ESPN Bet Ohio: From Barstool Rebrand to Legit Sportsbook App

ESPN Bet has an unusual Ohio story — it launched as Barstool Sportsbook on January 1, 2023, then rebranded to ESPN Bet in late 2023. The rebrand brought a cleaner app experience and the ESPN brand recognition behind it. Bet types cover the full range including SGPs and futures, and the app is available on both iOS and Android.

ESPN Bet (formerly Barstool) is %OCCC license status% in Ohio, which means you can download the app and place real-money bets right now. Ohio sports betting went live on %Ohio launch date%, and ESPN Bet (formerly Barstool) was part of the rollout from the start. That matters because early operators tend to have smoother apps and deeper markets by now.

What You Can Bet On

The app covers %Bet types%. That covers the basics — sides, totals, moneylines — plus same-game parlays if you like stacking legs on a single game. Futures are there too if you want to lock in a futures ticket before the season heats up. The %App platforms% app is the main way most Ohio bettors access the platform, and both versions are regularly updated.

Keeping It Responsible

ESPN Bet (formerly Barstool) offers %Responsible gambling tools%. If you ever feel like things are getting out of hand, use those tools early — self-exclusion through the OCCC is permanent, so treat it as a last resort. Deposit limits, on the other hand, are a smart habit for any recreational bettor. Set them before you need them.

Is ESPN Bet (formerly Barstool) Right for You?

Honestly, the best Ohio sportsbook is the one that fits how you bet. Try the app, poke around the markets, and see if the interface clicks. Check out the rest of our picks on the All Licensed Ohio Sportsbook Apps page before you commit to one account — or two, because most sharp recreational bettors keep at least a couple open for line shopping.

ESPN Bet (formerly Barstool) at a Glance

Compare with Bet365 Sportsbook.