HomeESPN Bet Kentucky

ESPN Bet Sportsbook Kentucky Promo Code

$200 in Bonus Bets

18+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Dan Bradley By: Dan Bradley
Fact checked by: Gary Garry
Table of contents

What is the ESPN Bet Kentucky promo?

The ESPN Bet Kentucky promo is $200 in bonus bets following your first real-money wager in the app or on the betting site. Example: Sign up for a new ESPN Bet account in Kentucky, log into the app or website, make a real-money deposit of $10 or more, and place your first wager on the sportsbook (any sport, stake, and line). ESPN Bet will then put four bonus bets valued at $50 each, totaling $200 in bonus bets, into your account within 72 hours of placing your initial wager.

ESPN Bet KY bonus

Sign-up bonus: $200 in Bonus Bets
Promo code: No code needed
Minimum deposit: $10
Last updated: December 2023

Sportsbook overview

Sportsbook: ESPN Bet
Legal in Kentucky: Yes
Partner in Kentucky: Ellis Park Racing & Gaming
Payment methods:
(+2)

Getting in under the wire in August 2023, PENN Entertainment was able to secure a Kentucky sports betting operator’s license just a few short weeks ahead of the state’s September 2023 sports gambling launch.

This meant the new ESPN Bet sportsbook platform was able to minimize the time gap between its own launch and that of other Kentucky sports gambling operators. Here’s what the new bookie on the block will bring to the state and how to get started making wagers with ESPN Bet.

Yes, ESPN Bet sportsbook is legal in KY. PENN Entertainment, the parent company of ESPN Bet, obtained a license from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in August 2023.

With sports betting launching in September 2023, PENN had to work quickly to rebrand the gambling platform after selling Barstool Sportsbook back to Dave Portnoy and entering a $2B partnership with ESPN to be the face of the betting operation. PENN was able to roll out the new ESPN Bet site on November 14, just two months after Kentucky went live.

Registering an account at ESPN Bet in Kentucky and claiming the bonus

Registering an account at ESPN Bet in Kentucky shouldn’t be too tedious of a process. Most users will be signed up in 10 minutes or less and will be able to claim their Kentucky sports betting bonus shortly thereafter. Here’s how to get started.

  1. Access the registration form: We've set up a link both in this section and at the top of this page for you to sign up. The link will open in a new tab so you can reference this page as needed throughout the registration process.
  2. Enter your account information: Next, decide which email address you want to link to your account, as well as create a unique username and password. You may also be prompted at this step to create a security question and answer.
  3. Type in your personal information: Once you’ve created the account, you’ll need to input some personal information, including your legal first and last name, your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your street address (you won’t be able to list a P.O. box). This information will be encrypted and stored securely at all times, and it will be used to verify your identity and betting eligibility in Kentucky.
  4. Agree to the terms: The penultimate step is to confirm the information you’re submitting is accurate, that your job doesn’t prohibit you from sports betting in Kentucky, and that you agree to ESPN Bet’s terms and conditions of use.
  5. Make your first deposit and place your first bet: Finally, you’ll need to make a real-money deposit with the banking method of your choice. Just make sure you deposit enough to meet the requirements for a qualifying bet or deposit match, depending on the bonus ESPN Bet is offering.

What are the leading aspects of ESPN Bet Sportsbook Kentucky?

ESPN Bet sportsbook is going to be a work in progress, though we've already seen some strong signs that the bookie will be able to hold its own against other Kentucky sports betting sites. The new partnership between PENN and ESPN does come with some key advantages that can give the platform a leg up on competitors.

Here are just a few of the leading aspects you’ll find with ESPN Bet sportsbook in Kentucky.

  • Insight from ESPN personalities: ESPN’s on-air talent is involved on the sportsbook side by analyzing lines, sharing exclusive matchup information, and creating betting-specific content across digital and traditional channels. This is a similar strategy PENN used with Barstool that should see a greater success rate.
  • Integration with other ESPN products: Whether you’re checking scores through the ESPN app, watching a game on ESPN+, or adjusting your fantasy sports lineup, you’ll be able to access the ESPN Bet platform seamlessly. This can be a great asset when live betting, as you’ll be able to pounce on a friendly line for a chance at a big payout.
  • Tons of generous promotions: When the sportsbook operated under the Barstool branding, bonuses were frequent and substantial. This is already continuing on the ESPN Bet platform, and with the loyalty program remaining in place, bettors will have plenty to take advantage of with the sportsbook.

What type of welcome offer does ESPN Bet have?

ESPN Bet has a welcome offer for new players that consists of $200 in bonus bets, disbursed as four $50 wagers, for all new players on the site. The bonus is valid after a wager of any type and at any stake is placed in any sports market, with bonus bets arriving within 72 hours.

This flexibility is a huge asset for New Jersey bettors because it carries a more broad appeal and an excellent value when comparing the upfront cost to the returning bonus.

What time will it take for the ESPN Bet bonus to be credited?

The time it will take for the ESPN Bet bonus to be credited will be within 72 hours of placing your first bet. This could result in receiving your bonus bets before your initial wager settles.

