theScore Review

Now that sports betting legislation is rolling out across the country, established sports news media app and website theScore is taking the next logical step in business with the launch of its own mobile sportsbook.

theScore is partnered with Monmouth Park to offer mobile betting in New Jersey and will soon be expanding to additional states thanks to a separate deal reached with Penn National Gaming.

Many of our good readers here at BettingUSA may already recognize theScore as the name of the wildly-popular mobile app dedicated to breaking sports news, betting odds, alerts and so much more.

theScore has long served as a useful companion for sports bettors on the go and seeks now to bridge the gap between sports news and sports wagers. At the end of 2018, theScore announced it would soon be launching a mobile betting app in NJ and elsewhere as legislation rolls out across the country.

On August 26^th, 2019, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) granted approval to theScore to engage in online and mobile betting after a successful soft launch phase.

Now that we’ve had a chance to give the app a test run for ourselves, it is time for a thorough theScore review based on our experience so far. If you would like to see it in action for yourself, you can search for the app in the App Store or visit theScore.bet for download links and information.

theScore Sports Betting

theScore announced plans to expand beyond sharing sports news and odds to becoming a mobile sportsbook of its own with a press release issued in December 2018. theScore Bet mobile app went live in New Jersey the following September with plans to enter additional states moving forward.

At launch, theScore debuted with a basic lineup of North American sports, soccer and standard types of wagers. Support for additional sports such as golf, tennis and MMA was delayed at the outset with plans to increase its coverage over time.

Sports fans from across the country can download theScore Bet and create an account to view the lines and take advantage of cross-app integration between the betting platform and the standard sports media app.

Launch notes provided by theScore detailed wide-ranging plans including the introduction of in-play betting, early cashout and more. A quick list of current or soon-to-come features includes:

• Cross-app integration between theScore’s betting and media apps
• In-play betting
• Early cashout
• Track your bets inside the media app with live scoring updates and odds changes
• Detailed game overviews and betting information between both apps
• Synchronize betting preferences and favorite teams between both apps
• Live scoring updates inside the betting app

theScore Bet Mobile App

Sports fans located in New Jersey can visit theScore.bet to download the app for iOS and Android devices. Currently, customers may only place wagers through the mobile app. A desktop-friendly website interface has not yet launched.

iPhone / iPad users can also find theScore in the App Store by searching for “theScore Bet.” Note the standard news app still comes up first if you search for theScore. You will need to look specifically for theScore Bet. Google does now allow gambling apps on the Play Store, but Android users may head over to theScore.bet for a direct download.

Our first impression of theScore Bet is that this is a sleek and simple mobile sportsbook. The sports coverage is focused primarily on the major pro and college North American sports plus int1ernational soccer.

Extra features and even the types of wagers that may be placed are still limited relative to the competition, but we do know theScore has plenty of capability from its feature-rich sports news app.

theScore is powered by software from Bet.Works, which is a relatively young sports betting services provider staffed by some very experienced people.

The current theScore apps veers into overly simplistic territory in our opinion, but we do think that will change over time as the company gets settled in as a sports betting operator. However, a closer look under the hood does reveal some unique features – particularly features that make use of theScore’s existing sports media capabilities.

Cross-App Integration

We’re also already beginning to see some integration between theScore’s sportsbook app and news app.

For example, you can visit a game’s betting page and tap the “game info” tab for an overview of where the game takes place, who’s injured and more. Embedded in the betting app are links to read more about each game, injuries and so on that take you straight to a relevant page on the news app.

Users who have both apps installed can also take advantage of cross-app wager tracking. Wagers placed through theScore Bet will also be tracked in the media app with live scoring info and game updates. Both apps also provide live odds movements that track to any open wagers you have in place.

In another example of cross-app integration, you can select your favorite teams in the news app and wagers featuring those teams will be highlighted when you log in to theScore Bet.

