BetMGM and DraftKings are two giants of American sports betting. According to most recent data, DraftKings sits at #1 with a 35% market share, while BetMGM trails behind at 22% market share (4th largest). But which one is actually better?
To find out, we conducted a hands-on review of DraftKings and BetMGM over the course of months. We evaluated and compared the sportsbooks' best features, bonuses and promotions, odds quality, mobile app, and more.
Read on to find out what our analysis discovered and which sportsbook is better, BetMGM or DraftKings.
BetMGM vs. DraftKings: At a Glance
π Sportsbook | BetMGM | DraftKings |
π Signup Bonus | $1,500 First Bet Protection | Bet $5 and Get $150 instantly |
π DFS | N/A | π 5.0/5 π |
π° Casino | π 4.7/5 π | 4.3/5 |
π°Β Bonuses & Promotions | 4.8/5 | π 4.9/5 π |
π Odds | 4.3/5 | π 4.4/5 π |
π± Mobile app | 4.5/5 | π 4.7/5 π |
ποΈ Sports Markets | 4.6/5 | π 4.8/9 π |
β Overall Rating | 4.6/5 | π 4.7/5 π |
π Number of Legal States | 20 | π 25 π |
BetMGM vs. DraftKings: How Do They Compare in April 2025?
When comparing these two juggernauts in the online sports betting space, one thing really sticks out: the top sportsbooks do as much as they can to stay competitive with one another and other leading online sports betting sites like FanDuel, Bet365, and Caesars.
For this reason, youβll find many more similarities than differences between BetMGM and DraftKings. Considering that, weβll focus on what sets them apart rather than the many key areas where they both excel similarly.
BetMGM Advantages | DraftKings Advantages |
Largest potential signup bonus | Welcome bonus not dependent on bet outcome |
Superior loyalty rewards program | Better sports markets |
More promos currently on offer | App is better for novice sports bettors |
Has a better online casino | Has daily fantasy sports |
Higher referral limit (20 vs. 5 per month) | Higher max for boosts |
More consistent for live betting | Wider selection of player props |
What is BetMGM Sportsbook?
BetMGM is the exclusive sports betting platform for MGM Resorts and Entain Holdings. The site launched in 2017 under PlayMGM in New Jersey, the first state to allow online sports gambling.
In 2019, PlayMGM rebranded to BetMGM, launching online sports betting in several US states. As the popularity of online sports betting grew in the US, BetMGM spread to more and more states. Currently, there are 19 states where BetMGM is available.
Today, BetMGM is one of the most used sports betting platforms in the US, specializing in the NFL, NBA, and other top sports markets. It currently offers the highest potential welcome bonus of any US sportsbook ($1,500) and runs frequent promotions and bet boosts for existing users.
What is DraftKings Sportsbook?
DraftKings started as a Daily Fantasy Sports site in 2012. In 2018, it expanded to sports betting after the Supreme Court ruled that states could allow online sports betting. DraftKings first began sports betting services in New Jersey but has since launched in many other states. DraftKings is legal in 25 states, the most of any US sportsbook.
Today, DraftKings also offers an online casino available in a handful of states and online horse racing betting. Like BetMGM, DraftKings emphasizes NFL and NBA betting and almost every other major sport.
Part of DraftKingsβ appeal is the user experience. Its finely crafted mobile app has useful and expertly organized information per screen, eliminating the need to swipe around nonstop. DraftKings recently overtook FanDuel as the number one sports betting platform in America.
DraftKings vs. BetMGM: Bonuses & Promos Compared
Both DraftKings and BetMGM are among the best sportsbooks regarding bonuses. DraftKings has a great welcome offer and numerous daily and weekly promos, such as profit and odds boosts. BetMGM offers more existing customer promotions than DraftKings.
However, we give the slight edge to DraftKings as its flagship sign-up bonus is currently the best in the industry, as it doesn't require your first bet to win or lose to receive the bonus, unlike most other sportsbook welcome offers.
Hereβs an overview of the promos on offer for each.
π BetMGM Welcome Bonus: $1,5oo Back if First Bet Loses
New players at BetMGM can sign up and get up to $1,500 in first bet insurance. So, if their first bet on the platform loses, BetMGM will refund the original stake amount 100% up to $1,500 in bonus bets. The BetMGM sign-up bonus is the best offer for online sports bettors who like to wager large amounts, as they can maximize the value top-end value of the promotion.
For example, if you sign up and place a $1,250 bet at BetMGM and it loses. The sportsbook will instantly refund your lost bet, giving you five bonus bets (20% each) equal to the original $1,250 stake.
π° DraftKings Welcome Bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 Instantly
The DraftKings and BetMGM sign-up offers are very different, as they opt for a different bonus structure. Instead of “first bet protection” like BetMGM, DraftKings offers a “bet-and-get” bonus. New customers at DraftKings get $150 in bonus bets after placing an initial bet of $5.
