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ESPN Bet Sportsbook California

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Johnny Covers By: Johnny Covers
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Table of contents

Disclaimer: ESPN Bet sportsbook has not launched in California yet.

ESPN Bet CA bonus

Expected bonus: Second Chance Bet Up to $1000
Promo code: N/A
Minimum deposit: $10
Last updated: September 2024

Sportsbook overview

Sportsbook: ESPN Bet
Legal in California: No
Partner in California: N/A
Payment methods:
(+3)

In early August 2023, PENN Entertainment struck sports betting gold in the form of an exclusive deal with ESPN to start a brand new sportsbook with the media goliath, known as ESPN Bet. As a result, their partnership with Barstool Sportsbook ended, and PENN converted the existing Barstool platform to match the new branding.

Despite California not yet offering sports betting, let’s take a look at all things ESPN Bet Sportsbook California as The Golden State remains the biggest untapped sports betting market in the country.

Is ESPN Bet Sportsbook live in California?

No, ESPN Bet Sportsbook is not yet live in California, as sports betting is not yet legal in the state, which has so far resisted attempts at sports betting legislation. In its most recent attempt, both Prop 26 and Prop 27 failed to pass the 50% “Yes” threshold requirement to put either or both into law.

The first, Prop 26, was a bill aimed at opening retail sportsbook locations at California’s tribal casinos. The second bill, Prop 27, was designed to permit online sportsbooks in CA such as the soon-to-open ESPN Bet to set up shop in the state in partnership with the tribal casinos.

Despite neither getting the required votes, California sports bettors are hopeful that the November 2024 voting season will go differently, despite likely continued opposition from lobbying groups and select tribal leaders. If sports betting legislation were to pass in the 2024 cycle, early 2025 could be when we first see legalized California sports betting.

As of early 2024, Barstool Sportsbook is live in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

What will the ESPN Bet California promo be?

When sports betting becomes legal in California, we anticipate ESPN BET will launch with a captivating promo, mirroring offers in other states. New Californian players could enjoy a reassuring start with ESPN BET's potential promotion: If the first placed cash wager on any market or game during a specified promotion period results in a loss, players will be refunded 100% of their wager, up to $1,000, in Bonus Bets. 

Importantly, no opt-in is required, ensuring an effortless participation process. These Bonus Bets would be distributed as five separate bets, each amounting to 20% of the lost wager, to be used within ESPN BET. Only cash wagers qualify, encouraging direct engagement with the platform's diverse betting opportunities. Should these bets result in wins, the winnings get converted to withdrawable cash, excluding the initial bet amount. 

This offer could significantly attract new users in California, promising a risk-reduced introduction to sports betting with ESPN BET.

When will the ESPN Bet promo reach my account?

Although sports betting is not currently legal in California, once legalized, it's expected that ESPN BET will extend its promo offers similar to other states. 

Upon placing an eligible wager that settles as a loss, ESPN BET promises to credit the Bonus Bets to the player’s account within 72 hours. These Bonus Bets are then usable within seven days. 

Should there be any delay beyond this timeframe, players are encouraged to reach out to customer support for assistance.

Conditions for the ESPN Bet bonus in other states

Surprisingly, there are minimal conditions for the ESPN Bet bonus in other states. Here are some of the key conditions:

  • Players must place a cash bet on any eligible market or game, with the first bet made being the only one considered for the promotion. If this bet loses, players will receive 100% of their wager back as Bonus Bets, up to a maximum of $1,000.
  • Bonus Bets are distributed in five increments, each equal to 20% of the lost wager, and can only be used on ESPN BET. When a bet made with Bonus Bet funds wins, only the profits are returned to the player's withdrawable balance, not the stake.
  • To be eligible for this promotion, no opt-in is required, simplifying the participation process.
  • This offer is exclusively available to new players on the ESPN BET platform, focusing on attracting new customers.
  • Ineligible wagers include bets that have been cashed out or voided and those not made with funds from the player’s cash wallet.
  • Bonus Bets will be credited to the player's account within 72 hours of the bet settling as a loss and must be used within seven days, ensuring players quickly take advantage of the promotion.

What do I do if the ESPN Bet California bonus is not working?

If you're encountering issues with the ESPN BET CA bonus not working, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem. First, try refreshing the webpage to ensure that you are seeing the most up-to-date information. If that doesn't work, clear your browser's cache and cookies to remove any stored data that might be causing the issue. It’s also a good idea to check your internet connection, as a stable connection is necessary for all the features of ESPN BET to function correctly. 

