BetMGM and Caesars take a different approach than FanDuel and DraftKings. Instead of small-bet bonuses, both offer first bet insurance up to $1,000+. But which delivers better overall value for Ohio bettors? Let's compare.
Quick Comparison
| Category | BetMGM | Caesars |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Up to $1,500 First Bet Winner | Up to $1,000 First Bet |
| Rewards Program | MGM Rewards | Caesars Rewards Winner |
| Retail Presence | Northfield Park | Scioto Downs |
| App Quality | Good | Improved |
| Odds Quality | Competitive | Competitive |
| Prop Selection | Very good | Good |
| Ongoing Promos | Regular boosts | Regular boosts |
Welcome Bonus Breakdown
BetMGM: Up to $1,500 First Bet Insurance
Place your first bet up to $1,500. If it loses, you get the stake back as bonus bets. Higher ceiling than Caesars, but same insurance structure. Bonus bets expire in 7 days and must be used in one wager.
Caesars: Up to $1,000 First Bet Insurance
Same concept, lower maximum. Your first bet is protected up to $1,000. If it loses, you receive the stake back as bonus bets. Slightly lower ceiling but still significant value.
$500 higher ceiling gives BetMGM the edge for bettors willing to stake that amount. For bettors under $1,000, both offers are functionally identical.
Rewards Programs
MGM Rewards
Tied to the MGM casino ecosystem. Earn points from betting that can be redeemed for:
- Hotel stays at MGM properties
- Dining credits
- Show tickets
- Bonus bets
Best for bettors who visit Las Vegas or MGM-affiliated casinos.
Caesars Rewards
The industry's most established casino rewards program. Points from betting earn toward:
- Tier credits for status upgrades
- Hotel comps at Caesars properties
- Dining and entertainment
- Bonus bets and free play
Massive property network including Las Vegas flagships and regional casinos.
Caesars Rewards is more established, has more properties, and offers better tier benefits. For bettors who want their betting activity to earn real-world perks, Caesars is superior.
Ohio Retail Presence
BetMGM: MGM Northfield Park
Northeast Ohio racino with a dedicated BetMGM sportsbook. Live harness racing plus the full sportsbook experience. Located in Northfield, about 25 minutes from downtown Cleveland.
Caesars: Eldorado Scioto Downs
South Columbus racino with Caesars Sportsbook. Convenient for central Ohio bettors. Combination of harness racing and full sportsbook amenities.
Neither has a significant advantage here—it depends on your location in Ohio.
App Experience
BetMGM
Clean, functional app with good navigation. Finding bets is straightforward. The bet builder works well. Live betting is responsive. Not as polished as FanDuel, but no major complaints.
Caesars
Historically the weakest app among major books, Caesars has improved significantly. Still not best-in-class, but usable. Navigation is better than before. Speed is acceptable.
BetMGM has the slight edge on app quality, but both are functional.
Odds and Lines
Both books offer competitive odds on major markets:
- Main lines are similar to market consensus
- Neither consistently offers the best prices
- Both are worth checking when line shopping
- Prop markets are adequate on both platforms
No clear winner—both are competitive without standing out.
Ongoing Promotions
BetMGM
- Regular odds boosts
- One Game Parlay insurance offers
- Sport-specific promos
- Referral bonuses
Caesars
- Daily odds boosts
- Profit boosts tied to rewards tier
- Parlay insurance options
- Major event promotions
Both offer similar ongoing promo structures. No significant advantage either way.
If you have Caesars Rewards status from hotel or casino activity, that status applies to the sportsbook immediately, unlocking better profit boosts from day one.
The Verdict
Choose BetMGM if:
- You want the higher $1,500 first bet ceiling
- You prefer a slightly better app experience
- MGM Vegas properties are your destination
Choose Caesars if:
- You value the Caesars Rewards ecosystem
- You already have Caesars Rewards status
- Caesars properties (Vegas or regional) are your destinations
Best Approach: Use Both
Both first bet insurance offers have value. Using both gives you up to $2,500 in protected betting across both platforms. There's no reason not to take advantage of both.
Compare All Ohio Sportsbooks
See how BetMGM and Caesars compare to every Ohio option.
Full Comparison →