Since online betting launched in 2018, BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook have become two of the more well-known brands and the most widespread. While some online betting sites are available in a few or a handful of states, BetMGM and Caesars are each available in a double-digit number of states.
Here, I’ll take a closer look at these top two outlets in the online sports betting world to answer the question—in a battle of BetMGM vs. Caesars, which is better?
Before we dive into our battle between these well-known sportsbooks, if you are looking for in-depth information on BetMGM sportsbook, make sure to check it out here:
As mentioned, when it comes to Caesars vs. BetMGM regarding where they’re legal, both are available in many states. Below, I’ll list where each platform is open for live online sports betting.
BetMGM vs. Caesars Winner: When comparing the number of “yes” to one another above, BetMGM wins by two states. While this includes Florida and horse racing betting, BetMGM still has a one-state advantage over Caesars, which is Nevada. BetMGM narrows out a victory here.
Bonuses and promotions are vital to the success of online sportsbooks. In the battle of Caesars vs. BetMGM, it’s no exception.
I’ll look into the welcome bonus and any existing player promotions.
BetMGM Sportsbook
Welcome Bonus: BetMGM offers a risk-free bet, but this one is worth up to $1,000. You’ll get a single free bet back if you bet under $50 and lose. If you bet over $50, you’ll get back five free bets, equaling 20% of the wager.
Refer-A-Friend: You’ll get a $50 bonus when you send a friend your exclusive link, sign up, and wager $50.
Caesars Sportsbook
Welcome Bonus: New players at Caesars Sportsbook will receive a $1,250 risk-free bet and 1,000 Tier/Reward Credits (these are for the rewards program). The minimum wager is $10. With a risk-free bet, you’ll get your stake back as a free bet if you lose. If you win, you keep your winnings like a traditional bet.
BetMGM vs. Caesars Winner: While BetMGM has the refer-a-friend offer, Caesars’ welcome bonus has $250 more in value and the rewards program credits. I wish they had some player promotions, but I’ll take the extra value on the welcome bonus.
When it comes to sports betting and online sportsbooks, the more sports there are to bet on, the better. There are the more popular sports to bet on in the United States, like hockey, football, baseball, and basketball—which are a given at both of these sportsbooks—but what niche markets do they have?
BetMGM
Caesars
Badminton
✓
×
Baseball
✓
✓
Basketball
✓
✓
Boxing
✓
✓
Cricket
✓
✓
Cycling
✓
✓
Darts
✓
✓
Football
✓
✓
Formula 1
✓
✓
Golf
✓
✓
Hockey
✓
✓
Lacrosse
✓
✓
MMA
✓
✓
NASCAR
✓
✓
Rugby League
✓
×
Rugby Union
✓
✓
Snooker
✓
×
Soccer
✓
✓
Tennis
✓
✓
Volleyball
✓
✓
Caesars vs. BetMGM Winner: This is a wash. I mean, they’re almost identical. The only difference is that BetMGM has Snooker, a niche market in the United States. Caesars does have more Auto Racing betting options. I’ll call this even.
Betting on your favorite sports and teams goes beyond moneyline, point spread, and totals these days. Over the last few years, the rise of Same Game Parlays and prop bets have become more popular, too.
Does Caesars or BetMGM offer markets that are unlike each other?
BetMGM
Caesars
Moneyline
✓
✓
Point Spread
✓
✓
Total
✓
✓
Props
✓
✓
Futures
✓
✓
Teasers
✓
✓
Round Robin
✓
✓
Parlay
✓
✓
Same Game Parlay
✓
✓
BetMGM vs. Caesars Winner: They offer the same bet types, so I’m considering this a tie.
While the registration process at all legal United States sportsbooks asks for the same information, there’s something to be said about the presentation and the pace at which it feels like you’re completing the process.
Which sign-up process is better, BetMGM vs. Caesars?
BetMGM Sportsbook: At BetMGM, you can start registering by inputting your email or by registering with PayPal, MGM Rewards, or Yahoo Sports. You’ll then pick your password and all other information listed above in the Caesars section across multiple pages.
Caesars Sportsbook: The registration process at Caesars Sportsbook is a multi-step process. The first page has a spot for your email and promo code for the welcome bonus. After this, you’ll add your password, phone number, name, date of birth, last four digits of your social security number, and address. There are several pages to complete here, each asking for a few pieces of information.
Caesars vs. BetMGM Winner: Both registration processes are on multiple pages, but BetMGM allows you to start the process in three alternative ways. Because of how similar the process is overall, this is the only real difference-maker. BetMGM wins.