Remember that bonus bets will expire seven days (168 hours) after they are awarded if you do not play them, so be on the lookout for favorable lines to take fullest advantage of the offer.

How do I fix issues if the ESPN Bet Kentucky bonus is not working?

If the ESPN Bet Kentucky bonus is not working, there are a few ways you can try to fix the issues. Before trying anything, verify you’ve met all the necessary requirements for the offer.

You'll also need to wait at least 72 hours after making your first bet before the bonus may arrive.

Once you’ve confirmed you’ve met all the necessary requirements, try logging out of your account and then signing in again.

You may also want to try restarting your app or browser and maybe even restarting your device entirely. If those steps prove fruitless, you’ll need to get in touch with ESPN Bet support.

What types of promos does ESPN Bet sportsbook offer?

ESPN Bet sportsbook will offer many different promotions to appeal to hardcore and casual bettors alike.

While many may decide on a sportsbook based solely on the welcome offer, a better strategy is to review what promos are available after you sign up, as welcome bonuses can only be claimed once.

With that in mind, here are some of the types of promos you’ll find on ESPN Bet after you complete your registration.

  • Deposit matches: ESPN Bet may offer a deposit match promotion, awarding bet credits in equal amounts to the value of your deposit. These bet credits can then be used as their own stake or in addition to a real-money wager leading to a higher payout.
  • Odds boosts: This will likely be the most common promo ESPN Bet offers. Each day, the bookmaker will offer boosts on select lines to reward bettors with a higher payout if it hits. Usually, this adds somewhere between +25 and +100 to a line, but in some cases, you may see +250 or more!
  • Bonus bets: Bonus bets are bet credits that are locked in at a preset amount, usually in increments of $10, $20, or $25, but sometimes even higher than that. Bonus bets aren’t included when calculating the payout of a winning wager and aren’t withdrawable as cash, but they can keep you from having to dip into your bankroll when determining your stake.

Can I wager on Kentucky college sports with ESPN Bet?

Yes, you can wager on Kentucky college sports with ESPN Bet. House Bill 551 made it a point to include betting on in-state collegiate programs when crafting the legislation as this would allow bettors a local angle since none of the “Big Four” North American sports leagues has a team in KY.

You’ll be able to find betting markets for each of Kentucky’s eight NCAA Division I programs across multiple sports on ESPN Bet.

Best sports you can bet on using ESPN Bet Kentucky

ESPN Bet Kentucky holds a vast number of sports and leagues, due in part to ESPN’s broadcast partnerships with those organizations. Here are some of the top options you’ll find on ESPN Bet.

  • College basketball: College basketball is the most-watched sport in KY, and with perennial powerhouses in the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals to drive the betting action, NCAA hoops may be the most popular sport to bet on in Kentucky as well.
  • Football: Whether it’s the professional ranks of the NFL, college football bowl season, or even the Canadian Football League, football betting is far and away the most popular betting option across the country. Though it may trail college basketball in Kentucky, football betting likely won’t be lower than #2 on the list of sports with the biggest betting handle in the state.
  • Horse racing: Kentucky’s horse racing history is among the most storied you’ll find anywhere in the world. Naturally, ESPN Bet will make a push to get in on the horse race betting action.

The ESPN Bet betting app in Kentucky

ESPN Bet's KY sports betting app, is live and ready for download, and it already appears to be the optimal way to play. More than 60% of sports bets are placed through a betting app, so having a reliable and user-friendly platform for Kentucky players will be essential for ESPN Bet’s success in the state.

Early app scores are incredibly favorable, with ESPN Bet earning a 4.9/5 rating in the iOS App Store and a 4.8/5 rating among Android users. Reviewers across devices are singing the praises of the modern design and promotional offerings.

We found no issues with geolocation, and the app was quite easy to navigate. The transition from the Barstool app was also very smooth, and we've heard similar reports from other users.

How to download the ESPN Bet app on iOS

Once the ESPN Bet app arrives in the App Store, you’ll be able to download it on your iOS device by following these steps.

  1. Log into the App Store on your iOS mobile device using your Apple ID and password.
  2. Search for “ESPN Bet.” Note that the app name may be slightly different, and if it is, we will update this section accordingly.
  3. Press “Get,” then “Install.”

After the download is complete, you’ll be able to log into your ESPN Bet account, make a deposit, and start placing bets; otherwise, you can sign up for a new account.

How to download the ESPN Bet app on Android

The ESPN Bet app isn’t yet available for Android users, but once it is, you’ll be able to download the app by doing the following.

  1. Access the Google Play Store on your Android device.
  2. Search for “ESPN Bet sportsbook” and find the correct app. The exact name may be slightly different, and we will update this section to reflect the correct name.
  3. Press “Install” and wait for the download to complete.

Once the app is fully installed, you’ll be able to set up a new ESPN Bet account or log in with your existing credentials.

ESPN Bet Sportsbook Kentucky payment options

ESPN Bet Sportsbook Kentucky employs many of the same payment options as Barstool Sportsbook, so if you're a returning player, some of these options will look familiar. Here are some of the top banking methods you'll find on the site.

