HometheScore Bet Sportsbook Illinois

theScore Bet Sportsbook Illinois Promo Code

Bet $10 Get $100 in Bonus Bets

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 theScore Bet Illinois promo?

The ESPN BET Sportsbook Illinois promo is Bet $10, Get $100 in Bonus Bets. Example: To claim the promo, visit the ESPN BET Sportsbook website and make a deposit into your account. After making a deposit, place a cash wager of $10 or more on any eligible sports market during the promotional period. You will then receive $100 in Bonus Bets.

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theScore Bet IL bonus

Sign-up bonus: Bet $10 Get $100 in Bonus Bets
Promo code: No code needed
Minimum deposit: $10
Last updated: March 2026

Sportsbook overview

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

theScore Bet is live in Illinois! After first launching in the Prairie State on November 14, 2023, when PENN Entertainment transitioned from the Barstool Sportsbook brand to ESPN BET, the platform has since undergone another major change. As of December 1, 2025, ESPN BET officially rebranded to theScore Bet across PENN’s U.S. online sports betting markets, including Illinois.

For Illinois bettors, the transition was designed to be seamless. Existing accounts, balances, and login credentials carried over without interruption, meaning there was no need to re-register or withdraw funds during the switch.

While the ESPN branding is gone, the core sportsbook platform remains under PENN’s operation. Now operating as theScore Bet, the app continues to offer a mobile-first betting experience tailored to mainstream sports fans. In this theScore Bet Illinois review, I’ll break down what Prairie State bettors can expect, how to get started, and what stands out when it comes to promotions, betting markets, and overall usability.

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

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

  1. Activate the promo by visiting the official ESPN BET Sportsbook Illinois website using the 'GET BONUS' button at the top of our page.
  2. Make a deposit into your ESPN BET account.
  3. Place a $10+ cash wager on any eligible sports market during the promotion period.
  4. Get $100 in Bonus Bets, regardless of the outcome of your bet, credited within 72 hours after placing your qualifying wager.

Terms for the theScore Bet Illinois promo

  • Must deposit and wager at least $10 on any eligible sports market during the promotion period to qualify for the $100 Bonus Bet.
  • The $100 Bonus Bet is credited within 72 hours after placing a qualifying wager and must be used within 7 days.
  • Bonus Bets are awarded regardless of the initial $10 bet outcome.
  • Participants must be physically present in Illinois to be eligible for the promotion.

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

After fulfilling the necessary criteria by depositing and placing a wager of at least $10 on any eligible sports market, the $100 in Bonus Bets will be credited to the player's account within 72 hours. This applies whether the initial bet wins or loses. 

If there is an unforeseen delay beyond this period in crediting the Bonus Bets, players are encouraged to reach out to ESPN BET support for assistance and clarification.

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

If the ESPN BET Illinois promo isn't working, start by ensuring your internet connection is stable. If connectivity isn't the issue, try updating your web browser to the latest version, as outdated versions can lead to incompatibilities. 

Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can also help resolve loading or accessibility problems by removing old data that may interfere with the site's operation. 

Additionally, disabling browser extensions or ad blockers temporarily can be crucial, as these tools can sometimes block essential elements needed for promotions to work correctly. It might also be beneficial to try accessing the site through a different browser or device to see if the problem persists. 

Finally, if none of this works, contact ESPN BET support.

What is theScore Bet?

theScore Bet is the current online sportsbook brand operated by PENN Entertainment. The platform originally replaced Barstool Sportsbook in November 2023 under the ESPN BET name, but as of December 1, 2025, PENN has officially rebranded its U.S. sportsbook to theScore Bet following the early termination of its partnership with ESPN.

Unlike the previous ESPN BET setup, there is no longer a branding partnership with ESPN. PENN now operates the sportsbook fully under the theScore Bet identity, which ties into its sports media property, theScore.

The original 10-year, multi-billion-dollar agreement between PENN and ESPN, announced in August 2023, gave ESPN front-facing branding rights while PENN handled all operations. That agreement has since ended, and ESPN has moved on to a separate betting partnership. As a result, theScore Bet is now PENN’s standalone U.S. online sportsbook brand.

Importantly, throughout every phase — Barstool Sportsbook, ESPN BET, and now theScore Bet — PENN has always been the licensed operator running the sportsbook technology, compliance, and wagering platform.

Is theScore Bet sportsbook live in Illinois?

Yes, theScore Bet sportsbook is live in Illinois.

The platform originally launched in Illinois on November 14, 2023, when PENN transitioned from Barstool Sportsbook to ESPN BET. After the December 1, 2025 rebrand, Illinois users were automatically transitioned to theScore Bet.

Existing customers did not need to create a new account. Login credentials, balances, responsible gaming settings, and open wagers carried over as part of the seamless branding update. New users in Illinois can sign up and register directly through the theScore Bet app or website.

Top features of theScore Bet Sportsbook Illinois

theScore Bet Sportsbook Illinois continues to offer many of the core features that carried over from previous versions of PENN’s platform. While the branding has changed over the years — from Barstool Sportsbook to ESPN BET and now to theScore Bet — the foundation of the betting experience remains familiar to Illinois users.

  • 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: theScore Bet regularly features daily profit boosts and enhanced odds on select markets. These are typically available on major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports. Boost percentages vary by promotion, and some are tailored to local teams or marquee matchups, giving Illinois bettors additional ways to increase potential payouts.

Different kinds of wagers on theScore Bet sportsbook

theScore 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 theScore 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 theScore 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 are able to bet on using theScore 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.

The theScore 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 theScore 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. theScore 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 holds a 4.8/5 rating in the iOS App Store and a 4.2/5 rating in the Google Play Store. While these ratings 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.

How to download the theScore Bet app on iOS

The theScore 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 “theScore 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 theScore Bet app on Android

The theScore 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 “theScore 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 theScore 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 theScore Bet Sportsbook?

Yes, it is possible to bet on IL college sports with theScore 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.

theScore Bet Sportsbook Illinois payment options

theScore Bet Illinois utilizes the same payment options as ESPN BET used to, 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. 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 theScore Bet accepts most major credit and debit cards, you won’t be able to withdraw through either of those channels.

Withdrawal

  • Check/E-check: You can request theScore 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 theScore Bet Sportsbook IL

theScore 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 will find a support chat on the website, which is one noticeable benefit, but the other communication methods should also be sufficient.

Our rating of theScore Bet Sportsbook Illinois

(4.5)

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

IL Betting has given theScore 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:

    This promotion is highly appealing as it generously rewards new users with $100 in Bonus Bets regardless of their initial $10 wager's outcome.

  • Payment options - Rating 4/5: The payment options with theScore 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 ESPN BET platform. theScore 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 theScore Bet launch in Illinois?

theScore Bet's Illinois online sportsbook launched on December 1, 2025. You can now log in and create a new theScore Bet account, or if you already had an account with ESPN BET Sportsbook, your credentials will have rolled over to the new platform automatically.

Can I bet on golf at theScore Bet?

Yes, you can bet on golf at theScore 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 theScore Bet in IL?

You can find the best bonuses on theScore 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 theScore Bet?

No, you do not have to live in Illinois to bet on theScore Bet. However, you will need to be physically within the state borders of a state which has licensed theScore 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 theScore Bet?

theScore 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.