The bonus bets are awarded no matter if the first bet wins or loses, making it one of the best sportsbook bonuses. No DraftKings promo code is required to unlock the welcome offer.
DraftKings Secondary Sign-up Bonus: 20% Deposit Match up to $1,000
DraftKings also offers a 20% Deposit Match Bonus of up to $1,000 for new users. Over the course of 90 days, bettors earn $1 in DK Dollars for each $25 wagered with odds of -300 odds or longer from their initial deposit. To receive the maximum bonus amount of $1,000 DK Dollars, a new player would need to deposit $5k and play it through for a total of $25k.
Unless you are a high-volume bettor bring a lot of money to DraftKings, we recommend taking the bet $5 and get $150 offer, as it is much more straightforward and only requires an initial deposit and bet of $5.
BetMGM Promotions for April 2025
BetMGM is one of the very best sportsbooks for rewarding regular customers. The platform constantly adds new promotions and has one of the best referral programs, allowing users to earn $100 in bonus bets each time they refer a friend.
Here's a look at the current promotions available at BetMGM Sportsbook:
- BetMGM Lionβs Boost: Odds boost for a certain bet every day of the week. Usually, it's for top games. Check daily for details.
- Friend Referral Program: Each person referred and signed up earns $100 in bonus funds. Both the referral and their invited friend earn the $100 bonus. There is a limit of 20 referrals per person per month.
- Hat Trick Jackpot: Users who participate can win a share of a $10,000 prize when a goal-scorer nets three goals.
- Fast Break: Free-to-play game allowing users to win bonus bet prizes.
- EPL Early Payout: Premier League bets instantly win if the backed team goes up by two at any time in the game.
- NBA/NHL Cash Back: First field goal or goal scorer bets for NBA or NHL games on Fridays are returned if the chosen player scores the second goal or field goal instead.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bet and Get: Link your Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM Rewards accounts to receive 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy loyalty points after a qualifying bet of $10.
- College Basketball/NBA Odds Boost Token: NCAAM and NBA bets benefit from an odds boost that offers a bigger payout on a selected wager.
DraftKings Promotions for April 2025
In addition to the excellent sign-up bonus of bet $5 and get $150, DraftKings offers a wide range of promos for their existing customers to keep them coming back.
Here are the current promotions at DraftKings Sportsbook that stand out:
- Refer-a-friend Promo: Refer friends through a referral link and earn $100 in bonus money if the friend deposits at least $25.
- All-Soccer SGP(X) Boost: After users opt-in, four-leg parlays with minimum odds of -250 on all soccer matches will be boosted.
- College Basketball No Sweat: NCAAM parlays or SGPs with -500 odds or longer will have their wager returned as a bonus bet if it misses.
- CBB Late Night All-Parlay Boost: Three-leg parlays with minimum total odds of +300 for games starting at 9 PM ET or later are profit-boosted.
- LeBron James Profit Boost: Bets on King James of -500 or longer are profit boosted by 23%.
- Player Points All-Parlay Boost: Bets on NBA player points parlays or SGPs with odds of +300 get profit boosted.
π Best Bonuses & Promos: DraftKings π
DraftKings vs. BetMGM: Which Has Better Odds?
In the highly competitive sports betting industry, sportsbooks normally compete to offer the most attractive lines for bettors while also trying to maximize the “vig” or “juice” they receive on each bet. It's a tough balancing act for even the best sportsbook.
In general, BetMGM and DraftKings offer some of the best odds you can find and are very similar in quality to each other. Therefore, we recommend signing up for both and checking the line for each game on both to ensure you get the best odds possible.
Here's an example of odds at both BetMGM and DraftKings for the upcoming NFL Draft:
BetMGM NFL Draft Odds: 1st Overall Pick
- Cam Ward: -625
- Abdul Carter: +400
- Travis Hunter: +2800
- Shedeur Sanders: +5000
DraftKings NFL Draft Odds: 1st Overall Pick
- Cam Ward: -6400
- Abdul Carter: +260
- Travis Hunter: +1000
- Shedeur Sanders: +2500
That said, we found that DraftKings odds were slightly better over hundreds of bets on each platform. However, neither could top Bet365, which routinely offers the best odds of any sportsbook.
π Best Odds & Lines: DraftKings π
BetMGM vs. DraftKings: State Availability Comparison
Although betting on sports is legal federally, state governments determine whether or not sports betting will be legal in their jurisdiction. Due to that, not all states allow sports betting. Some even limit which brands or how many operators can obtain sports betting licenses, meaning that BetMGM and DraftKings aren't available in all of the same states.
