BetMGM vs. DraftKings: Promos, odds and banking compared

BetMGM Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook are available in nearly every US state with legal sports betting. Both sites rate highly among bettors and have a lot to offer. But which online sportsbook is better?

For context, FanDuel takes in 45% of the gross legal gambling revenue in the US with DraftKings second with about 25% (in certain states is claims a much higher percentage). BetMGM is the third-most popular online sportsbook with about half the business of DraftKings (12% nationally).

That said, both BetMGM and DraftKings are great choices. They have solid welcome offers and ongoing promotions, a huge range of sports and leagues, great banking options, reliable customer support, and easy-to-use sites and apps.

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM Sportsbook describes itself as “The King of Sportsbooks” in its advertising and promotions.

It may or may not reign supreme for every sports bettor, but it has much to recommend. Positives start with the welcome offer: You can lose an initial wager and get refunded up to $1,500 in bonus bets.

The bonuses and promos continue from there with occasional bet insurance offers, parlay and profit boosts, refer-a-friend bonuses, etc.

Bettors will find all the popular sports odds, starting with NFL betting lines and NBA betting lines, plus a number of others. BetMGM’s smartly designed site makes searching for particular leagues and games easy. The betting site and app run smoothly, particularly during live betting.

Odds are usually in line with those at other sportsbooks (especially for major sports and games), and the site offers plenty of banking options for deposits and withdrawals. Users get to participate in the BetMGM Rewards loyalty program as well. 

Pros of BetMGM Sportsbook

• Great variety of markets and leagues, including some not found at other sites
• Chance to “Edit my bet” once cash-out option appears, letting you revise your original wager
• Frequent promos for regular bettors

Cons of BetMGM Sportsbook

• Odds are often competitive but occasionally will be worse than DraftKings’ 
• Customer support can be tricky to reach (requires clicking through series of menus)
• Limited ongoing promotions

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings is also available in nearly every state with legal online sports betting. The betting site and app consistently rank as a top choice wherever it operates.

Both are expertly designed and easy to navigate the wide selection of odds markets and bets. Live betting options are plentiful and accessible.

DraftKings features the greatest variety of betting markets of any online sportsbook, and the website makes it easy for daily fantasy sports players to toggle back and forth between the DFS site and the sportsbook. 

DraftKings’ welcome offer is, in fact, three offers: 

• $50 bonus bet upon making a first deposit of at least $5
• $150 more in bonus bets upon making a first wager of at least $5
• 20% deposit match bonus worth up to $1,000

You will find other ongoing promotions at DraftKings Sportsbook from time to time, including various odds boosts, bet-and-get bonuses, parlay insurance, profit boosts, free betting contests, and pools.

Bettors also participate in the site’s Dynasty Rewards loyalty program and earn Crowns and Tier Credits that can translate into more benefits. 

Pros of DraftKings Sportsbook

• Wide market coverage of different sports, leagues, and bet types
• Top-notch platform makes for a user-friendly betting experience
• Multiple welcome offers and ongoing promotions

Cons of DraftKings Sportsbook

• Ongoing promos are occasionally limited 
• Customer support is sometimes inconsistent (per users)
• Welcome deposit match bonus includes difficult-to-satisfy wagering requirements

BetMGM Sportsbook vs. DraftKings Sportsbook comparison

In many respects, BetMGM Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook offer very similar experiences. Those who like to bet on major sports will find practically every bet they’re looking for on both sites.

Both also take bets on less popular markets while offering additional ways to bet. 

Both sites generally offer competitive odds. DraftKings sometimes charges a higher vig, which negatively affects payouts, and BetMGM’s odds will occasionally not be as good for particular wagers and contests. 

Both sites have solid welcome offers, although each has pros and cons. With BetMGM, you must lose your first wager to receive anything.

With DraftKings, the deposit match bonus comes with an arduous 25x playthrough requirement. BetMGM tends to have more ongoing promotions, but DraftKings has more free-to-play pools and brackets.

BetMGM Sportsbook vs. DraftKings Sportsbook banking options

Both BetMGM and DraftKings offer several ways to fund your account and withdraw winnings later. Here’s a breakdown of how the two sites’ banking options compare.  

As you can see, for most deposit and withdrawal options there is little difference between the two sites. DraftKings Sportsbook enjoys a slight edge thanks to faster payout times for some methods. 

BetMGM Sportsbook vs. DraftKings Sportsbook sign-up process

Registering an account at either BetMGM Sportsbook or DraftKings Sportsbook is quick and easy. Here are the sign-up steps for both.

