With the launch of ESPN BET on November 14, 2023, sports betting enthusiasts across the United States are eager to know where this new platform is legally available. A collaboration between ESPN, a household name in sports media, and PENN Entertainment, a leader in sportsbook technology and operations, ESPN BET brings an exciting and trustworthy option to the online sports betting landscape.
As seasoned experts in the sports betting industry, we’ve compiled all the information you need about ESPN BET’s legal states, licensing requirements, and user access. While wagering is restricted to users physically located within states where ESPN BET holds a valid license, other features like account management, deposits, and withdrawals can be accessed from anywhere in the U.S. This guide will help you navigate ESPN BET’s legal landscape and understand the terms of use for seamless betting experiences.
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ESPN BET: All Legal U.S. States in December 2024
ESPN BET is currently available in 19 states across the United States. These include Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Players must be physically located within these states to place bets, ensuring compliance with state-specific licensing regulations.
| State | ESPN BET Available? | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | ✅ | November 2023 |
| Colorado | ✅ | November 2023 |
| Illinois | ✅ | November 2023 |
| Indiana | ✅ | November 2023 |
| Iowa | ✅ | November 2023 |
| Kansas | ✅ | November 2023 |
| Kentucky | ✅ | November 2023 |
| Louisiana | ✅ | November 2023 |
| Maryland | ✅ | November 2023 |
| Massachusetts | ✅ | November 2023 |
| Michigan | ✅ | November 2023 |
| New Jersey | ✅ | November 2023 |
| New York | ✅ | September 2024 |
| North Carolina | ✅ | March 2024 |
| Ohio | ✅ | November 2023 |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ | November 2023 |
| Tennessee | ✅ | November 2023 |
| Virginia | ✅ | November 2023 |
| West Virginia | ✅ | November 2023 |
State Specific Rules & Regulations
To help paint a clearer picture and make sure you understand the specifics of ESPN BET’s availability in your state, let’s dive into some of the key rules and regulations you should be aware of:
- To place wagers with ESPN BET, you must be physically located in one of the eligible U.S. states listed in the table above. However, you will be able to log in, deposit, withdraw, and check your transaction history from anywhere in the United States.
- The minimum age requirement for ESPN BET is set at 21 years old. This is true for all ESPN BET legal states, including Kentucky where the legal gambling age is just 18 years old.
- ESPN BET is licensed by the gaming authority in each U.S. state where it is currently legal. This means that it operates under strict regulations and oversight to ensure fairness, security, and compliance with all relevant laws.
- ESPN BET is legal in 55 of the 64 Louisiana parishes. You won’t be able to place wagers if you’re located in one of the following parishes: Caldwell, Franklin, West Carroll, Catahoula, Jackson, LaSalle, Sabine, Union, and Winn.
- Furthermore, it’s important that you be aware of any of the specific rules and regulations in your state or jurisdiction. For example, New Jersey bettors cannot place wagers on sporting events involving in-state college teams. Meanwhile, in New York, you cannot bet on in-state schools or wager on any college player props.
Where Is ESPN BET Not Yet Legal?
Unfortunately, ESPN BET is not yet legal in the following U.S. states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
As you can see, there are quite a few states that don’t yet have access to ESPN’s sports betting platform.
However, our team of experts here at ATS.io is certain that we will be removing states from this list in the near future as new licenses are awarded by gaming authorities and additional states legalize online sports betting within their borders.
For instance, Penn Entertainment purchased Wynn Interactive’s mobile sports betting license for the state of New York in February 2024. As a result, ESPN BET New York is expected to go live in the Fall of 2024, just in time for football season!
Who Can Use ESPN BET Sportsbook?
To be eligible to sign up and place wagers with ESPN BET, there are three key requirements that you must meet:
- Age: Users must meet the minimum age requirement, which ESPN BET sets at 21 years old. This age restriction applies universally across all ESPN BET legal states. However, it’s worth noting that in Kentucky, where ESPN BET operates and the legal gambling age is 18 years old, users still need to meet the higher age threshold of 21 to use the platform. This ensures compliance with ESPN BET’s policies and regulatory standards.
- Location: Users must also be physically located in a state where ESPN BET is legally authorized to operate. This requirement is enforced through geolocation technology, which verifies the user’s current location before granting access to the platform. Operating within authorized jurisdictions is essential to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations governing online sports betting.
- No Exclusion/Self-Exclusion: Lastly, users must not be excluded or self-excluded from gambling activities for any reason. ESPN BET and state governments typically implement measures to identify and prevent individuals who have voluntarily excluded themselves from accessing the platform. This policy promotes responsible gaming practices and safeguards vulnerable users.
How To Sign Up for ESPN BET in Your State
Time needed: 5 minutes
If you live in an ESPN BET legal state and you’re ready to get in on the action, here are the steps you’ll need to take:
- Visit the Website/Download the App
First, head to the ESPN BET website or download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store to get started.
- Register for an Account
Once you’ve accessed the website or app, click on the “Sign Up” or “Register” button to create your account. You’ll need to provide some basic information such as your name, email address, and date of birth.
- Verify Your Information
After completing the registration process, you may need to verify your account by providing additional information or documentation such as a photo ID or proof of address.
- Make a Deposit
To start betting on sports, you’ll need to first add funds to your account. Choose the payment option that works best for you and follow the instructions to make your deposit.
- Claim Your Welcome Offer
Be sure to check for any available promotions or bonus offers when signing up. You may need to enter a promo code or opt-in to receive the bonus, so don’t forget to do so before making your first deposit.
- Start Placing Bets
Once you fund your account and claim your welcome offer, you’re ready to start placing bets on your favorite sports events. Browse through the available betting markets, make your picks, and enter the wager amount to confirm your bet. Have fun and good luck!
Additionally, if you have friends who are also interested in sports betting, you may want to check out the ESPN BET Refer A Friend program. This program allows you to earn rewards for referring new users to the platform, providing some extra value to your online betting experience!
ESPN BET Legal States FAQ
Before we wrap things up, let’s first take a minute to answer some of the most frequently asked (FAQ) questions about ESPN BET and its availability throughout the United States:
Can I Use ESPN BET in Florida?
Unfortunately, you cannot currently use ESPN BET in Florida. However, individuals seeking sports betting options in Florida can explore alternatives such as Hard Rock Bet, which is expected to be the only betting app available for the foreseeable future due to the gaming compact established between the state and Seminole Tribe.
Can I Use ESPN BET in Texas?
ESPN BET is not available for use in Texas due to the state’s current laws, which prohibit sports betting. While ESPN BET has expanded its operations to nearly two dozen legal states, Texas has yet to pass legislation allowing for such activities. However, should Texas legalize sports betting in the future, ESPN BET will likely become accessible to residents.