That said, here are the states where you can wager with BetMGM and DraftKings in April 2025:
State | BetMGM | DraftKings |
ποΈ Arizona | β | β |
π Arkansas | β | β |
ποΈ Colorado | β | β |
πΒ Connecticut | β | β |
ποΈ D.C. | β | β |
π Delaware | β | β |
π΄ Florida | β | β |
π Illinois | β | β |
π Indiana | β | β |
π½ Iowa | β | β |
π» Kansas | β | β |
π Kentucky | β | β |
π· Louisiana | β | β |
π¦ Maine | β | β |
π¦ Maryland | β | β |
π Massachusetts | β | β |
π Michigan | β | β |
π° Nevada | β | β |
π²Β New Jersey | β | β |
π New York | β | β |
π North Carolina | β | β |
π Ohio | β | β |
ποΈ Oregon | β | β |
π Pennsylvania | β | β |
π΅π· Puerto Rico | β | β |
β Rhode Island | β | β |
πΈ Tennessee | β | β |
π Vermont | β | β |
βοΈ Virginia | β | β |
π² Washington | β | β |
βοΈ West Virginia | β | β |
π§ Wisconsin | β | β |
𦬠Wyoming | β | β |
πΊοΈ Best Availability: DraftKings πΊοΈ
DraftKings vs. BetMGM: Payment Options
Both sportsbooks offer the most popular payment methods, such as PayPal, debit card, and Venmo. However, if youβre looking for one of the less common payment methods, this category could be a deal breaker.
Here are the supported deposit and withdrawal methods at DraftKings and BetMGM:
BetMGM Payment Methods
Payment Method | Deposit | Withdrawal |
Debit Cards | β | β |
Credit Cards | β | β |
PayPal | β | β |
Wire Transfer | β | β |
Apple Pay | β | β |
VIP Preferred e-Check | β | β |
Venmo | β | β |
Play+ | β | β |
Cash at the Cage | β | β |
DraftKings Payment Methods
Payment Method | Deposit | Withdrawal |
Debit Cards | β | β |
Credit Cards | β | β |
PayPal | β | β |
Online Banking (Trustly) | β | β |
Bank Wire Transfer | β | β |
PayNearMe | β | β |
Apple Pay | β | β |
VIP Preferred e-Check | β | β |
Venmo | β | β |
Cash at the Cage | β | β |
Courier Check | β | β |
π³ Best Payment Options & Payout Speed: DraftKings π³
BetMGM vs DraftKings: Which App is Better?
The BetMGM and DraftKings mobile apps are well-designed, intuitive, and easy for novice users to manage. However, DraftKings's interface and user experience are nearly impossible to beat. After all, DraftKings is arguably the best sports betting app in the industry.
Neither of them is perfect, though. So, weβll review each major feature of the BetMGM and DraftKings apps, make a tit-for-tat comparison, and quickly examine how user reviews describe both apps online.
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Stability and Usability
Both DraftKings and BetMGM perform well on iOS devices, as evidenced by their 4.8/5 ratings on the Apple App Store. However, users on Android complain that both apps can have annoying bugs.
This suggests that some devices canβt meet the app's demands. In other words, less capable devices may struggle to run the BetMGM and DraftKings apps without hiccups. BetMGM app users, in particular, complain about constant freezes on Android devices.
That said, both apps are high-quality in terms of performance outside occasional glitches, especially on iOS.
Live Betting
BetMGMβs live betting is more consistent than live betting at DraftKings. That's because when odds update in real-time at BetMGM, it doesnβt actually stop you from betting. In the DraftKings app live betting section, you might find that some bets are locked for a moment after the odds update, which can sometimes be frustrating. This can make it harder to place a wager before the odds change again.
App Layout and Interface
DraftKings has slightly better data density, meaning more content is visible on the screen. This reduces the need to swipe through different screens to see what you want. The DraftKings app is a little smoother and easier to navigate, with a solid search bar, easy-to-find sports categories, and better organization of upcoming games on the home screen. The feel and design are top-notch.
The BetMGM app interface is also very good. The layout is thoughtful, and the most important games and sports are easy to locate. However, it doesnβt provide the luxury feel and mobile betting experience that DraftKings offers.
App Security
These apps are tied in this area. Both use the latest SSL encryption technology to thwart cyber criminals and safeguard user data. The apps and main sites are all highly secure.
π± Best Mobile App: DraftKings π±
DraftKings vs. BetMGM: Customer Support?
The biggest difference between DraftKings and BetMGM regarding customer support is that BetMGM provides you with a direct phone number to reach them. In fact, BetMGM offers designated phone lines for nearly every state it operates in.
On the other hand, DraftKings only offers a callback option if you prefer to get help via phone support. Thatβs not to say that DraftKings has poor customer service, though. DraftKings and BetMGM have attentive and helpful customer service reps who can be reached in various ways, including 24/7 live chat.
Overall, we give BetMGM a slight edge regarding customer support options and the speed with which players can get help.