BetMGM Sportsbook sign-up process

1. Click “Register.”
2. Enter your email address and create a password.
3. Follow prompts and enter full name, date of birth, citizenship, and occupation category, then click “Continue.”
4. Enter your physical address and mobile phone number. 
5. Check the several boxes confirming your info is correct and agreeing to various terms, then click “Create My Account.”
6. Create a nickname (optional), and hit “Continue.”

DraftKings Sportsbook sign-up process

1. Click “Log In / Sign Up,” then click “Sign Up.”
2. Enter your email address, create a username and password, and enter your phone number, and create a username and password. 
3. Check the boxes agreeing to terms and conditions, and click “Create Account.” 
4. You still have to verify your identity to place any bets. Enter your full name, date of birth, last four digits of your Social Security number, and physical address, then click “Verify.” If your identity cannot be verified at this point, you may have to go through another step to verify it (e.g., scanning a driver’s license).
5. You’ll also be prompted to allow the site or app to verify your location, which may require installing a plug-in. You can do this now or later, but it must be completed before placing an initial wager.  

Both processes are similar, with DraftKings including an extra step or two. Keep an eye out for a prompt to enter a bonus code, if needed, to receive the welcome offer. For example, the BetMGM bonus code is SPORTSPICK.  

We’ll give BetMGM the slight edge. It has a slightly quicker sign-up process, although to be honest both are fast and there is little difference. 

BetMGM Sportsbook vs. DraftKings Sportsbook betting app

Both BetMGM Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook have free-to-download mobile apps for Apple and Android devices.

In both cases, the apps have very high ratings from users in the Apple Store (4.8 out of 5). DraftKings also rates highly for its Android app in the Google Play Store (4.6), while BetMGM’s ratings for its Android app are a bit lower (3.7). 

Both apps are well-designed and easy to navigate. It's simple to find different sports and contests, make bets that go onto a bet slip, and then confirm and submit your bets.

Both function very well when it comes to live betting, too. If you live in a state that also offers online casinos, you can click over to the corresponding BetMGM or DraftKings casino and play the games there using your same account.  

The differences are small here, too, but DraftKings earns the edge in this head-to-head matchup thanks to its better Android app ratings and larger market share. 

See more: Best sports betting apps

BetMGM Sportsbook vs. DraftKings Sportsbook promotions and bonuses

When comparing the two sites’ welcome offers, the one you favor probably depends on personal preference.

BetMGM’s offer is a refund worth up to $1,500 (in bonus bet credits) if you lose your first wager on the site.

• If you win your first wager, you receive no welcome bonus. If you lose and get the bonus bet credits, you have to use them within seven days.
• You have to wager the bonus bet credits (you can’t withdraw them), but there is no additional wagering requirement attached.  

At DraftKings, you receive a $50 bonus bet when you make your first deposit of at least $5, and another $150 in bonus bets when you make your first wager of at least $5.

That $200 in bonus bets is a nice way to start on the site, and every new sign-up gets them. The 20% deposit match offer worth up to $1,000 is less exciting, given that it comes with a tough 25x playthrough requirement that makes the offer unattractive to many. Even so, in the end, DraftKings earns the nod for having the better welcome offer.

Regarding ongoing promotions for regular players, BetMGM tends to have only a few at any given time. The refer-a-friend bonus is always there, and you may find one or two other promotions connected with World Series odds or Super Bowl betting lines.

DraftKings tends to have more odds boosts and odds surges, parlay boosts, “stepped up” single-game parlays, as well as a refer-a-friend offer. The overall significance of these DK promos is perhaps not too great, but you will at least find several items populating the “Promos” section of the site at any given time, which isn’t always the case at BetMGM.

We give DraftKings the win in the promos and bonuses battle, although both sites could do more. 

See more: Best sportsbook bonuses & promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook vs. DraftKings Sportsbook state accessibility

Both BetMGM Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook are widely available.

BetMGM Sportsbook is legal in: Arizona, Colorado, the District of Columbia (on-site only), Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana (varies by parish), Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi (on-site only), Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.  

DraftKings Sportsbook is legal in: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming. 

With the addition of Vermont in Jan. 2024, DraftKings barely nudges ahead of BetMGM by one state. 

BetMGM Sportsbook vs. DraftKings Sportsbook odds markets

DraftKings Sportsbook stands atop the list of all online sportsbooks for available betting markets. BetMGM Sportsbook does well in this area, too, but you’ll find more sports, leagues, and contests at DraftKings.

This wide market coverage is a big reason why DraftKings stands out when it comes both to live betting and to individual and team props. 

In terms of offering competitive odds, neither site necessarily stands out. Both tend to stick close to the average lines and odds found at other sportsbooks. This can vary from game to game and wager to wager, of course, and you should always consider shopping around at multiple sites whenever you are ready to place a wager.