In addition to bonuses/promotions, features are massive selling points for online sportsbooks. While many have adapted a core set of almost expected features, we look for features you won’t often find that create a unique experience.
Below, we’ll look at the features of each online sportsbook and see which has the better options.
BetMGM
Caesars
One Game Parlay: Create a parlay using contests from a single game.
Same Game Parlay: Create a parlay from betting options within a single game.
Cash Out: Same as Caesars
Cash Out: Exit a bet prematurely. This can be used to salvage some of your initial wager if a bet is going bad, or take the winnings you do have without risking it to see the final result.
Live Streaming: Watch international sports like soccer, cricket, tennis, and more live on the platform.
Odds Boosts: Daily contests that have artificially boosted odds by Caesars to attract more betting attention.
Edit My Bet: You can edit the amount you want to wager or add, swap or remove a selection from a parlay.
Easy Parlay: This is a page that has quick access to moneyline, spread, and totals wagers.
Odds Boosts: Same as Caesars
BetMGM vs. Caesars Winner: BetMGM has all the same features as Caesars and more, therefore they win—there’s no debate.
As you can see from the legal states listed above, Caesars and BetMGM are available everywhere. I point this out here because whenever you’re in a state with multiple online sportsbooks, it’s always going to be in your best interest to odds shop to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Let’s see how each sportsbook does when it comes to odds.
BetMGM Sportsbook: As mentioned, I found 0.5-point differences on several events when comparing these sites. However, this could benefit you at BetMGM, depending on the bet you want to make.
Caesars Sportsbook: When examining odds at Caesars, I found that they were more likely to offer 0.5-point differences on the point spread than BetMGM. For example, I discovered that they were -1.5 in favor of the Philadelphia Eagles and a few basketball games were -12, for instance. Even with the 0.5-point difference, the moneyline for the underdogs tended to have a bit more value.
Caesars vs. BetMGM Winner: It’s hard for me to give a definitive answer here because it all depends on what you want to wager on. If you’re looking to bet the favorite on the point spread, go to Caesars; if you want to bet the underdog, go to BetMGM.
Live betting allows you to wager on your favorite sport or team even after the game has already started. This has become a trendy way to bet and also an excellent way to hedge pre-game wagers.
Both sites offer live betting, so here, I’ll look at how the pages are set up.
BetMGM Sportsbook: The BetMGM live betting page is almost the same. There’s a game tracker feature, too. Still, you’ll also have critical stat information, a list of the roster of players, a timeline of events, and more.
Caesars Sportsbook: The live betting page at Caesars begins with a list of the available games and filtering methods at the top of the page to go between the different sports. When you click on a game, you’ll see the available bet types and a scoreboard and game tracker feature. The game tracker allows you to monitor what’s happening live, which is the next best thing to watch the game.
BetMGM vs. Caesars Winner: BetMGM has more features on their game tracker feature than Caesars, whereas Caesars has excellent features, sure, but BetMGM already has them.
In addition, to live betting, some sportsbooks offer a live streaming service where you can watch certain games live as they happen. This allows you to easily make live bets as you can watch the game from the comfort of the sportsbook.
BetMGM Sportsbook: BetMGM offers live streaming. It’s found in the upper right corner of the page after you log in. There will be a tab that says “Media” with a dropdown menu showing the games you can watch.
Caesars Sportsbook: Caesars does not offer live streaming.
FanDuel has a ‘Live Now’ button on top of its sportsbook and is heavy on European basketball leagues. The quality of the stream is clear. FanDuel also has two streaming channels available through a streaming device like a Roku or AppleTV.
Caesars vs. BetMGM winner: Since Caesars doesn’t have it and BetMGM does, BetMGM wins this.
Everyone is on the go these days, and that’s OK—mobile sports betting is the most popular way to bet on your favorite teams.
Because of this, having a functional and easy-to-use mobile app is monumentally necessary for the success of an online sportsbook.
This is a crucial battle of Caesars vs. MGM Sportsbook.
BetMGM Sportsbook:
Like Caesars, the BetMGM app opens with you choosing which state. At the top of the app, you’ll see the search option with a collapsible menu next to it that opens up and lists all of the available sports. You’ll find menus for the available promotions, odds boosts, and sports/live betting as you continue down. The homepage, like Caesars, has live betting opportunities and featured games. You can see the betslip at the bottom of the app, just above the menu that brings you to the homepage, online casino (in legal states) promotions, and your account. Under the account option, you’ll have a menu that brings you to the rewards program, responsible gaming, the help center, and more.
Caesars Sportsbook:
The mobile opens with you picking which location you want to play in. After this is done, you’ll go to the homepage. There are links to register/login and the help center in the upper right, followed by a horizontal menu for live betting and all sports. As you continue down the app, you’ll see a horizontal menu of graphics with odds boosts, suggested Same Game Parlays, and the live betting/featured game options on the homepage. Along the bottom of the mobile app are a menu for the homepage, promotions, betslip, and a search option that allows you to look up games/sports/teams and lists all available sports on the platform. It’s straightforward to use, and the logos are big enough to make everything legible.
Caesars vs. BetMGM Winner: Both mobile apps represent the desktop site well and are pretty close in design. BetMGM gets a narrow nod here because of the open search bar at the app’s top and the sports menu right next to it. This is more convenient than the search bar link at the bottom of the Caesars app.
For things like sports, betting markets, customer support, and payment methods, the way I look at it is “the more the merrier.”
Below I’ll look at all of the methods available to deposit funds into your account.
BetMGM
Caesars
Visa
✓
✓
MasterCard
✓
✓
AMEX
✓
×
Discover
✓
✓
PayPal
✓
✓
Online Banking
✓
✓
MGM Rewards Mastercard
✓
×
VIP Preferred
✓
✓
PayNearMe
✓
✓
BetMGM Gift Card
✓
×
Bank Wire Transfer
✓
×
Play+ Card
✓
✓
GAMEON Card
✓
×
BetMGM vs. Caesars Winner: BetMGM and Caesars have all of the same “general” methods besides AMEX, but BetMGM has a lot of BetMGM-specific payment methods, such as the gift card, which gives them the edge. Caesars should consider something like that as well.
Customer support may not be the first thing you think of when you’re thinking about where to bet, but the more options you have to get ahold of someone at the company you’re betting with, the better.
I’ll compare who has more methods.
BetMGM
Caesars
FAQ
✓
✓
Live Chat
✓
✓
Email
✓
✓
Phone
×
✓
Mail
×
×
BetMGM vs. Caesars Winner: Thanks to the phone support, Caesars gets the win here. Both sites have significant FAQ sections, though BetMGM’s is slightly better. Other than that, these sites are pretty equal. Still, due to the additional method, Caesars wins in this BetMGM vs. Caesars comparison.
When it comes to overall user experience, see my findings bellow.
Let's take a look:
BetMGM Sportsbook: BetMGM has an excellent welcome bonus but lacks existing player promotions—the only one is the refer-a-friend. Other than that, there are plenty of ways to deposit funds into your account, sports to bet on, ways to wager, and multiple ways to begin the registration process. Numerous vital features like live streaming help set it apart in this Caesars Sportsbook vs. BetMGM debate.
Caesars Sportsbook: Caesars has the best welcome bonus in online sports betting. Still, it does fail to offer existing player promotions right now—this has always been a strength of the site. There are plenty of ways to wager on sports, and phone support provides players with another avenue to get assistance. Overall, it falls just behind, though.
Strengths and Weaknesses
BetMGM Sportsbook
Strengths
Weaknesses
$1,000 risk-free welcome bonus.
Easy Parlay tool makes it easy to quick select legs for a parlay.
Live streaming is awesome, especially for high-profile international contests.
Live betting page is excellent; it offers live updates.
Prop Bet market is great, especially for single player.
Only one existing player promotion and it’s refer-a-friend.
Caesars Sportsbook
Strengths
Weaknesses
Great $1,250 welcome bonus.
Attractive daily odds boosts.
Great selection of single-player prop bets.
Rewards program that has two currencies for online and in-person perks and benefits.
Suggested Same Game Parlays on the homepage give options to bettors.
No existing player promotions.
Our Final Verdict
Due to the additional features such as live streaming, the refer-a-friend offer, and offering a few more ways to fund your account and register, BetMGM takes the prize here, but it’s oh-so-close.
Caesars has a dominating welcome bonus, but the additional features BetMGM has help outweigh that slightly. However, both are fantastic places to play, so I highly recommend trying both.
When you have two online sportsbooks of the caliber of these two, there will be narrow and small wins, such as live streaming. While the live streaming service at BetMGM may only cater to a smaller portion of the player base, it could encourage new players as they’ll be able to watch games they weren’t before and potentially discover their new favorite sport.