Deposit

  • ESPN Bet Play+ prepaid card: Play+ cards work in a similar manner to ATM cards; after loading funds onto the card, you can only offload those funds at select locations. The funds are also monitored in your Play+ account, so if something happens to your card, you aren’t out of luck.
  • Credit/Debit card: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at nearly every sportsbook, and Discover may be a viable option with ESPN Bet as well. However, there isn’t any word on whether you will be able to withdraw winnings to a card, so this may be a one-way street as a banking method.
  • Cash: Cash will only be available as an in-person option. ESPN Bet and PENN Entertainment have not yet announced what the in-person location in Kentucky will be, but it will likely be a partner of one of the state’s horse race tracks.

Withdrawal

  • Online banking: Linking your bank account to ESPN Bet will take a little bit of time to get set up, but once you’re connected, funding your bankroll and withdrawing your winnings will be incredibly convenient. You won’t have to log in with multiple apps and accounts and can spend more time playing. ESPN Bet won’t ever “autopay” to move funds into your account.
  • PayPal: PayPal consistently offers some of the quickest withdrawal times among sports betting operators, and other than credit/debit cards, it is likely the most utilized banking method for Kentucky sportsbooks to disburse winnings. You won’t be charged a fee when withdrawing your winnings, but there may be a small charge when moving money from your PayPal account to your bank. Other e-wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay may sneak in as an option as well, and Venmo is already available.
  • Check: If you’re someone who just enjoys getting a check in the mail, that will be an option too. Keep in mind that it can take anywhere from 3-10 days for USPS to deliver your check, so if timely withdrawal is an important factor, you may want to look to another method.

Customer support at ESPN Bet Sportsbook KY

ESPN Bet Sportsbook KY has several communication channels available for customer support, but unfortunately, a 24/7 support chat isn't one of them, Still, you'll find a sleek, easily navigable array of FAQ pages covering everything from setting up your account, how to bet, responsible gambling, and more.

You will also be able to reach out for email and phone support, both of which were already responsive. This particularly impressed us while testing on rollout day, so if the wait times we encountered are any indication, support service will be as prompt as it is professional.

Our rating of ESPN Bet Sportsbook Kentucky

(4.5)

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

KY Betting has given ESPN Bet Sportsbook Kentucky an overall rating of 4 out of 5. This rating is based on the following criteria:

  • Welcome Bonus - Rating 5/5: We strongly approve of ESPN Bet's welcome offer of  $200 in bonus bets regardless of the outcome of a player's first bet on the site. This offer has excellent value because it doesn't have any limitations; gamblers can make a wager of any size in any market with any odds available.  
  • Payment options - Rating 4/5: The payment options with ESPN Bet fall in line with what we expected and are competitive with other Kentucky bookmakers.  
  • Sportsbook app - Rating 5/5: ESPN Bet's sportsbook app is off to an impressive start, with glowing reviews pouring in after the launch. Not only was the transition from the Barstool app seamless but also it seems to be a massive upgrade.  
  • Variety & Features - Rating 4/5: Be sure to take advantage of the Penn Play Program, earning you rewards points for every wager you make on the site, as loyalty programs aren't yet the norm in the sports betting world. The selection of sports to choose from (17) should be quite sufficient to hardcore and casual bettors alike. 
  • Customer Support - Rating 4/5: Without a 24/7 support chat on the website, ESPN Bet falls short of full marks for this category. However, both phone and email options will be helpful, and the support pages are easy to navigate and digest.

FAQ

Can you bet on golf on ESPN Bet?

Yes, you can bet on golf on ESPN Bet. PENN Entertainment allows bettors to choose from 17 sports markets with multiple leagues in those categories under the ESPN Bet branding. You'll also find entertainment and esports betting lines available on the site.

Who can bet at ESPN Bet in Kentucky?

You can bet at ESPN Bet in Kentucky if you are physically located within the state border and are at least 18 years of age. Kentucky’s age requirement is lower than most other states where a 21+ law is in effect.

When did ESPN Bet go live in Kentucky?

ESPN Bet went live in Kentucky on November 14, 2023. This was a few months after Kentucky's sports betting launch for in-person players on September 7 and online betting's launch three weeks later.

Is it safe to bet at ESPN Bet?

Yes, it is safe to bet at ESPN Bet. PENN Entertainment, which is ESPN Bet's parent company, obtained a license from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and must adhere to rigid guidelines and strict cybersecurity and gaming integrity standards to maintain licensure. Your personal and banking information will be protected at all times, and the ESPN Bet sportsbook will operate in a safe and fair manner.

Will ESPN Bet have any in-person betting venues in KY?

ESPN Bet has not yet announced any in-person betting venues in KY. However, because PENN Entertainment, the parent company of ESPN Bet, has obtained a Kentucky license, a partnership with one of the state’s horse racing tracks, an in-person location is likely to be announced soon. We will update this page accordingly once an in-person venue is unveiled.

Author Details

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley is a researcher and author at KY Betting. He boasts over a decade of experience as a hockey commentator for junior teams across the country. When not writing about sports betting, he enjoys a fishing trip or watching the NHL.

Fact checked by: Gary Garry