A new sports betting operator is issuing refunds following a high-profile NFL injury.
ESPN BET, which launched on Nov. 14, is refunding wagers on a promoted boost that featured Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. The Bengals signal caller injured his wrist in the first half of a Thursday Night Football matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
The boost, which was promoted by ESPN host Mike Greenberg, called for Burrow and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to throw for a combined 500-plus passing yards and four touchdowns.
Due to an early injury to Joe Burrow, we've decided to refund your wager(s) on the "Seeing Green" Boost, paid back in a Bonus Bet. https://t.co/L2Ktq077kp
— ESPN BET (@ESPNBet) November 17, 2023
The Ravens would pull out a 34-20 home win to create separation in the competitive AFC North. No other major sportsbook has issued a statement regarding a decision to refund Burrow props.
Strong start
ESPN BET is creating buy-in with customers following its launch in 17 states earlier this week. The betting platform, which is rebranded from Barstool Sportsbook, is powered by PENN Entertainment and aims to compete with major operators including FanDuel and DraftKings.
PENN and ESPN secured a $2 billion deal leading to PENN parting ways with Barstool for $1.
As a result of ESPN’s role in media, the Disney-owned company announced that its insiders are barred from wagering on sports they cover. The guideline aims to provide ESPN BET customers with peace of mind regarding ESPN employees potentially tipping off any inside information.
ESPN BET has already garnered strong support from sports bettors. The betting platform jumped to No. 1 in “Top Free Apps” on Apple. The encouraging reception came amid 10 NBA games and 80 college basketball contests on launch day. The operator reported no outages during the slate. ESPN BET also offered new and former Barstool customers with up to $250 in bonus bets.
As of Nov. 17, ESPN Bet is live In states including Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, and Ohio.