DraftKings Customer Support Options
Live Chat
Phone
Address
BetMGM Customer Support Options
Live Chat
Phone
Address
π€ Best Customer Support: BetMGM π€
BetMGM vs. DraftKings: Which Has the Better Loyalty Program?
BetMGM and DraftKings have loyalty programs (BetMGM Rewards and Dynasty Rewards, respectively) offering regular bettors a tiered system with many perks and ways to earn points.
However, BetMGM Rewards is probably the best rewards program in online sports betting, right up there with Caesars. BetMGM integrates its casino and resort empire into the program perfectly. Players can earn BetMGM Rewards points for betting on sports and casino games online, staying at BetMGM resorts, and betting in person in BetMGM casinos.
Players can then use those points to unlock many benefits, such as restaurant discounts, travel packages, hotel stays, etc. DraftKings Dynasty Rewards focuses more on ways to reward users directly for sports betting, such as offering bonus bets and profit boosts.
For that reason, BetMGM earns the nod regarding sportsbook rewards.
π Best Loyalty Program: BetMGM π
BetMGM vs. DraftKings: Sports & Betting Market Variety
While both sportsbooks offer all major sports and leagues, DraftKings has much more to offer regarding niche sports. Players at DraftKings can bet on sports like cornhole, snooker, slap fighting, and surfing. So, if you like betting on obscure sports in addition to the most popular, then DraftKings is the obvious choice.
Here are all of the sports you can choose from at both online sports betting sites:
Sport | BetMGM | DraftKings |
β½ Soccer | β | β |
βΎ Baseball | β | β |
π Football | β | β |
π Cricket | β | β |
π½ Cornhole | β | β |
π Auto Racing | β | β |
π± Snooker | β | β |
ππΌ Horse Racing | β | β |
π Basketball | β | β |
π― Darts | β | β |
π₯ Olympics | β | β |
π Rugby League | β | β |
πΈ Badminton | β | β |
π Table Tennis | β | β |
π€ΌββοΈ Wrestling | β | β |
π Hurling | β | β |
Betting Menu Depth
DraftKings also offers a bit more depth per league. For example, when comparing two NCAAF games, BetMGM is missing some options you can find on DraftKings for the biggest games, particularly the team props.
BetMGM offers the main betting options for all of its sports, but itβs not quite as robust as DraftKings. The betting options and sports markets go much deeper at DraftKings than BetMGM.
ποΈ Best Sports & Betting Markets: DraftKings ποΈ
How to Sign Up for BetMGM & DraftKings Sportsbook
Signing up for an account is as easy as can be for both sportsbooks. Donβt forget to claim the welcome offer while registering for the first time.
Hereβs a quick guide to the signup process from start to completion.
- Install the sportsbook app or visit the browser site
- Sign up using your name and contact info
- Share the last four of your SSN if prompted (this is standard procedure)
- Confirm your email to activate the account
- Make your first deposit using a supported payment method
- Activate the welcome bonus by meeting its terms laid out in the promos section above
Responsible Gaming
Both BetMGM and DraftKings offer a suite of tools to help users experiencing gambling issues. These resources include tools to limit your account, session durations, and deposit amounts or, if necessary, lock yourself out. They also offer resources to get help from professionals.
If you or someone close to you has a potential gambling problem, dial 1-800-GAMBLER now.
DraftKings vs. BetMGM: Final Verdict
When it comes down to it, both DraftKings and BetMGM are top-of-the-line sportsbooks with their own advantages and perks. For example, BetMGM outperforms DraftKings in terms of bonuses, promotions, and its rewards program, while DraftKings has a better mobile app, more sports and betting markets, and wider availability.
Ultimately, we evaluated both and found DraftKings to be the better sportsbook, but only slightly.
Some users still might prefer BetMGM if one of their advantages is more weighted than that of DraftKings. In the end, you should consider which aspects mean the most to you and choose accordingly. Of course, signing up for both sportsbooks is a good idea. That way, youβll get both sign up bonuses, plus youβll be able to compare lines for your bets.
π Best Overall Sportsbook: DraftKings π
BetMGM vs. DraftKings | FAQs
FanDuel vs. DraftKings vs. BetMGM, which is better?
While all three are among the best sportsbooks in the US, FanDuel and DraftKings are widely considered the gold standard of online sports betting sites. Our head-to-head FanDuel vs. DraftKings comparison revealed FanDuel to be the better overall sportsbook, but only slightly.
Which sportsbook has the best signup bonus?
BetMGM and DraftKings offer the best two welcome bonuses of any sportsbook. BetMGM offers a $1,500 no-sweat first bet, and DraftKings rewards users with $150 in bonus bets instantly after they sign up and place a $5 bet.
Which is more secure, BetMGM or DraftKings?
Both BetMGM and DraftKings are totally safe and secure in terms of protecting your user data from hackers. They both use SSL encryption on their app and website.