ESPN BET stopped operating in West Virginia on Dec. 1, 2025, and was replaced by theScore Bet — both platforms operating under PENN Entertainment's West Virginia gaming license. For bettors who had active ESPN BET accounts, the transition is not merely cosmetic: the app, the branding, the promotional structure, and the user interface all changed on that date, requiring affected customers to download theScore Bet application and complete any required re-registration steps specific to the new platform.

Why did ESPN BET shut down in West Virginia?

PENN Entertainment ended its sportsbook partnership with ESPN, which had provided the brand name behind ESPN BET. Because PENN holds the underlying West Virginia Lottery license, the company retained its authorization to offer mobile sports wagering in the state but pivoted to its own theScore Bet brand rather than operating under the ESPN name. The West Virginia Lottery, which licenses and oversees all legal sportsbook operators in the state, governs any such operator transitions — bettors seeking regulatory confirmation of the current license status should verify directly at wvlottery.com. For a broader look at the currently authorized field, see West Virginia Sports Betting Legality: WV Lottery Rules Explained.

What replaced ESPN BET in West Virginia?

theScore Bet became active in West Virginia on Dec. 1, 2025 — the same date ESPN BET ceased operations — making the handoff simultaneous rather than sequential. West Virginia bettors who had become accustomed to ESPN BET's interface should be aware that theScore Bet is a distinct product with its own market layout, parlay builder, and live-betting interface, even though PENN Entertainment remains the licensed entity behind both. A detailed breakdown of the replacement app is available in the theScore Bet West Virginia Review: PENN's WV App Explained.

How do ESPN BET and theScore Bet compare for West Virginia bettors?

Attribute ESPN BET (WV) theScore Bet (WV)
Operational status in WV Ceased Dec. 1, 2025 Active as of Dec. 1, 2025
Parent / license holder PENN Entertainment PENN Entertainment
Regulatory body West Virginia Lottery West Virginia Lottery
Brand partnership ESPN (ended) theScore media brand

What should West Virginia bettors with old ESPN BET accounts do now?

Any bettor who maintained a balance, pending withdrawals, or active promotions inside an ESPN BET account as of Dec. 1, 2025, should contact PENN Entertainment's customer support directly to confirm how those funds or wager credits have been treated under the transition. Relying on outdated ESPN BET promo codes found on third-party pages is inadvisable — those offers are no longer valid in West Virginia, and attempting to apply them through theScore Bet may lead to eligibility errors. 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Which other licensed West Virginia sportsbooks are worth considering?

West Virginia's regulated market includes additional operators beyond PENN's theScore Bet. Bettors evaluating alternatives should consult the Best West Virginia Sportsbooks: Licensed Operators Ranked for a current comparison of the full licensed field. Among the most established competitors, DraftKings West Virginia: Markets, Promos, and App Rating provides a granular look at one of the market's high-volume operators, covering market depth, mobile functionality, and current promotional availability — all of which differ meaningfully from what ESPN BET offered before its exit.