Mobile Screenshots from theScore Bet

Screenshots from theScore Media App

theScore Sportsbook Bonus and Promotions

100% up to $100

theScore Bet the ground running with a 100% welcome bonus worth up to $100 for all new customers. We were wondering if they would even offer a bonus because theScore has such a massive customer database already through its prior media offerings, but they have decided to give all potential customers one more reason to give it a try.

No promo code is needed to claim this offer. Just register an account and then make a first deposit of $10 or more. You can deposit as much as you want, but the bonus itself maxes out at $100.

theScore’s welcome bonus does not come with any rollover requirements, which makes it better than the average deposit bonus even if it’s not as large as some others on the market. The bonus money is awarded as a single free bet that can be used on any market at odds of up to +300.

Download the App and Claim Your Bonus at:

www.theScore.bet

theScore In-Play Betting

theScore’s in-play betting interface follows the rest of the app’s simple and straightforward approach. You can see which games are in-play right now by tapping the “live” menu item at the bottom of the app for a list of all games with live markets. From there, select any specific game for a listing of all current markets available.

There was little doubt theScore would offer in-play betting considering the news app’s considerable capabilities in providing live scoring and data to users. Additionally, theScore’s technology supplier Bet.Works is well-versed in live betting.

theScore appears so far to bring that same capability to actual sports betting, but the current iteration of the app is still keeping things simple with live betting for only the major North American sports events. theScore has said over time it intends to significantly expand its lineup of sports.

Some things that are not yet active that we would like to see include digital representations of what’s happening on the field or court in a manner similar to how other betting apps do it. For example, theScore would greatly benefit customers by showing who has possession in real time, where every pitch lands in the strike zone, a summary of every NFL play and so on.

Deposit Methods

theScore launched with just three deposit methods, but we understand more are to be coming online soon. All current deposit methods are processed instantly. Customers may currently deposit via any of the following options:

• Credit and Debit Card: theScore Bet accepts Visa and Mastercard deposits. The process for depositing is the same as buying something online – you’ll be asked to confirm your date of birth and then submit your card details and choose an amount to deposit.
• Play+ Card: Play+ is a virtual and physical prepaid card option that can be used for instant deposits. You can fund your virtual card online instantly, and you will also receive a physical card in the mail that can be used to withdraw cash at ATMs and make purchases.
• Online Banking: theScore uses eCheck Select as its online banking provider, which itself is authorized to process gaming transactions and supports instant transfers. All you need to use this method is a bank account and your routing number.

About theScore

theScore has roots dating back to 1994, when it was founded as a simple, text-based TV channel showing sports scores, odds and news under the name Sportscope. Sportscope would later change its name to The Score, begin broadcasting sporting events and airing sports talk TV shows.

The Score sold off its TV assets in 2012 and rebranded itself as theScore to focus on digital content and entertainment – thus kicking off the beginnings of its mobile operations.

theScore has long integrated sports betting odds and stats as a key component of its product, so the company’s decision to launch its own mobile sportsbook makes sense in multiple ways.

With a userbase numbering in the millions, theScore is perfectly positioned to grab a big piece of the sports betting market before it even has to consider buying ads elsewhere. To add to that, theScore’s existing userbase is already well in tune with sports betting as the app has long placed an emphasis on providing wagering-related information such as the latest odds and line movements.

More recently, theScore announced it will be changing its corporate identity to Score Media and Gaming Inc. to better reflect its newfound entry into sports betting. Today, theScore boasts nearly 4 million active users a month and is traded on the TSX Venture exchange under the symbol SCR.

In Which States Does theScore Operate?

theScore is live in New Jersey and has a pathway to entering multiple other states thanks to a deal reached with Penn National Gaming in July 2019. With the New Jersey launch complete and Penn National deal in hand, theScore has already entered or may eventually enter the following states.

theScore in New Jersey

New Jersey law requires all online operators to partner with a land-based racetrack or casino that holds a sports betting license. To that end, theScore is partnered with Monmouth Park Racetrack to offer sports betting. In return, Monmouth Park owner Darby Development LLC receives a percentage of the revenue generated by theScore.

