with Barstool Sportsbook, your credentials will have rolled over to the new platform automatically.

Can I bet on golf at ESPN Bet?

Yes, you can bet on golf at ESPN Bet. You can also place wagers on football, baseball, basketball, hockey, tennis, soccer, cricket, boxing, lacrosse, MMA, and motorsports on the platform.

Where can I find the best bonuses on ESPN Bet in IL?

You can find the best bonuses on ESPN Bet in IL at ILBetting.com. On this site, we’ll list the latest promos and details from all legal, licensed Illinois sportsbooks to get you the best deals possible before you place a wager.

Do you have to live in Illinois to bet on ESPN Bet?

No, you do not have to live in Illinois to bet on ESPN Bet. However, you will need to be physically within the state borders of a state which has licensed ESPN Bet to function as a gambling operator. You must also be at least 21 years of age to place a wager.

What is the minimum withdrawal at ESPN Bet?

ESPN Bet has a $10 minimum withdrawal amount for all transactions.

Author Details

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley is a researcher and author at IL Betting. Dan is a seasoned sports betting expert with a professional background in Junior hockey. Leveraging his first-hand knowledge of the game, he has dedicated his career to demystifying the world of sports betting.