theScore Bet is the newest name in U.S. regulated sports betting. It officially launched December 1, 2025 — the same day ESPN Bet went dark. PENN and ESPN ended their licensing agreement in November 2025, and PENN pivoted to theScore brand instead. I've been watching this transition in commission filings for months. It's a big deal.
What happened to ESPN Bet?
Simple: the PENN/ESPN deal expired and neither side renewed it. ESPN Bet ended its partnership with PENN in November 2025. PENN already owned theScore (a Canadian sports media company it acquired years back), so relaunching under that brand made obvious sense. December 1, 2025 was day one for theScore Bet in the U.S. market.
Which states is theScore Bet available in?
Honestly, the state-by-state rollout is still in progress. theScore Bet debuted with plans to expand into various U.S. states, but I haven't seen a finalized list locked in commission filings yet. Availability depends on which state gaming regulators approve their license applications. Check the app's geolocation screen — that's the fastest way to confirm whether your state is live. And don't bother with a VPN. Geolocation is enforced by all licensed sportsbook apps; VPNs used to circumvent location checks will not succeed and may result in account suspension. I see people ask about this every Super Bowl season. Don't risk your account.
Is theScore Bet a good option for Super Bowl betting?
It's brand new, which cuts both ways. No track record yet on Super Bowl market depth or promo quality. If you want a sportsbook with years of Super Bowl data behind it, the established books are the safer bet for now. For comparison, check out FanDuel Sportsbook: Super Bowl Markets, App & Welcome Offer, DraftKings Sportsbook: Super Bowl Betting, App & $100 Bonus, and BetMGM Sportsbook: Super Bowl Betting Features & Promo — all three have longer U.S. operational histories and broader state footprints. For a full ranked list of regulated options, see Best Super Bowl Betting Sites — Licensed & Regulated.
Should I wait for theScore Bet to mature before using it?
That's a fair question. New sportsbooks sometimes launch with thinner markets and smaller promo budgets while they build user bases. Promos in particular are worth scrutinizing — always check minimum deposit amounts, minimum odds requirements, and expiration dates on any bonus before you fund an account. Bonus availability also varies by state, so confirm eligibility wherever you're physically located when you sign up.
21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.