BetMGM
BetMGM highlights
- Top highlight: iReward Points (iRPs) for playing real money games in the casino or poker room.
- Games: Slots of all types, progressive jackpot slots, table games, video poker variations, live dealer games, variety games, virtual sports games.
- Licenses: The Michigan Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Bonuses highlight
- no-deposit bonus worth $25
- 100% deposit match bonus worth up to $1,000
Terms & Conditions
Welcome Bonus is only for new customers. 21+ age limit. All other T&Cs apply.
About BetMGM Casino
BetMGM is an all in one casino and sports betting service based in Michigan. They are licensed and regulated by the Michigan Division of Gaming Enforcement. Players must be 21 years of age and physically in Michigan to use the site. They offer a range of casino games as well as multiple sports in which their users can place wagers on.
Bonuses and Promotions
BetMGM Casino offers a two-part welcome package to all new customers consisting of a no-deposit bonus worth $25 and a 100% deposit match bonus worth up to $1,000. You will be asked if you have a bonus code when you sign up for an account, but you can leave that field blank. BetMGM Casino offers both bonuses to new customers by default.
Both bonuses may be withdrawn, but high wagering requirements just three days to meet those requirements severely harm the quality of each bonus. Customers do however have the option to opt out of one or both bonuses at any time.
You can get $25 free to try BetMGM Casino by signing up for an account and becoming a verified player. Once BetMGM verifies you’re over 21 years of age and are located in Michigan, an extra $25 in free play credits will be added to your account.
The $25 free play bonus can be used to play games at BetMGM immediately, but the bonus money and any winnings associated with it may not be withdrawn until you have earned 150 iReward points (iRPs).
100% up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
If you make your first deposit and it is $10 or more, BetMGM will double your deposit with bonus cash at a 100% rate. This means a $100 deposit will get you $100 in bonus money while a $200 deposit will get you $200 in bonus money and so on. The more you deposit, the bigger the bonus.
Note that this offer only stands for five days after signing up for an account at BetMGM. This bonus may also be cashed out, but only after earning 6x the bonus amount in iRPs. In other words, a $100 bonus would require you to earn 600 iRPs. If you were playing slots only, a $100 bonus would require a total of $3,000 worth of wagers before you would be able to withdraw the bonus money or any winnings won by wagering the bonus money.
Bonus Concerns
The free play bonus and $1,000 deposit bonus are both tempting at first glance, but a closer look at each reveals significant shortcomings in both.
High Wagering Requirements: The free play bonus and deposit match bonus both come with a 6x iReward point wagering requirements before they may be withdrawn.
iRPs are earned at a rate of 1 iRP for every $5 wagered at regular slots, every $10 wagered at progressive/jackpot slots, every $20 wagered at video poker and every $25 wagered at other table games.
This works out to an effective rollover of 30x on standard slots, 60x on progressive slots, 120x on video poker and 150x on table games.
Short Clearing Window: Even more concerning is the short clearing window in which players are given to clear each bonus. Players are given just three days to clear each bonus from the time it is awarded. The short clearing window combined with high wagering requirements makes it very difficult to earn either bonus in full.
Range of Casino Games
The game selection and variety at MGM Online can be considered strong for the most part. BetMGM hosts nearly 300 slots at last count and adds more every month. There are also table games, video poker, live dealer games, virtual sports betting games and more.
In total, BetMGM Online has:
- 276 slots of all types
- 11 progressive jackpot slots
- 8 table games
- 12 video poker variations
- 4 live dealer games
- 10 variety games
- 5 virtual sports games
The overall game variety is good except for table games. BetMGM is extremely short when it comes to table games. Aside from the absolute basics such as blackjack, craps and roulette, BetMGM Online has little to offer for dedicated table game players.
On a more positive note, the slots selection is quite strong by comparison. BetMGM has a wide variety in types of slots with games from numerous slots developers such as IGT, NetEnt, Konami, SG Interactive, Barcrest and more.
Game quality varies widely because BetMGM features games from so many different developers. Some games are presented with flashy, modern graphics and in-depth bonus features while others feature a basic style and simple gameplay.
Software and Graphics
BetMGM Casino is available online via no-download browser play for desktop users and as a mobile app for tablet and smartphone customers. In my experience, the BetMGM software is quick to load and does not require an amazing internet connection. As long as you have a decent computer or smartphone and an average internet connection, you’ll be good to go.
The one big downside is the desktop casino is based entirely on Flash, which is a bit annoying in this day and age. All of my browsers give me Flash warnings and I am constantly having to update my Flash player just to access the casino. Hopefully BetMGM moves to HTML5 or something else sooner rather than later.
Aside from that, the casino runs without issue. The full games library can be accessed through any modern desktop without downloading anything. The only thing you may be asked to download when playing from a desktop is a browser extension that is used to verify your location, but that takes mere seconds.
Mobile and tablet users are directed to the app store to get the official BetMGM mobile app. BetMGM Mi has iOS and Android apps for smartphone and tablet users. There is no option to play through your mobile browser if you visit BetMGM from a smartphone – the only way to play is through the app.
The casino lobby is designed in a simple manner with all games listed under a few categories (slots, jackpot slots, table games, live casino, variety games and sports). Just navigate to the category you want and you’ll see all games that fit that category there. This simple layout has been good for navigation so far, but it may be time for BetMGM to think about updating the lobby with additional sort options as the games list grows.
For instance, some other Mi online casinos can be sorted by software developer, average customer rating and the casino’s top picks. BetMGM is starting to get a big enough list of games that additional sort options would come in handy now. Searching for one specific game or even games by any one software provider is starting to get a little cumbersome.
Loyalty or VIP Programme
BetMGM Online maintains a simple and straightforward loyalty program that gives you iReward Points (iRPs) for playing real money games in the casino or poker room. You may redeem iRPs for rewards such as:
- MGM Express Comps: Redeem iRPs to get discounts on rooms at MGM Resorts, eat for free at MGM properties or to see a show at any MGM property.
- Cash and Bonuses: You may redeem your iRPs for cash or bonuses that can be used in the casino or poker room.
- Rewards Store: You may redeem your iRPs at the reward store for goodies such as iPads, Bluetooth speakers and other gifts such as sunglasses and duffel bags.
iRPs are earned by playing real money casino games and poker at BetMGM. The rate at which iRPs accumulate varies based on game type:
Game Type | Wager to earn 1 iRP |
Regular Slots / Other | $5 |
Progressive Jackpot Slots | $10 |
Video Poker | $20 |
Table Games | $25 |
Poker Cash Games | 5.5 iRPs per $1 paid in rake |
Poker Tournaments | 5.5 iRPs per $1 paid in tournament fees |
Additionally, the loyalty program is organized into five tiers ranging from Sapphire (where everyone begins) up to Noir. As you progress through the various levels of the VIP program, it gets easier and easier to earn iRPs.
Deposit and Withdrawal Methods