Louisiana

theScore is very likely to launch a mobile sportsbook in Louisiana if and when sports betting is legalized. In its deal with Penn National, theScore has “first skin” access to the LA market, which means theScore will be first in line among other Penn National partners if each land-based casino is given a limited number of online betting licenses.

This is all pending the passage of favorable legislation, of course. Louisiana has been slow to join the rush for legal sports betting, but the fact that two bills have been introduced since 2018 indicate there is some desire among lawmakers to get something done.

Mississippi

Mississippi legalized in-person sports betting in 2018 and most casinos now have active sportsbooks. If online betting is legalized next, theScore will be in a good position to enter the market through its deal with Penn National.

theScore in Indiana

Indiana is on the shortlist of potential markets for theScore to enter after New Jersey. The recent sports betting law passed in Indiana allows each land-based casino to operate up to three individual sportsbook apps (a.k.a. “skins). Penn National operates two land-based casinos in Indiana, which means it has six open slots for mobile sportsbooks – more than enough to bring theScore along for the ride.

theScore in Iowa

Iowa looks like another promising target for theScore after passing a law authorizing casinos to open retail sportsbooks and up to two mobile betting apps each. The deal between theScore and Penn National gives theScore second skin access, which puts it second in line to grab one of the two skins Ameristar Council Bluffs will be allowed to launch in Iowa.

Missouri

Missouri has been flirting with the idea of in-person and online sports betting of late, but nothing is guaranteed at this point. However, should Missouri pass a law authorizing land-based casinos to operate mobile sportsbooks, theScore will have access to the market through a partnership with Argosy Casino Kansas City, Hollywood Casino St. Louis or River City Casino.

Ohio

Lawmakers in Ohio have been slow to act on sports betting even as neighboring states West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Indiana have passed laws authorizing in-person and online betting. If and when Ohio decides to act, theScore will also be ready to enter the market through one of the four properties Penn National operates in the state.

Texas

As a staunchly anti-gambling state, Texas is unlikely to legalize sports betting in the near future. However, stranger things have happened and people across the country are slowly becoming more comfortable with the idea of legal sports betting. If Texas joins the party, theScore might be able to secure a seat at the table through one of three racetracks operated by Penn National.

Michigan

Sports betting seems to be more of a matter of “when” than “if” in Michigan. A bill to legalize online sports betting and gambling came very close to becoming law in 2018 until then-Governor Rick Snyder vetoed it on his way out the door. If the next effort to legalize sports betting in MI is successful, theScore has a potential partner in Detroit’s Greektown Casino.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts will most likely legalize sports betting at some point. The idea has the support of numerous lawmakers, Governor Baker and the established casino industry. Land-based casinos have said they support the legalization of retail sportsbooks and mobile betting subject to certain restrictions.

theScore’s deal with Penn National gives it third skin access, which means any law passed in MA would have to authorize each casino to operate multiple betting sites as Plainridge Park Casino is the only Penn property in MA. Barring that, theScore would have to work a separate agreement with a different casino to secure access to the market.

Maine

Maine is another state that came very close to legalizing sports betting in recent months but barely failed to cross the finish line. A bill that is sitting in legislative purgatory right now seeks to establish a truly free-market approach by not only allowing casinos to operate their own betting sites, but to allow any qualified operator to apply for a mobile betting license even if it has no physical presence in the state.

That bill is not a done deal, however, and its passage is not guaranteed. If a different bill requiring operators to partner with local casinos is passed, theScore may be able to partner with Hollywood Casino Bangor as a part of its agreement with Penn National depending on how the law is written.

Kansas

Casinos and lawmakers are generally receptive to the idea of sports betting and have made several attempts to initiate legislation to that effect. However, problems have cropped up every time related to how it would be managed and who would have rights to offer sports betting in the state.

Some state officials have pressed for giving the lottery control over sports betting while others argue for allowing casinos to get in on the action. Sports betting as a general concept has bipartisan support but ironing out the details may take some time. If casinos are given the option to run mobile sportsbooks, theScore may be able to operate in partnership with Penn National’s Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.