theScore Bet is the freshest face on New York's licensed sportsbook roster, stepping in after ESPN Bet closed in December 2025. If you're a decision-stage bettor wondering whether to try the new kid, here's the short version: it's worth a look, but you'll want to weigh it carefully against the established options before depositing.
How Did theScore Bet End Up in New York?
Penn Entertainment launched ESPN Bet in New York in September 2024 after purchasing WynnBET's license. It didn't last — ESPN Bet closed in December 2025, and theScore Bet stepped into that license slot, making it the most recent addition to New York's nine licensed operators. The regulatory seat was already warm; theScore Bet just had to fill it.
Is theScore Bet Legal and Licensed in New York?
Yes. theScore Bet operates under a New York State Gaming Commission license, the same oversight body that covers FanDuel, DraftKings, and every other app in the state. You must be 21+, physically inside New York's borders, and geolocation-verified to place a bet. Both NY residents and out-of-state visitors qualify as long as you meet those requirements.
What Does the theScore Bet Welcome Offer Look Like?
Per the research available, New York sportsbook welcome offers range from roughly $50 to $1,000+ depending on the operator and current promotions. theScore Bet's specific current welcome offer terms weren't available in our sourced data at time of writing — bonus structures change frequently, and NY's 51% operator tax on gross gaming revenue puts real pressure on what operators can afford to give away. Check New York Sportsbook Bonuses: Welcome Offers & Promo Codes Ranked for the latest verified figures before signing up.
Whatever the offer is, read the rollover fine print. Typical NY playthrough requirements run 5x–25x the bonus amount. A $100 bonus at 5x means $500 in wagers before you can withdraw. Bonus bet credits also work differently from cash: if your bonus bet wins, only the profit is paid out — the stake itself isn't returned to you.
Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or the NY Helpline at 1-877-8-HOPENY.
theScore Bet vs. Other NY Sportsbooks: Quick Comparison
| Sportsbook | Launch in NY | License Status | Accepts Debit Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| theScore Bet | 2025–2026 (via ESPN Bet license) | Active — NYSGC licensed | Confirm with operator |
| FanDuel | January 8, 2022 | Active — NYSGC licensed | Yes (Visa/Mastercard debit) |
| DraftKings | January 8, 2022 | Active — NYSGC licensed | Yes (Visa/Mastercard debit) |
| ESPN Bet | September 2024 | Closed December 2025 | N/A |
What About the App and Payment Methods?
As a newly launched operator in New York, theScore Bet's app UX and full payment method suite are still being established in the market. Most licensed NY sportsbooks support Visa and Mastercard debit, PayPal, ACH/e-check via VIP Preferred, and Trustly for direct bank transfers. Withdrawal processing typically runs about 24 hours, with ACH taking an additional 2–3 business days to post. For a full breakdown of how the NY apps stack up on iOS and Android, see New York Sportsbook Apps Compared: iOS & Android Ratings.
One universal tip: skip credit cards. Most US banks decline credit card transactions at gambling merchants. Use a debit card, PayPal, or a bank transfer instead to avoid a frustrating decline at deposit.
Should You Sign Up With theScore Bet New York?
Being newest isn't automatically a disadvantage — but it does mean theScore Bet hasn't had years to prove payout reliability, odds sharpness, or customer service at scale in this market. New York is the largest legal sports betting market in the country, recording a record $26.3 billion in handle in 2025, so there's no shortage of competition keeping operators honest.
If you want to see how theScore Bet stacks up against all nine licensed operators side by side, the Best New York Sportsbooks Ranked for 2026 page is the place to start. And if you're weighing theScore Bet against a known quantity, compare it with an established app — the Bally Bet New York review covers another operator that launched later in NY's first licensing wave and gives you a useful baseline. For the full legal picture on who can bet and how, the New York Sports Betting Laws guide has the details on age, residency, and geolocation rules.
Bottom line on theScore Bet New York: it's a legitimate, NYSGC-licensed option — but it's early days. Watch the promo terms closely, confirm payment methods before depositing, and keep it as part of a multi-app strategy rather than your only book.