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ESPN Bet Sportsbook Illinois Promo Code

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Dan Bradley By: Dan Bradley
Table of contents

What is the ESPN Bet Illinois promo?

ESPN Bet hasn’t yet announced what type of welcome promo it will offer when it goes live in Illinois, but we would imagine it being somewhat similar to the offer that was available for the Barstool platform. If that holds true, the signup bonus would be a $1,000 deposit match.

Unused credits would expire after 30 days and the bonus funds could not be withdrawn as cash. However, getting that much bonus credit can help build a steady bankroll early on, allowing new users the shot as a massive payout.

ESPN Bet IL bonus

Sign-up bonus: Coming soon
Promo code: No code needed
Minimum deposit: $10
Last updated: October 2023

Company Overview

Sportsbook: ESPN Bet
Legal in Illinois: Yes
Retail location: TBD
Payment methods:
(+3)

Following PENN Entertainment’s departure from the Barstool brand, the company has entered a new partnership with ESPN to form ESPN Bet Sportsbook. Capitalizing on the brand recognition of the “Worldwide Leader in Sports” should make for a profitable endeavor for PENN, though it will take some time to convert the betting platform and be ready to begin accepting wagers.

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.

What is ESPN Bet?

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

Instead, ESPN will be 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?

No, ESPN Bet sportsbook is not live in Illinois; however, this is because the ESPN Bet platform itself is not yet live.

PENN is targeting a November 2023 launch date for the new platform, and because the company already held an Illinois gambling operator’s license from the Barstool product, it won’t need to reapply for licensure. This means once the sportsbook relaunches, Illinoisans will be able to sign up on day one.

How to register at ESPN Bet in Illinois and use the promo code

Once the bookmaker relaunches the platform, you’ll be able to register at ESPN Bet in Illinois and use the promo code in a matter of minutes. Here’s how you can get started.

  1. Create your account: To create your account, you’ll need to provide an email address and password, as well as provide a phone number for two-factor authentication. You may also be prompted to select a security question and provide an answer for that question as well.
  2. Enter your personal information: Next, you’ll need to type in your legal first and last name, birth date, street address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This information will be used to ensure you’re legally allowed to bet in Illinois. ESPN Bet will safely transmit and store this information with encryption technology, firewalls, and SSL certificates.
  3. Agree to the terms and confirm your information: The final step of the registration process is to check a few boxes indicating you agree to the terms and conditions of service and the privacy policy, and to verify that the information you submitted is complete and accurate. You may also need to check another box to confirm that your profession does not prohibit you from betting on sports in Illinois.
  4. Finance your account and place your first bet: Lastly, before you can claim the bonus, you’ll need to make a real-money deposit and input the ESPN Bet Illinois promo code that we list at the top of this page. Keep in mind that depending on the welcome offer, you may also need to place a qualifying wager (and possibly wait for that bet to settle) before the bonus lands in your account. We will update this step once ESPN Bet announces what the signup bonus will be.

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

The ESPN Bet promo hasn’t yet been announced, so we don’t yet know the specifics. However, if it is a deposit match, the promo will be credited to your account within 24 hours of the deposit processing.

If the offer is a bonus bet of equal value to your first wager, you’ll need to make a qualifying bet, after which point the promo would be credited automatically.

Finally, if the welcome offer is a second chance bet, you would get credit within 72 hours of your first wager settling as a loss (you would not receive second chance credit on a winning wager).

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

If the ESPN Bet Illinois promo code is not working, there are a few things you should do to attempt to fix the problem on your own. First, check to ensure you’ve met any criteria needed to gain the bonus, such as making a deposit, placing an eligible wager, or having your bet settle.

Next, try closing the app or webpage where you’re accessing the sportsbook. If that doesn’t work, you may want to restart your device.

Should all of the above fail to rectify the issue, you’ll need to get in touch with ESPN Bet customer support (instructions on how to get in touch with them are below).

Top features of ESPN Bet sportsbook Illinois

ESPN Bet sportsbook Illinois is likely to carry over many of the top features which were part of the Barstool platform.

As such, here are a few of the traits we expect will be popular draws for ESPN Bet users.

  • Excellent welcome bonus: PENN previously offered a $1,000 deposit match under the Barstool brand. If this sportsbook promo is still the active offer, it will be among the most generous and competitive signup promos available among Illinois sportsbooks.
  • 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. This program will be a boon for ESPN Bet users if PENN continues its implementation.
  • Daily odds boosts: ESPN Bet will run 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.

Different kinds of wagers on ESPN Bet sportsbook

ESPN Bet sportsbook will offer 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.

Best sports teams you will be able to 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 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 could only be done at that location.

The ESPN Bet mobile betting app in Illinois

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 will be 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. Additionally, Barstool’s app wasn’t state-specific, so ESPN Bet’s will likely work nationally, making it easier to place a wager while traveling to another state where the platform is legal.

How to download the ESPN Bet app on iOS

The ESPN Bet app hasn’t yet been listed in the App Store, but once it is, here’s how you’ll be able to download it 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

When the ESPN Bet app is listed in app stores, you’ll be able to download it 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.

Will it be possible to bet on IL college sports with ESPN Bet Sportsbook?

Yes, it will be 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 Illinois expected payment options

ESPN Bet Illinois will likely utilize the same payment options as Barstool Sportsbook, though if there are any changes once the bookie launches, we will be sure to update this page accordingly. These options will also be similar to what you will find at other Illinois 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. The Barstool platform was equipped to accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover, so you can expect those to be available at ESPN Bet as well. However, you won’t be able to withdraw through any 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 a 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, 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

Though we can’t say for certain at the moment what customer support options will be available at ESPN Bet sportsbook IL, we can take an educated guess based on the options that were available under PENN Entertainment’s Barstool branding.

The quickest way will likely be to browse through detailed FAQ pages to find an answer. However, if you can’t find what you need there, you’ll probably have better luck by accessing the 24/7 support chat, filling out an email form, or requesting a callback to address any potential issues.

FAQ

What is the expected launch date for ESPN Bet's Illinois online sportsbook?

ESPN Bet’s Illinois online sportsbook is expected to launch in November of 2023. The goal is to have the platform ready to go ahead of the Thanksgiving Day NFL and NBA action and especially before college football bowl season. However, there is not a firm date as of yet for the launch.

Can I bet on golf at ESPN Bet?

Yes, you can bet on golf at ESPN Bet. You can place wagers on golf, 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.

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

No, you will 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.

Do I need a promo code to claim the ESPN Bet IL bonus?

At this moment there is no ESPN Bet Illinois promo code available. Once the sportsbook goes live, we will update this page with the latest bonus codes.

Author Details

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley is a contributing writer 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.

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