Our Verdict
BetMGM offers the biggest welcome bonus in Ohio — up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses. That's a lot of upside. The app itself is solid, the MGM Rewards integration is genuinely valuable if you visit casinos, and the live betting interface is one of the better ones around.
The catch? You have to lose your first bet to unlock the full bonus value. And BetMGM is known for limiting winning players fairly aggressively. For casual bettors who value the big bonus and casino perks, BetMGM is a strong choice. For serious volume players, proceed with caution.
- Biggest welcome bonus in Ohio ($1,500)
- MGM Rewards (hotel, dining, show credits)
- Strong live betting interface
- One-game parlay insurance
- Retail sportsbook at MGM Northfield Park
- Solid odds on major sports
- Bonus requires losing first bet
- Aggressive about limiting winners
- App can be slow at times
- Fewer props than DraftKings
BetMGM Ohio Bonus Explained
BetMGM's welcome offer is "first bet insurance" up to $1,500. Here's how it actually works:
You place your first bet — anywhere from $10 to $1,500. If it wins, great. You keep your winnings and the bonus doesn't activate. If it loses, BetMGM refunds your stake as bonus bets (not cash).
Unlike FanDuel's "bet $5, get $200" offer where you get bonus bets win or lose, BetMGM's bonus only triggers if you lose. Betting $1,500 to potentially get $1,500 in bonus bets back is riskier than betting $5 to guarantee $200. Know the difference.
If you're comfortable with the risk, the $1,500 ceiling is the highest in Ohio. Just don't bet more than you can afford to lose on that first wager.
MGM Rewards Integration
This is where BetMGM offers something unique. Your sportsbook activity earns MGM Rewards points, which can be redeemed at any MGM property — including MGM Northfield Park in Ohio.
MGM Rewards points can be used for hotel stays, dining, shows, and more at MGM properties nationwide. If you already visit MGM casinos or plan Vegas trips, the integration adds tangible value beyond just betting.
App & Betting Experience
The BetMGM app is solid but not exceptional. Navigation is straightforward, bet placement works smoothly, and the live betting interface is actually one of the better ones in Ohio — fast updates, easy to find markets.
Where BetMGM falls short: the app can feel slow during peak times, and the prop selection doesn't match DraftKings' depth. For standard sides and totals, it's perfectly fine.
Odds Quality
BetMGM's odds are middle-of-the-pack. They're rarely the best line in Ohio, but they're rarely the worst either. On big games, they're competitive. On smaller markets, FanDuel and DraftKings often have better juice.
The one-game parlay insurance is a nice ongoing perk — if one leg of your parlay loses, you can get bonus bets back. Check the terms carefully, as they vary.
Who Should Use BetMGM?
Best for: Casual bettors who want the biggest possible welcome bonus, MGM Rewards members who can stack value, and anyone who visits MGM casinos. Good for live betting enthusiasts.
Maybe skip if: You're a winning player worried about limits, you prefer a guaranteed bonus (FanDuel's is safer), or you prioritize props and same-game parlays (DraftKings is better).
Frequently Asked Questions
Use code OHBET when signing up to activate the up to $1,500 first bet insurance offer. Without the code, you may not receive the full bonus.
It's first bet insurance. If your first bet (up to $1,500) loses, you get the amount back as bonus bets. If it wins, you keep the winnings but don't receive bonus bets. The bonus only activates on a loss.
Yes. BetMGM is known for being fairly aggressive about limiting profitable players. If you consistently win, you may face reduced betting limits over time.
MGM operates MGM Northfield Park near Cleveland, which has a full retail sportsbook. You can bet in person and earn MGM Rewards there.