Generally speaking, however, when comparing the same wagers, you will find that DraftKings offers more favorable odds than BetMGM. 

See more: Live NBA betting odds

BetMGM Sportsbook vs. DraftKings Sportsbook payout speed

As noted above, both BetMGM and DraftKings offer many of the same deposit and withdrawal options to those using their online sportsbooks. Payout speeds are usually the same on each site when comparing similar withdrawal methods. 

DraftKings Sportsbook enjoys a slight edge here with quicker payouts in some cases, although since multiple factors can affect payout speeds, your particular experience could vary.

See more: Top 7 fastest payout betting sites

BetMGM Sportsbook vs. DraftKings Sportsbook loyalty programs

Both BetMGM and DraftKings enable bettors to participate in loyalty reward programs designed to give them benefits just for placing bets on the sites. 

BetMGM Sportsbook lets users connect their accounts to the BetMGM Rewards program, which is, in turn, connected to the general MGM Rewards program. Bettors earn both BetMGM Rewards Points and Tier Credits every time they wager. They can then redeem their BetMGM Rewards Points either for free play on the site or for MGM Rewards Points, which can subsequently be used for perks and benefits at MGM properties. 

Over at the DraftKings Sportsbook, the program is called Dynasty Rewards and involves players accumulating Tier Credits when they bet. They can then redeem their Tier Credits in the Dynasty Store for a variety of prizes such as movie tickets, streaming subscriptions, gift cards, DK merchandise, and free play across DraftKings’ platforms. 

The programs are quite similar, although DraftKings’ is perhaps a little more clearly presented. The Dynasty Rewards program also connects with the DFS site, which enables users who use both products to earn points more quickly. DraftKings wins this comparison as well. 

BetMGM Sportsbook vs. DraftKings Sportsbook responsible gambling

Both BetMGM and DraftKings are great when it comes to promoting responsible gambling. They incorporate responsible gambling messaging into their advertising and let users limit their deposits, losses, and time spent on the site to help bettors manage their wagering.

Under this heading, we rate BetMGM and DraftKings as equally committed to responsible gambling. 

BetMGM Sportsbook vs. DraftKings Sportsbook customer service

BetMGM Sportsbook offers both live chat and phone support, although it takes a little digging on the site to find it. Agents were helpful and friendly in our tests. The site also features a particularly extensive FAQ which should answer most questions.

DraftKings Sportsbook primarily offers support via email or live chat. Getting help via email involves submitting a ticket via the “contact support” link. Usually, responses come within 24 hours. Live chat works well, and in our test, the agent was quick to respond and friendly. The site also has a fairly detailed FAQ and how-to guides.  

Customer reviews tend to favor BetMGM Sportsbook for its support with some expressing dissatisfaction with DraftKings Sportsbook (relatively speaking). We’ll give BetMGM the slight edge here.

Conclusion: Is DraftKings Sportsbook better than BetMGM Sportsbook?

Even though DraftKings Sportsbook enjoys the edge in many categories over BetMGM Sportsbook, this is a fairly close call. 

We do rate DraftKings Sportsbook higher overall, but we also recommend both sites to sports bettors. Ultimately, DraftKings wins out thanks to its wider selection of markets, its terrific live betting experience, generally better odds, and its loyalty program. 

Compare other sportsbooks

• DraftKings vs. FanDuel
• Caesars vs. DraftKings
• BetMGM vs. Caesars
• BetMGM vs. FanDuel
• Caesars vs. FanDuel

BetMGM Sportsbook vs. DraftKings Sportsbook FAQ

Which sportsbook is better, BetMGM or DraftKings?

We rate DraftKings Sportsbook ahead of BetMGM Sportsbook. Indeed, the fact that DraftKings enjoys about twice the business BetMGM does also reflects its greater popularity. That said, we recommend both sites to sports bettors. 

Can I use BetMGM Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook at the same time?

Yes, you can create accounts at both DraftKings and BetMGM and place wagers at both sites whenever you like. Having accounts at both sites is worthwhile, as that will enable you to shop for more favorable lines and odds. 

Which is better for NFL betting, BetMGM Sportsbook or DraftKings Sportsbook?

BetMGM Sportsbook actually enjoys a slight edge over DraftKings Sportsbook when it comes to NFL betting. BetMGM offers a particularly huge selection of NFL bets.

In many states, it invites users to pick a favorite team and receive odds boosts or NFL betting promos for relevant games. Meanwhile, the NFL odds are often very close between the two sites.

See more: Super Bowl betting lines

Is BetMGM Sportsbook or DraftKings Sportsbook better for bonuses and promotions?

Both sites have decent welcome offers. Both also offer ongoing promotions to regular bettors, although DraftKings tends to have a greater choice of promos at any given time.