In August of 2023, ESPN and PENN Entertainment forged a decade-long collaboration to introduce ESPN Bet, an innovative sports betting platform designed to cater to bettors throughout the United States. Barstool Sportsbook, which was under the PENN Entertainment umbrella before the ESPN deal, will undergo a transformation and emerge as ESPN Bet.
This rebranding resulted in a November 14, 2023 debut with the rollout in 17 states where PENN holds valid operating licenses, including Iowa.
What is ESPN Bet Sportsbook?
ESPN Bet represents the successor to Barstool Sportsbook, marking a significant shift in the landscape of U.S. sports betting. Following the separation of PENN and Barstool Sports in August 2023, PENN promptly entered into a strategic alliance with ESPN to introduce ESPN Bet.
Upon its official November 2023 launch, ESPN Bet seamlessly stepped into the markets formerly served by Barstool Sportsbook, extending its reach to every market where the latter had a presence.
Is ESPN Bet Sportsbook live in IA?
Yes, ESPN Bet is live in Iowa. The platform went live statewide on November 14, 2023, with scores of Hawkeye voters flocking to the sportsbook to claim the welcome bonus offer.
With the launch, ESPN Bet became the 18th Iowa sports betting platform to launch in that state, though that number is somewhat up for debate given the conversion from the Barstool platform. As of writing, there are also only 17 active sportsbooks as Bally Bet has paused its Iowa operations.
Opening an account at ESPN Bet in Iowa and claiming their bonus
Opening an ESPN Bet account is convenient and relatively straightforward, with most users able to complete the process in under 10 minutes. The welcome bonus of $200 in bonus bets will arrive following a player's first wager on the platform.
Here is a concise outline of the steps for users in IA to sign up for ESPN Bet and claim their welcome offer.
What type of welcome bonus does ESPN Bet offer?
Between the November 14 launch date and December 31, 2023, new ESPN Bet users will receive $200 in bonus bets within 72 hours of placing their first wager at the sportsbook. The initial wager can be made on any sport, with any bet type and odds line you can find.
Bonus bets will expire after seven days (168 hours) of landing in your account if unused, so don't delay once they arrive!
How long will it take for the ESPN Bet bonus to be credited?
ESPN Bet's welcome bonus will be credited to your account within three days (72 hours) of making your first wager on the site. From there, you'll have one week (168 hours) to play each of the four $50 bonus bets and take full advantage of the promo.
How do I troubleshoot if the ESPN Bet Iowa bonus is not working?
When facing challenges with a promotional offer that isn't working as expected, users can take several steps to address the issue. First and foremost, it's essential to carefully examine the terms and conditions linked to the promotion, as they usually offer detailed instructions on how to make the most of the offer.
If you have already reviewed the terms and conditions and still encounter issues while trying to activate the betting bonus in IA, you can also try restarting the device on which you're using ESPN Bet. This can cause the system to refresh and the bonus to appear as normal.
Finally, reaching out to the operator through their customer service page is generally an effective solution. This approach often leads to a resolution of the problem.
What types of bets will ESPN Bet Sportsbook offer?
Like most Iowa gambling sites, ESPN Bet provides a wide variety of betting options for its users. Here are some of the popular bet types that ESPN Bet players will have at their disposal.
Can I bet on Iowa college sports with ESPN Bet?
Yes, you can bet on Iowa college sports through ESPN Bet. Collegiate sports hold particular significance for Iowans as they feature four high-caliber NCAA athletics programs within the state. Both the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones compete in football and basketball at the Division I level, while Drake and Northern Iowa are also D-I for basketball.
Best sports you can bet on using ESPN Bet Iowa
ESPN Bet users have access to a wide range of betting markets. Below, we highlight where we anticipate the primary action will take place for ESPN Bet users in Iowa.
The ESPN Bet betting app in Iowa
Following the formal introduction of ESPN Bet, users could access the Iowa mobile betting app. Utilizing the ESPN Bet app is the most convenient way to place bets with the operator.
The ESPN Bet app is easily downloadable on both iOS and Android devices and is available to users at no charge.
How to download the ESPN Bet app on iOS
How to download the ESPN Bet app on Android
ESPN Bet Sportsbook Iowa payment options
ESPN Bet Sportsbook's payment options fall in line with those offered at other sportsbooks in Iowa with a few unique options that can really set the bookmaker apart. Here is the list of those banking methods.
Deposit
Customer support at ESPN Bet Sportsbook IA
Users who are registered with ESPN Bet can look forward to receiving outstanding customer service and support. The site and mobile app feature an extensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to assist with common queries, making information easy to find and comprehend.
The support page also directs users to phone and email support options if they cannot find the answers they're seeking in the FAQ pages. Unfortunately, there isn't yet a support chat available with ESPN Bet.