BetMGM vs DraftKings: Which Sportsbook Is Best In April 2024?

With several years of consistent use and success on both BetMGM and DraftKings, my firsthand experiences have contributed to a well-rounded evaluation of these two online sportsbooks, which are both among the best sportsbooks out there. I have worked with Oddspedia to provide a comprehensive assessment of the most important features for any sports bettor, with specific analysis for these two online sportsbooks. These insights should prove valuable when deciding whether to opt for DraftKings Sportsbook, BetMGM sportsbook, or both.

Prepare for an in-depth analysis that will determine the top sportsbook in each category, dissecting each feature thoroughly. Let’s delve right into the analysis and try and solve the BetMGM vs. DraftKings debate once and for all!

BetMGM vs DraftKings Sportsbook overview: The tale of the tape

BetMGM vs DraftKings – Sign-up bonus

BetMGM offers up a fantastic welcome bonus to new customers. All you have to do is use the BetMGM bonus code ODDSBONUS to take advantage. This introductory offer gives bettors the chance to bet $5 and get $158 back in bonus bets. This “bet and get” offer is an exciting one and gives new bettors three bonus credits, two of which are worth $50 and one worth $58.

DraftKings Sportsbook also provides new customers with one of the best sportsbook promos on the market. It’s also a “bet and get” offer, and worth even more than the BetMGM one. The promotion requires that you make a minimum $5 deposit and then place a minimum $5 wager. This then unlocks a generous $200 in bonus bets, no matter the result of your initial $5 wager. These bonuses are disbursed in the form of eight separate $25 bonus bets. The bonus bets are valid for seven days after they have been issued, and cannot be exchanged for cash. This offer is very easy to claim and you don’t even need a DraftKings promo code to qualify.

BetMGM’s current sign-up bonus of $158 might not be as much as DraftKings, but the fact it comes in three bigger bet credits, as opposed to the eight $25 bonus bets is a factor worth considering. For me though, you’ve got to go with the more lucrative offer.

Winner: DraftKings

BetMGM vs DraftKings – Odds: Where do you get the most value?

BetMGM is a great online sports betting site that offers many markets and excellent odds, and the exact same can be said for DraftKings. We have to really get into the detail to try and separate these two because you might find a higher vig on BetMGM one day for one bet, but the following day a similar bet at DraftKings might offer better value. It’s not as cut and dry as one always offering better odds than the other.

Bettors can also enjoy odds boosts, which improve the odds by 20-25%, even on single game parlays. BetMGM provides competitive odds on all the usual betting options like props, totals, futures, spreads, and moneylines, as well as exotic betting lines like one-game parlays. BetMGM covers over 20 sports markets, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, UFC, and much more. You’ll find some of the best odds available on pretty much every major sport when you’re betting spreads, totals, and moneylines at BetMGM.

DraftKings also offers highly competitive odds in comparison to practically all of its competitors. The online sportsbook provides tons of fascinating betting lines and intriguing game and player props, in addition to moneylines, spreads, and totals. DraftKings Sportsbook users can wager on many teams, sports, and events. A basic guide might be to see anything less -110 on both sides of spread and totals bet showing low vig and good value, and a quick scan of markets at DraftKings shows that the sportsbook is usually in that ballpark. This makes DraftKings an excellent selection for competitive odds.

With both teams providing “fair” odds with less vig than most competitors, it feels demeaning to give an advantage to either. BetMGM and DraftKings provide bettors with a ton of valuable lines, whether you’re considering sports wagering on game props, sides, or spreads. However, both sportsbooks, as most leading sportsbooks do, offer more vig on player props than any other market. Remember you can look at thing like Oddspedia’s NFL odds screen to get a true comparison across the industry and make sure you’re getting the best value for every bet.

It’s important to remember that with both sportsbooks providing consistently great odds, if you’re in a state where you have access to BetMGM and DraftKings Sportsbook, it’s probably in your best interest to download both and then bet wherever you get the best line for the wager you want to make.

Winner: Tie

BetMGM vs DraftKings – Market coverage: Which has more to offer?

BetMGM offers a wide range of sports bets and markets for all major US sports, including NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, golf events, and tennis tournaments. In addition to these popular leagues, BetMGM also offers secondary leagues and niche sports, such as WNBA, CBL, and FIBA games, providing users with a variety of options to place wagers. If there is one area where BetMGM stands out in this crowded market, it’s with its NBA odds. BetMGM is regarded as one of the best NBA betting sites because of how quick markets go live and the sheer number of options available to NBA bettors.

