What BetMGM is and how to use it

BetMGM is a sportsbook operated by MGM Resorts International, available as a mobile app and website in states where sports betting is legal. You create an account, deposit money, place bets on sports events, and withdraw winnings. The platform covers major leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer) and college sports, along with some niche sports depending on the event.

To start, you read the app or visit the website, enter your name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number for identity verification. BetMGM uses geolocation to confirm you are physically located in a state where it operates. Once verified, you can deposit funds using a debit card, credit card, PayPal, or other payment methods the app offers in your state.

After depositing, you browse upcoming games, select the bet type you want (moneyline, spread, over/under, parlay, or prop bets), enter your stake, and confirm. Your bet appears in your bet slip. If your bet wins, the winnings go into your account balance and you can withdraw them or use them to place more bets.

Key Takeaways

  • BetMGM operates only in states that have legalized sports betting, and you must be physically located in one of those states to place a bet.
  • Account creation requires your legal name, address, date of birth, and partial Social Security number for identity verification.
  • Deposit methods vary by state but typically include debit cards, credit cards, and digital wallets like PayPal.
  • Bet types range from straightforward moneyline and spread bets to complex parlays and prop bets on specific player or game outcomes.
  • Winnings stay in your account balance until you withdraw them, and withdrawal methods depend on how you deposited.

States where BetMGM operates

BetMGM is available in roughly 20 states as of 2024, though this number changes as states pass new sports betting laws. States where BetMGM currently operates include Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The list expands periodically when new states legalize sports betting.

You must be physically present in one of these states to place a bet, even if you have an account. The app uses GPS and other location data to verify your location at the moment you place a wager. If you travel to a state where BetMGM does not operate, you cannot place bets through the app until you return to a legal state.

Account requirements and identity verification

BetMGM requires you to be at least 21 years old and a U.S. resident to open an account. During signup, you provide your full legal name, date of birth, street address, city, state, ZIP code, email address, and phone number. You also enter the last four digits of your Social Security number, which BetMGM uses to verify your identity and check for problem gambling flags in state databases.

The verification process is when ready in most cases, though some accounts may be flagged for manual review if information does not match state records. If your account is flagged, BetMGM may ask you to upload a photo ID or other documents. This can take a few hours to a few days. You cannot place bets until verification is complete.

Deposit and withdrawal methods

BetMGM accepts deposits through debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and bank transfers (ACH) in most states. Some states restrict certain payment methods — for example, credit card deposits may not be available in all jurisdictions. Minimum deposit amounts typically start at $10, though some promotions may require a higher minimum.

Withdrawals must go back to the original payment method you used to deposit. If you deposited via debit card, your winnings go back to that debit card. If you used PayPal, withdrawals return to PayPal. Withdrawal processing times vary: debit card withdrawals usually take 3 to 5 business days, while PayPal and digital wallet withdrawals may be faster. Bank transfers can take 5 to 10 business days.

BetMGM does not charge withdrawal fees, but your bank or payment provider may charge a fee depending on the method. Some states also impose taxes on sportsbook winnings, which are handled separately from the withdrawal process.

Bet types and how odds work

BetMGM offers several bet types. A moneyline bet is a straightforward pick of which team wins the game — you bet on the favorite (negative odds, like -150) or the underdog (positive odds, like +130). A spread bet involves a point margin set by the sportsbook; you bet whether a team will win by more than that margin or lose by fewer points. An over/under (or total) bet is a wager on whether the combined score of both teams will be above or below a number set by the sportsbook.

A parlay combines multiple bets into one wager; all bets must win for the parlay to pay out, but the payout is larger than placing each bet separately. Prop bets (proposition bets) are wagers on specific outcomes within a game — for example, whether a particular player will score over or under a certain number of points, or whether a specific team will score in the first quarter.

Odds are displayed in American format (like -110 or +200). Negative odds show how much you must bet to win $100; positive odds show how much you win on a $100 bet. For example, -110 means you bet $110 to win $100, while +200 means a $100 bet wins $200. The sportsbook adjusts odds based on how much money is being bet on each side of a wager.

Responsible gambling tools and limits

BetMGM provides tools to set limits on your own spending. You can set a daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limit — once you reach that limit, you cannot deposit more money until the period resets. You can also set a loss limit, which stops you from placing new bets once you have lost a certain amount in a time period.

If you want to take a break from betting, you can use the self-exclusion feature to temporarily or permanently close your account. Temporary self-exclusion typically lasts 24 hours to 6 months; permanent self-exclusion closes your account indefinitely. During self-exclusion, you cannot log in or place bets, and BetMGM will not contact you with promotions.

BetMGM also displays responsible gambling resources, including links to the National Council on Problem Gambling and state-specific helplines. If you are concerned about your betting habits, these organizations offer confidential support.

Promotions and how they work

BetMGM regularly offers promotions to new and existing customers. New customer promotions typically include a deposit match (for example, "bet $10, get $200 in bonus bets") or a risk-free first bet (place a bet up to a certain amount; if it loses, you receive that amount back as a bonus bet). Existing customer promotions include odds boosts, parlay insurance, and free bets tied to specific events.

Bonus bets come with terms: they usually expire within 7 to 30 days, cannot be withdrawn as cash, and must be used on may have access to bets. For example, a $200 bonus bet can only be used to place a new wager; if that wager wins, you receive the winnings in cash, but the bonus bet itself is not returned. Read the terms of each promotion before using it, as restrictions vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use BetMGM if I live outside the United States?

No. BetMGM requires you to be a U.S. resident and physically located in a state where it operates. You must provide a U.S. address and Social Security number to open an account. If you are not a U.S. resident, you cannot use the platform.

What happens if I place a bet and then travel to a state where BetMGM doesn't operate?

Your account remains open and your balance stays intact, but you cannot place new bets outside of legal states. Once you return to a state where BetMGM operates, you can resume betting. Existing bets placed before you left continue to settle normally.

Can I use a VPN to bet from outside a legal state?

No. BetMGM's terms of service prohibit using VPNs or other tools to mask your location. The app uses GPS, IP address, and other location verification methods. Attempting to circumvent these controls can result in account closure and forfeiture of your balance.

How long does it take to withdraw money from BetMGM?

Withdrawal time depends on your payment method. Debit card withdrawals typically take 3 to 5 business days, PayPal and digital wallets take 1 to 3 business days, and bank transfers take 5 to 10 business days. Weekends and holidays may extend these timelines.

What happens if I win a large amount?

Winnings are treated as taxable income. BetMGM reports large wins to the IRS and your state tax authority. You are responsible for reporting all winnings on your tax return, regardless of whether BetMGM issues a tax form. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation.