In the Bovada vs BetMGM sportsbook comparison for US-based players, both sportsbooks have their strengths. However, Bovada stands out as the premier choice for its user-friendly, feature-rich platform that offers an extensive range of betting markets, competitive odds, and enticing promotions. Despite operating offshore, Bovada maintains a strong commitment to security and responsible gambling practices, making it a reliable choice for American bettors.
On the flip side, the BetMGM sportsbook boasts a regulated and licensed betting experience, backed by the renowned MGM Resorts International brand. The platform is dedicated to providing a seamless and enjoyable betting experience, with a user-friendly interface, generous welcome bonuses, and ongoing promotions. BetMGM’s US-based operation ensures an added layer of trust and security for US players.
Even with the added safety perks of using a leading casino brand, BetMGM can’t live up to Bovada’s impressive offerings. Click the button below to claim their $250 welcome bonus today and signup for one of the best online sportsbooks in America.
In this comprehensive article, we will delve into a head-to-head comparison between two of the most popular sportsbooks in the United States: Bovada and BetMGM. Our goal is to provide you with an unbiased analysis, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, to help you make an informed decision and ultimately enhance your betting experience.
The key points from this comparison are summarized in the table below, but read on for more detailed information. From sports coverage and betting markets to bonuses and payment methods, we’ll cover every aspect you need to consider before placing your wagers in this sportsbook review.
| Bovada Sportsbook | BetMGM Sportsbook | |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | 50% up to $250 | Get up to $1,000 back on your first bet if you don’t win |
| Wagering requirement | 5x | N/A |
| Launch year | 2011 | 2018 |
| Rating | ||
| Best for | Best for those looking for extensive sports coverage and multiple bonuses and promotions | Best for those looking for live steaming for in-play betting and a trusted US-licensed sportsbook |
| Minimum deposit | $5 (Tether) | $10 |
| Mobile betting | Yes | Yes |
| Live streaming | Yes | Yes |
| eSports betting | Yes | Yes |
| Sports available | 30+ | 15+ |
| Deposit methods | Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum, American Express, Mastercard, and Visa | e-Wallets, Visa, Mastercard, PayNearMe, and PayPal |
| Withdrawal methods | Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Litecoin, Ethereum, USD Tether, Check by Courier, Bank Wire, and Vouchers | Visa, Mastercard, e-Transfer, PayPal, Apple Pay |
| Security | ||
| Odds | ||
| Customer service |
Our experts have reviewed and compared hundreds of US-facing online sportsbooks. Below are the top three contenders, with extensive sports coverage, huge bonuses, and competitive odds.
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50% up to $250 112 15Bovada, a premier choice for bettors in the United States, is known for its reliable, feature-rich platform that caters to both novice and seasoned bettors alike. With an extensive range of betting markets, competitive odds, and enticing promotions, Bovada ensures an unparalleled betting experience. As a user of Bovada, you’ll enjoy one of the best US sportsbook apps available in the market today.
On the other hand, BetMGM is a popular choice among sports bettors for its seamless and enjoyable betting experience. Their user-friendly interface makes navigating various online casino games, betting markets, and sports effortless, ensuring that you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Both Bovada and BetMGM are recognized as low vig sports betting sites, offering more favorable odds to bettors by taking a smaller commission on each bet. Additionally, they also offer a variety of sports coverage, bonus offers, and payment methods, catering to the diverse preferences of US-based bettors.
For example, Bovada’s sportsbook features a comprehensive list of sports events, from popular leagues like the NFL and NBA to niche markets like eSports and darts. BetMGM, too, provides a wide array of sports events to bet on, making it easy for you to find the perfect match to place your wagers.
First, let’s take a look at Bovada’s welcome bonus. When you sign up with Bovada, you can expect a 50% match bonus on your first deposit, up to $250. This means that if you deposit $500, you’ll receive an additional $250 in bonus funds, giving you a total of $750 to kick off your sports betting journey. It’s important to note that Bovada’s welcome bonus comes with a 5x rollover requirement, meaning you’ll need to wager the bonus amount five times before being able to withdraw any winnings.
As a new user of BetMGM, you’ll be eligible for a risk-free bet of up to $1,000. To claim this offer, you must use the promo code PLAYBONUS during registration. If your first bet loses, BetMGM will refund your stake, up to $1,000, in the form of free bets. Keep in mind that this offer requires a minimum deposit of $10 and has a 14-day validity period.
Although both are respectable offers, we prefer Bovada’s welcome bonus. BetMGM only gives you a reward if your bet loses, whereas Bovada gives you up to $250 for making a deposit. Its low wagering requirements also make it one of the best matched bonuses in the industry.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Starting with Bovada, this platform is known for offering a wide range of promotions for its existing users. One such promotion is the Refer-a-Friend bonus, where you can earn a 200% bonus of up to $100 for every friend you refer who makes a deposit. Additionally, Bovada provides seasonal promotions and bonuses for major sporting events like the Super Bowl or March Madness, ensuring you always have a chance to maximize your winnings.
Moving on to BetMGM, this sportsbook also offers various promotions to keep its existing players engaged. One standout feature is the Money Monday Club, where you can earn a $10 free bet each week if you place a total of $50 or more in qualifying wagers during the previous week. Furthermore, BetMGM has a unique Parlay Plus promotion, which offers a 40% profit boost on winning parlays.
Like Bovada, BetMGM also has special promotions for major sporting events and frequently updates its offers to keep things fresh and exciting. In fact, BetMGM always seems to have some promotion, tournament, or odds boost on, making it win this review category.
Winner: BetMGM
Starting with Bovada, their loyalty program is called Bovada Rewards. This program is built around a tiered points system, where you earn Rewards Points for placing bets and participating in casino games. The more you wager, the more points you earn, and the higher your membership level becomes.
The loyalty program consists of multiple tiers, starting with the Starter level and progressing to Pro, All-Star, Legend, and ultimately, the Hall of Fame. As you climb the ranks, the rewards and perks you receive become more valuable, such as increased cashback rates, faster withdrawals, and dedicated customer support. Bovada Rewards is versatile, allowing you to earn points across sports betting, casino games, and poker on their all-in-one platform.
On the other hand, BetMGM offers a loyalty program called M Life Rewards. As a member, you earn Tier Credits and iRewards Points (iRPs) when you place bets on sports or play casino games. You can redeem iRPs for various rewards, such as bonuses, cash, and even hotel stays at MGM Resorts. As you progress through the tiers, you unlock additional benefits, including priority check-in at MGM Resorts, room upgrades, and personalized offers.
The best loyalty program depends on what you’re after. Bovada’s VIP program is best for unlocking online betting perks, whereas BetMGM gives you real-life rewards (hotel stays, free dinners, etc.). However, the versatility of the Bovada Rewards program makes it reign superior.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada is known for its extensive coverage of popular sports in the United States and around the world. You can bet on major leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as college sports like NCAA football and basketball. Bovada also covers a wide array of international sports, and is a good sportsbook for tennis, golf, boxing, and mixed martial arts.
Furthermore, you can find niche sports such as cricket, rugby, snooker, and darts. Bovada also offers unique betting opportunities on events like politics and entertainment, giving you an even broader range of options. The minimum betting limit is $0.50, ideal for low-rollers, whereas the maximum bet is up to $5,000 (depending on the bet type) and is a perfect high-stakes sportsbook for high-rollers.
Similarly, BetMGM provides an impressive selection of sports for US-based bettors. Alongside popular American sports like football, basketball, baseball, and hockey, BetMGM offers various international sports, including soccer, tennis, golf, and combat sports. You can also bet on niche sports like cycling, table tennis, and Aussie rules football. Additionally, BetMGM frequently features special betting markets for major sporting events, like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. However, Bovada’s selection is somewhat larger and more comprehensive.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada offers an impressive live betting platform that allows you to place wagers on a wide range of sports as the action unfolds in real time. The platform updates the odds continuously, providing you with up-to-date betting opportunities throughout the event. Some of the sports available for live betting on Bovada include football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, and more. While Bovada does not offer live streaming for events, they do provide a visual representation of the ongoing action, along with live statistics and scores to help you make informed betting decisions.
BetMGM, on the other hand, not only offers live betting on a variety of sports but also features live streaming for selected events. With BetMGM’s live betting platform, you can place wagers on games and matches as they happen, taking advantage of constantly updated odds and betting markets. The sports available for live betting on BetMGM include football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, and many others. The live streaming feature, available for specific events, allows you to watch the action directly on the platform while placing your bets, giving you a more immersive betting experience.
For any US player who’s searching for cash-out sports betting platforms, both BetMGM and Bovada allow bettors to secure a return before the event they have bet on is finished, adding flexibility and control to their betting strategy. However, with BetMGM’s live streaming options, it comes out top in this category.
Winner: BetMGM
Bovada is known for its competitive odds, especially when it comes to popular American sports such as football, basketball, and baseball. It is one of the best football sportsbooks in the US, offering a wide range of betting markets (moneylines, point spreads, totals, futures, etc.). For example, you can expect to find attractive odds for NFL games on Bovada, with tight point spreads and competitive moneyline odds that are on par with, or sometimes better than, other sportsbooks in the market.
BetMGM also boasts competitive odds across various sports, with a particular focus on popular American leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. The platform offers an extensive selection of betting markets, ensuring that you have plenty of options when placing your wagers. Additionally, BetMGM often features exclusive promotions and enhanced odds for specific events, giving you the opportunity to secure better value on your bets. Nevertheless, Bovada seems to have more competitive odds overall.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada’s mobile app is designed to offer you a seamless betting experience, regardless of your device. With an intuitive interface and smooth navigation, finding your favorite sports and betting markets is a breeze. The app is optimized for both casual bettors and seasoned professionals, offering a wealth of information and resources to help you make informed decisions. Additionally, Bovada’s mobile app supports a wide range of payment methods, making it convenient for you to deposit and withdraw funds.
BetMGM’s app, on the other hand, is available for both Android and iOS devices and offers the same extensive range of sports and betting markets as the desktop version. The app is user-friendly, allowing for real money deposits, gameplay, and withdrawals. It also features live betting options, providing an exciting and interactive experience for those who enjoy betting on events happening in real time.
The BetMGM app is a native mobile app. To download the app, you need to visit the BetMGM website, the Google Play Store, or other trusted pages. In comparison, Bovada relies on a web-based app with no downloadable app available. Native and web-based apps both have their advantages, but the convenience of having an app on your device gives BetMGM the edge.
Winner: BetMGM
Bovada offers a user-friendly and feature-rich platform, designed specifically for the US market. The sleek interface and intuitive navigation make it easy for you to find the sports and betting markets that interest you the most. With just a few clicks, you can access various sports, markets, and even informative resources that assist you in making informed decisions on your wagers.
BetMGM, on the other hand, also provides a seamless and enjoyable betting experience with its user-friendly interface. Navigating through various online casino games, betting markets, and sports is a breeze, ensuring that you can quickly locate your desired bets. The platform is organized in a way that allows you to easily switch between sports, live betting, and promotions.
Nevertheless, we found Bovada’s site to be more intuitive, especially when switching between desktop and mobile. Both versions of the site are identical for easy use across all your devices.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Both Bovada and BetMGM are safe and secure sportsbooks. Bovada is an established and reputable sportsbook with a long history of serving the US market. It’s one of the best offshore sports betting sites, and the platform adheres to strict security protocols to ensure the safety of its users.
Bovada employs advanced SSL encryption technology to protect your personal and financial information, as well as offer secure payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. Although Bovada is not regulated by any US-based authority, its commitment to security and responsible gambling practices has earned it a loyal following among American bettors.