BetMGM does offer a wide array of betting markets away from the most popular US sports, allowing sports bettors to place wagers on various markets within a given sport. For example, BetMGM offers a lot of markets for games in various soccer leagues such as the MLS, Champions League, and Premier League, among others. By offering various leagues to wager on, BetMGM separates itself from other sports betting platforms in the industry.

As you’d expect, DraftKings also offers a wide range of markets for all major US sports, including NBA, NFL, MLB, MLS, and NHL. You can bet on any game of the regular season, playoffs, and respective championship games, as well as thousands of different team and player props. DraftKings also provides a variety of wagering options within a given sport, including multiple leagues within the same sport. For example, during baseball season, customers will have their pick of MLB odds, as well as plenty of markets on things like Nippon Professional Baseball. While it’s already known as one of the top football betting sites, it’s things like this that sees DraftKings towards the top of the best MLB betting sites as well.

While DraftKings Sportsbook keeps up with BetMGM in offering major market sports, they haven’t been able to keep up when adding secondary markets. BetMGM’s always seems to be the first to meet the evolving needs of customers, adding things like water polo and lacrosse before anyone else. Both sportsbooks provide similar betting options for each game, although another marginal advantage goes to BetMGM in this department. The depth of team and player props is just a litte bit better compared to DraftKings. The ultimate decision maker here comes down to two key factors though. BetMGM has more selections available during pre-game and comprehensive live betting coverage. DraftKings still offers more than what 99% of sports bettors need, but BetMGM is just ahead.

Winner: BetMGM

BetMGM vs DraftKings – App: Which sportsbook has the best app?

DraftKings Sportsbook’s mobile app is highly regarded for its sleek design and innovative presentation of market. The green and black color scheme is synonymous with the brand, but it also makes text easily readable. The app’s functionality is excellent, and it really highlights the overall quality of the online sports betting experience while using DraftKings. The geolocation feature that qualifies users for being in a legal betting state runs smoothly without concerns. DraftKings layout is also convenient with popular sports located in the center of the homepage and accessible by scrolling from the left to right. There’s also the facial recognition that’s really helpful when you’re needing to make those last-minute bets thanks to the rapid login speed.

The BetMGM app also scores highly for its many features, including facial recognition for instant access without having to provide a username and password for every sign-in. The app is highly responsive, providing you with all your betting needs directly at your fingertips. The app’s layout is convenient, with a “Search Sports” bar located at the top of the homepage for quickly locating sports and leagues. BetMGM also offers a wide range of live betting options and data to help inform your predictions, including the current game state, animations, scores, and performance metrics. All of this helps take your betting experience to the next level.

When comparing the two, both DraftKings Sportsbook and BetMGM’s mobile app’s can be used on all iOS and Android devices, have facial recognition, and provide a ton of betting markets to us all. The modest advantage here goes to DraftKings mostly because their app is a bit sleeker, more responsive, and provides more information on each page while maintaining a clutter-free canvas. I love live betting on the BetMGM app, but I always find myself going back to DraftKings just because it’s so easy and reliable. What I would say though, both of these are among the premier sports betting apps available in the U.S.

Winner: DraftKings

BetMGM vs DraftKings – Bet types

DraftKings offers a wide variety of bet types, including traditional spread, moneyline and total markets, as well as non-traditional markets. With thousands of ways to wager on your team or player of preference, DraftKings has earned a name for itself with some of its unique betting options. You’ll find all the basic bet types you’d expect are available on DraftKings, including future markets, live betting, player and game props, and parlay options. DraftKings also offers tons of head-to-head player props bets and weekly specials for major leagues such as the NFL and NBA.

BetMGM offers a wide variety of bet types as well. These include player props, future markets, parlay options, and teasers to name a few. BetMGM has a reputation for providing many betting opportunities, making it a popular choice for most of us sports bettors. Whether you’re interested in traditional markets like totals, moneylines, spreads, or non-traditional markets, BetMGM has something for everyone. It depends on the sport or the event, BetMGM does tend to have more coverage across the board in terms of it’s betting options, but DraftKings wins out in some key sports like NFL and MLB.

When comparing the bet types for the two sports betting titans, it’s really hard to make a call on DraftKings Sportsbook vs. BetMGM. I have to look at what the general betting public would want. In that sense, DraftKings will have to take the win. In a comparison to most other sportsbooks, both BetMGM and DraftKings would stand out well above the competitors. But because they both offer so many different game props, same game parlay options, and all traditional bet types as well, it is difficult to give a clear advantage. The separation for DraftKings comes in the form of the additional creative prop betting odds. For example, the “first at-bat result” during MLB betting, while during the NFL season there’s defensive player props for sacks and tackles which are unheard of for a lot of competitors in the market.

Winner: DraftKings

BetMGM vs DraftKings – Legal states

Both BetMGM and DraftKings legally operate in a lot more states than competitors. Each sportsbook is licensed in more than 20 states. BetMGM has business in 24 different states which is the most of any sportsbook in the market. DraftKings is trailing closely behind with sportsbooks in 21 different markets throughout the US. An important distinction to make here is BetMGM benefits from its retail presence, when it comes to online the two are on a level playing field.

It’s highly probable that both sports betting giants are going to continue expansion, especially as sports betting continues to be legalized in more markets throughout the country. If you’re in a state without legal sports betting and your legislation is proposing legal sports betting, you can expect both BetMGM and DraftKings Sportsbook to be among the first sportsbooks looking to make a splash.

We can see from the recent launch of Kentucky sports betting how committed the two sportsbooks are to serving customer right across the US. Oddspedia was very close to developments and as you can see can from the BetMGM Kentucky review and DraftKings Kentucky review, they were quick to go live in the Bluegrass state with market-leading products. The two also offered up a unique BetMGM Kentucky bonus code and DraftKings Kentucky promo code to make a real splash in the state.

It’s another area in this DraftKings vs BetMGM debate where the two are very closely matched. I’m trying to make a call where possible so, because of the additional reach through its retail ties, I’m going to give this one to BetMGM.

Winner: BetMGM

BetMGM vs DraftKings – Payment methods

BetMGM will cater to pretty much anyone’s needs with its deposit methods, making it easy for users to deposit funds from their bank account to their bankroll. BetMGM allows you to fund your account using MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Skrill, VIP Preferred, PayPal, and an online bank transfer. Prepaid cards such as BetMGM Play+ and PayNearMe are also options depending on your location. Additionally, for larger sums of money, wire transfers are also available. Withdrawals at BetMGM are also seamless and can be done with just a few clicks. One of the best things about BetMGM is how fast users can receive their winnings. A variety of withdrawal methods is an expectation from US bettors, but BetMGM provides many that allow for much quicker payouts. 

DraftKings Sportsbook offers at least eight different payout methods as well – this is one of the most you’ll find at any sportsbook in the US. Payout speed is another big plus for DraftKings, with some withdrawal methods requiring less than 24 hours to have your winnings. You do have options that can take up to seven business days but that’s only for those who prefer to use checks. One of the newest and best options to receive your money is through Apple Pay, which is only offered through a few top sportsbooks in the sports betting industry. DraftKings and BetMGM included.

BetMGM offers more deposit methods in comparison to DraftKings, although DraftKings does offer more than most would even need. DraftKings requires at least a $5 deposit while BetMGM requires a minimum of $10 for most deposit methods. It might make a difference to some but I feel that’s pretty negligible. Both sportsbooks also have four withdrawal methods. Payout speeds are nearly identical for electronic withdrawals using both BetMGM and DraftKings. Overall, an edge here also has to go to BetMGM because of the convenience of having more to choose from for those that need it. 

If you want to find out more, Oddpedia has dedicated articles for BetMGM payment methods and DraftKings payment methods.

Winner: BetMGM

BetMGM vs DraftKings Sportsbook – Customer support: Who manages issues the best?

When thinking about customer support, a sportsbook that has ties to the hospitality industry should stand out for its service. BetMGM does just that. When using BetMGM’s website, you’re able to find detailed answers to general questions in the “Help” section. For more in-depth queries, you can email the support department, but a response will typically come within 2 to 24 hours. For urgent concerns or disputes, it’s recommended to use BetMGM’s 24/7 live chat option. There you’re sure to find a friendly and knowledgeable representative to handle your disputes in a timely fashion. 

DraftKings Sportsbook provides various options for customers to contact their customer support team also. However, one major advantage BetMGM has is the 24/7 live chat support not offered at DraftKings. Since DraftKings doesn’t offer live chat support, the best option is to use the help center function on their mobile app or website. You can also access the FAQ if your concerns or questions are common. For more complex issues, there’s an option to “Request a Callback,” which is the quickest and most convenient way to resolve disputes at times. DraftKings customer care associates are available 24/7 through the callback feature, and they also provide a mailing address for customers who prefer written communication. 

It should come without a doubt that BetMGM wins the customer support category with flying colors. It’s not much of a knock-on DraftKings’ customer service team, but more so a recognition of just how elite BetMGM is when it comes to making sure its customers are completely satisfied which has led to loyalty to their brand. 

Winner: BetMGM

BetMGM vs DraftKings Sportsbook: Verdict

Personal preference does come into play when you’re measuring how much you value each aspect of the sportsbooks. DraftKings Sportsbook won three of the categories, and they provide a mobile app experience and creative bet types which for some people are the two most important categories. However, with BetMGM winning four of the eight categories we evaluated to determine which sportsbook was better, the crown is theirs. 

DraftKings brings a ton of value to sports bettors and shouldn’t be frowned upon for not being better than BetMGM since BetMGM is obviously one of the best sports betting companies on the planet. However, BetMGM is available in more states, provides almost identical odds, and has a better customer support team in comparison to DraftKings. While both sportsbooks are recommended for odds shopping, BetMGM wins the battle of which sportsbook is better currently. 

Winner: BetMGM

For more information on both sportsbooks, you can check out our BetMGM review or DraftKings review. You can also see how these two shape up against another titan of the industry with articles on BetMGM vs FanDuel and FanDuel vs DraftKings.

BetMGM vs DraftKings FAQs

Who owns BetMGM and DraftKings?

BetMGM is a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Entain Holding. Adam Greenblatt, who has been leading the company since 2018 is the CEO. DraftKings Sportsbook is co-owned by Jason Robins, Paul Liberman, and Matt Kalish who all launched the company in 2012 in Massachusetts. 

Which has better odds, DraftKings or BetMGM?

BetMGM’s are very closely match in terms of odds competitiveness, but for the most popular sports DraftKings does provide slightly better value. In most spread, totals and moneyline selections, I’ve found that DraftKings Sportsbook has more “fair” odds. BetMGM tends to have more vig or juice on betting lines and you’re more likely to get a -115 on both sides, whereas more -110 lines are available on DraftKings.  

Does BetMGM have a better welcome bonus than DraftKings?

No. BetMGM and DraftKings have similar welcome offers, but DraftKings offers $200 in Bonus Bets compared to $158 at BetMGM. Both of these offers come from a $5 first bet. To claim it at BetMGM use the BetMGM bonus code ODDSBONUS. No DraftKings promo code is needed. 

Can I win more at BetMGM or DraftKings?

A maximum payout of $1 million per bet is offered at both BetMGM and DraftKings. With the odds being similar, you’re able to win the same amount by playing on either BetMGM or DraftKings. Both sportsbooks present an opportunity for customers to win big, but they also ensure that you always gamble responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose.

Is BetMGM better than DraftKings?

BetMGM and DraftKings are two of the most popular and sought after sportsbooks from bettors all over the United States. They both provide us with tons of betting markets, a prestigious mobile app, and a variety of banking options. For this reason, it would benefit us more if we have both sportsbooks at our disposal. If you had to pick one across all factors, BetMGM would take a narrow win.

Are BetMGM and DraftKings available in the same states?

Yes, BetMGM and DraftKings are available in a lot of the same states. In fact, both sportsbooks overlap betting markets in a total of 17 different states. However, BetMGM is available in 24 different states throughout the United States. On the other hand, DraftKings is active in 22 different states.

Is the DraftKings app better than the BetMGM app?

The BetMGM app has tons of great features such as facial recognition, easily accessible ongoing promotions, and extensive live betting opportunities daily. However, the DraftKings app is arguably the best on the planet and wins in this category. The DraftKings mobile app provides all that BetMGM does and is incredibly responsive, providing a much sleeker layout, and makes crafting same game parlays a piece of cake.  

Can you sign up to both BetMGM and DraftKings?

Yes, you can absolutely sign up for BetMGM and DraftKings. In fact, it’s recommended to have them both in order to odds shop to ensure you’re always getting the best price on your favorite picks. Both sportsbooks are free to download and will compliment each other well with different key features. Plus, each provides a top-notch sportsbook referral bonus and other exciting promos.