New Jersey bettors logged in Monday to find a major operator transformation: ESPN BET has officially rebranded to theScore Bet as PENN Entertainment transitions its online wagering business across all 21 US jurisdictions.
New Jersey, one of PENN’s longest-running markets, is part of the nationwide shift that follows the mutual termination of PENN’s partnership with ESPN on Dec. 1.
No disruptions for current sports bettors
PENN says New Jersey sportsbook users will experience a seamless transition. All account details – including balances, responsible gaming limits, open wagers, transaction history, and login credentials – automatically carry over.
Bettors will not need to re-register or adjust settings. TheScore Bet simply replaces ESPN BET through an app update. Any active ESPN BET promotions will be honored under theScore Bet.
New Jersey players also retain access to PENN’s online casino platform, Hollywood Casino, which continues operating without interruption.
TheScore Bet’s media integration could resonate
TheScore Bet stands apart due to its integration with theScore, the popular sports media and score-tracking app. For bettors who follow multiple teams or track fast-moving markets, theScore’s real-time data, alerts, injury reports, and stats feed directly into the sportsbook environment.
This setup creates a more streamlined experience for New Jersey’s data-driven sports wagering base. The app also introduces improved load times, quicker navigation, enhanced wagering options, and New Jersey sportsbook bonuses.
Given New Jersey’s highly competitive market, where FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook are dominant, theScore Bet will need to leverage its media-driven features to stand out.
The story behind the rebrand
While ESPN BET generated strong visibility, particularly during its 2023 debut, PENN’s long-term digital vision was better aligned with a brand it owns end-to-end. TheScore Bet already serves as PENN’s sportsbook identity in Canada, where it has performed well.
It also coincides with the company’s launch as a Missouri sportsbook in the Show Me State.
By extending the brand nationwide, PENN gains full control of its technology, marketing, and customer experience. In a state where sports wagering handle consistently surpasses $1 billion per month, theScore Bet enters a mature, crowded arena.
Its biggest opportunity lies in combining sports media consumption with betting functionality in one ecosystem. As the market evolves, New Jersey bettors will ultimately decide whether the rebrand delivers meaningful improvements over its predecessor.