On the other hand, BetMGM is a well-known and respected sportsbook, operating under the MGM Resorts International brand. As a US-based company, BetMGM holds multiple licenses and operates under strict regulations and gambling laws in various US states. The platform adheres to the rules and guidelines set forth by the relevant state gaming authorities, ensuring a safe and regulated betting environment for players.
BetMGM also utilizes advanced encryption technology and secure payment options to protect your information and transactions. By operating under US jurisdiction, BetMGM offers American bettors an added layer of protection and peace of mind.
Winner: BetMGM
Bovada provides a variety of payment methods for both deposits and withdrawals. For deposits, you can use credit cards like American Express, Mastercard, and Visa, as well as cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum. The minimum deposit amounts vary, with $5 for USD Tether and $10 for other cryptocurrencies.
For withdrawals, you can use cryptocurrencies with a maximum weekly limit of $180,500. Bovada also accepts MatchPay transactions, which can connect to popular e-wallets like PayPal. The minimum and maximum deposits for MatchPay are $20 and $1,000, respectively.
On the other hand, BetMGM offers a slightly different range of payment methods. BetMGM is one of the lowest deposit sports betting sites where you can use credit cards, online banking, e-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill, and Play+ prepaid cards. The minimum deposit amount varies depending on the method, but it is generally around $10.
For withdrawals, you can use online banking, e-wallets, Play+ cards, and cash at the casino cage. The processing times and withdrawal limits may vary depending on the method chosen. Crypto is unavailable at BetMGM, so Bovada is the best cryptocurrency sportsbook out of the two sites. Plus, Bovada’s low minimum deposits make it our preferred sportsbook in terms of payment options.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada prides itself on providing top-notch customer support, designed to cater to your needs and address any issues or queries you might have. The platform offers multiple channels for contacting their customer support team. One popular option is the live chat feature, which connects you to a support representative in real time, allowing for quick and efficient resolution of common issues or clarification on betting rules, promotions, or account-related matters.
Alternatively, you can reach out via email for more complex inquiries or when you need to provide documentation or attachments. Bovada also offers a comprehensive help center and FAQ section, covering a wide range of topics from account registration to betting rules.
On the other side, BetMGM also takes customer service seriously and offers a variety of ways to get in touch with their support team. Similar to Bovada, BetMGM provides a live chat option, which is available 24/7, ensuring you receive assistance whenever you need it. However, when testing the support channels, we found slower wait times and less helpful staff.
Additionally, they offer phone support and an email option for more detailed inquiries. One notable feature of BetMGM’s customer service is the “Help & Contact” section on their website, which includes a searchable database of common questions and answers, as well as a step-by-step guide for various processes, such as deposits and withdrawals.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada and BetMGM are not the same; they are two distinct online sportsbooks with separate ownership and operations. BetMGM is operated by MGM Resorts International, a well-known name in the gambling industry, while Bovada is an independent online sportsbook catering mainly to US-based players. Although both platforms offer a variety of sports betting options and casino games, they have unique features, promotions, and user experiences.
Determining whether Bovada or BetMGM is better depends on individual preferences and priorities. Bovada is known for catering to US-based bettors, offering a user-friendly interface, competitive odds, and a wide range of betting markets. BetMGM, on the other hand, is backed by the reputable MGM Resorts International and has a strong presence in various states, offering a diverse selection of betting options and odds boosts.
Yes, BetMGM is a trustworthy online sportsbook. It operates under the umbrella of MGM Resorts International, a respected name in the gambling industry. The platform holds proper licenses and adheres to regulations such as the legal gambling age in various states. With its secure platform, diverse betting options, and competitive odds, BetMGM has established itself as a reliable choice for sports bettors.
Yes, it is safe to bet with Bovada. The platform prioritizes the security of its users, employing advanced encryption technology, such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption, to protect personal and financial information from potential cyber threats. Bovada also offers additional security measures, including two-factor authentication (2FA), to prevent unauthorized access to user accounts.
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