If the problem persists, consider contacting ESPN BET's customer support for assistance. They are equipped to handle a range of issues and can provide specific guidance to resolve the problem you're experiencing. Remember to have any relevant information handy, such as your account details and a description of the issue, to help the support team assist you more efficiently.

Where can I find the latest ESPN Bet California promotions?

When ESPN Bet California goes live, the best place to find their latest promotions will be on this very page. On their main page, you will find a top menu item titled “Promos” that will also list their current standard public offerings.

Registering at ESPN Bet in California

Though ESPN Bet is not yet operational in California, we can look at the site's existing registration process to draw some conclusions on how to get signed up and begin wagering.

  1. Register for an account: Once the site goes live in California, we'll set up a link at the top of this page to access the ESPN Bet registration form. From there, enter your email address (or username) and chosen password, and set up any security questions that are required.
  2. Enter your personal information: With your basic login setup, you’ll need to enter some basic information which will include things such as first name, last name, birthday, home address, and certainly the last four of your Social Security number. This is the standard required information needed by regulated sportsbooks to verify your identity.
  3. Agree to privacy policy and terms: Now that they have your basic information, you’ll need to agree to the terms and conditions required to play on the site. With the boxes checked, you’re account should officially be created.
  4. Deposit funds and claim promo: Once your ESPN Bet Sportsbook California account has been created and verified, it’s time to deposit money into your account. After funding your account and making your first wager on the site, you will receive the welcome bonus within 72 hours.

The best features of ESPN Bet Sportsbook California

Though the ESPN Bet California sportsbook site is not yet live, with 2025 being the earliest we could see it, we can still draw some conclusions on what to expect in terms of features based on what the bookmaker offers in other states. Let’s take a look at some of the best features currently offered by ESPN Bet.

  • Great new customer promos: When new customers go to sign up for a new account, ESPN Bet likely won’t shy away from strong promo offerings. For ESPN Bet Sportsbook today, new customers receive up to a $200 in the form of bonus bets after their first wager of any kind on the platform.
  • Lucrative odds boost offers: With the backing of their ESPN media coverage behind them, ESPN Bet California can lean into the odds boosts on the sportsbook. Daily offers are already live for player props and daily parlays.
  • Live betting: Unlike other California sportsbooks where you will often have to search for live betting, ESPN Bet features a “Live” section prominently displayed on their top menu.

Different kinds of wagers on ESPN Bet Sportsbook

Given ESPN's size and reputation as the "Worldwide Leader in Sports," many first-time bettors will be flocking to ESPN Bet Sportsbook to make their very first sports bets. Below we briefly describe some of the different kinds of wagers available at ESPN Bet.

  • Moneyline: A moneyline bet is simply betting on which side will win the game. Teams with a negative (-) next to them are the favorites, while the positives (+) are the underdogs.
  • Over/under: Commonly referred to as a total, this bet is a wager on whether there will be more (over) or less (under) combined points score than the posted number.
  • Player props: Player prop bets are bets within a game, focused on a specific player. One such example is whether a quarterback will throw an interception or not, or if an NBA player will score more or less than a posted number of points.
  • Future bet: As the name implies, a future bet is a wager on something in the future, usually at the end of the season. These bets can be placed either before the season starts, or at least one week prior to the outcome you’re betting on.

Best sports you will be able to bet on using ESPN Bet California

With the launch of ESPN Bet California, residents of the biggest state in the Union will surely rush to bet on some of the biggest leagues and their favorite teams. Let’s take a quick peek at what to expect.

  • National Football League (NFL): The NFL rules the sports betting landscape in the fall, and all of California’s favorite teams including the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and San Francisco 49ers will be available.
  • National Basketball Association (NBA): The Golden State Warriors are the state’s hottest team as of late, but the Los Angeles Lakers still have King James. Fans of the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings will be able to get in on the action as well.
  • Major League Baseball (MLB): Summer is for baseball in the U.S., and California’s teams usually stick around for fall baseball led by the Los Angeles Dodgers. MLB betting is going to be huge in CA.
  • Major League Soccer (MLS): Soccer continues to rise in popularity on this side of the drink, as California now sports three teams: the Los Angeles Football Club, LA Galaxy, and the San Jose Earthquakes. International leagues including the English Premier League and La Liga will also be available for California bettors.

The rules and laws for daily fantasy sports at ESPN Bet California

Despite sports betting being illegal in the state, daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests are allowed for the nearly 40 million residents that call California home. As the name would suggest, DFS is a form of fantasy sports that is focused on a given week, day, or event rather than a season-long competition.

While forming a daily fantasy roster for that day’s baseball slate is one example, another would be creating a DFS lineup for a specific UFC event. In general, you are assigned a bankroll for a given contest, and every player within the contest is assigned a salary value. You must form your team with your set bankroll, with the players that typically record the most points commanding the largest salaries.

Unlike online gambling, California, like other states, has no laws explicitly prohibiting DFS, and as such residents of the state are allowed to play them. If ESPN Bet California were to join the DFS market, they’d be going up against the likes of DraftKings DFS, FanDuel DFS, SuperDraft, Fliff Social Sportsbook, PrizePicks, and more.

The ESPN Bet mobile betting app in California

Mobile sports betting apps in California will be a hit from the day they go live in the state. With extreme ease of use, on-the-go betting, and fast load times, mobile betting apps have taken over as the preferred method of sports betting for an increasing number of bettors throughout the country.

How to download the ESPN Bet app on iOS

Here are the few steps required to download the ESPN Bet app when it launches in California for iOS devices.

  1. Go to the App Store: Open up the App Store on your iOS device and search for “ESPN Bet Sportsbook.”
  2. Install ESPN Bet: Once found in the app store, click on “Get” and then “Install,” enter your login information, and the download will start within seconds.
  3. Register or log in: If you haven’t yet registered, do so once the app loads. Once registered or logged in, it’s now time to place your first bet.

How to download the ESPN Bet app on Android

Android users will also be able to download the ESPN Bet app with ease, as we take a look at the likely few basic steps required.

  1. Go to the Google Play Store: On your Android device, open up the Google Play Store and search for the “ESPN Bet Sportsbook” app.
  2. Install ESPN Bet: Once you have found it, click “Install” for the app to start downloading.
  3. Register or log in: With the app now on your phone, register for an account or log in to an existing one to start your betting.

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

California sports betting legislation will clarify whether or not CA college sports programs will be available for betting on ESPN Bet Sportsbook and others, but it is doubtful they will be allowed. Currently, Arizona, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington D.C. have all put restrictions on in-state betting of college teams.

ESPN Bet California expected payment options

Transacting funds on and off a sportsbook is oftentimes one of the most important features for bettors to be aware of. Let’s take a closer look at the types of payment options to expect at ESPN Bet California.

Deposit

  • Debit/credit cards: Often with low minimums of $10, Visa and Mastercard are the standards in the industry.
  • Apple Pay: Exclusively for mobile app bettors, Apple Pay is a quick and easy way to deposit funds into your ESPN Bet account.
  • PayPal: My personal choice, the payment processor PayPal offers an instant deposit method with no fees and low minimums.

Withdrawal

  • Venmo: Similar to PayPal, Venmo is free and instant with a low minimum of $10.
  • Bank transfer: With all of the big U.S. banks included such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America, you can connect your bank login information directly to your ESPN Bet account wallet.

Customer support at ESPN Bet Sportsbook CA

It is still unknown what type of customer support ESPN Bet Sportsbook CA will offer, but we can draw some conclusions based on what PENN offers at Barstool Sportsbook. Currently, a 24/7 live chat, a call-back phone option, and an email contact form are the customer support options available.

Is college sports available on ESPN Bet Sportsbook in California?

No, California college sports programs will likely not be available on ESPN Bet Sportsbook in California. Other programs outside of the state, specifically in college football and college basketball, will be available for betting.

FAQ

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

The expected launch date for ESPN Bet’s California online sportsbook is sometime in 2025. First, ESPN Bet has to launch in late 2023, while November 2024 is the next time California residents can vote on sports betting legislation.

Can I bet on hockey at CA sports betting sites?

Yes, hockey will be available at CA sports betting sites, with a focus on the NHL.

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

You can find the best bonuses on ESPN Bet in CA right here in this review. Check back here when ESPN Bet in CA goes live.

When will ESPN Bet launch in CA?

The soonest ESPN Bet will launch in CA is 2025.

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

Yes, you will have to live in California to bet on ESPN Bet California unless you already have an account in another state with ESPN Bet.

What is the minimum withdrawal at ESPN Bet?

The minimum withdrawal at ESPN Bet will be $10 if they adopt the standard that is in place at Barstool Sportsbook.

Author Details

Johnny Covers

Johnny Covers

Johnny Covers is a sports betting expert and author at CASportsBettingSites.com. He has shared his betting predictions for almost a decade, and his work has been featured on various websites, including FantasyPros, Sportsbook Review, OddsChecker, Betting Pros, and many more.