BetMGM Poker Review
$25
| Bonus Offer | 9 |
|---|---|
| Game Variety | 8 |
| Interface | 9.5 |
| Payment Options | 9.5 |
| Customer Support | 8.5 |
$25 Bonus Terms:
- Valid for new player accounts
- $10 online cash winnings subject to real money deposit
- $15 tournament cash
- Promotion is valid from Jan. 1, 2020 – Dec. 31, 2020
$1000 Deposit Match Bonus Terms:
- Offer expires after 7 days
- Bonus cash releases in 10% increments
- Must complete wager requirements within 7 days of deposit
- Bonus valid from Jan. 1, 2020 – Dec. 31, 2020.
If you want to play poker, you don't need to set foot into the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City, owned by MGM Resorts International. At BetMGM Poker, this online poker room offers you the whole experience without going to the brick-and-mortar casino.
Previously known as playMGM, the new rebrand to BetMGM also comes with a whole new host of welcome bonuses. This BetMGM Poker NJ review gives you a closer look at what you can expect playing at one of the top online poker rooms in the Garden State.
- Improvement in software and apps
- Welcome bonus package
- Online poker room linked with casino and sportsbook
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Good tournament schedule
- Low amount of cash games run
- fastFoward, the turbo cash game format, rarely runs
- Customer support could be more responsive
BetMGM Poker Welcome Bonus Package
New players to BetMGM Poker signing up through PlayingLegal can claim a welcome bonus package of two exclusive offers:
- Welcome bonus of $25!
- Of the $25, $10 is considered as online cash.
- The remainder of $15 is Tournament Dollars.
- 100% First Deposit Match Bonus Up to $1000!
- For MI players, the bonus offer is a 100% deposit match up to $600.
How to Claim the Offer
- Register your new player account at BetMGM Poker.
- Deposit up to $1000 into the new account.
- Earn iRewards Points for real-money raked hands or tournament fees.
$25 Bonus Terms
- Promotion valid on new player accounts only.
- One bonus redemption per real money account.
- $10 online cash winnings subject to real money deposit before being able to withdraw.
- $15 tournament cash not redeemable, only available for tournament play.
- Promotion is valid from Jan. 1, 2020 – Dec. 31, 2020.
Deposit Match Bonus Terms
- One bonus redemption per real money account.
- Bonus cash releases in 10% increments of your deposit amount or 20X increment in iRPs.
- Must complete wager requirements within 7 days of deposit.
- The maximum bonus amount is $1000.
- Bonus valid from Jan. 1, 2020 – Dec. 31, 2020.
How to Release the BetMGM Poker Bonus
Remember that out of the $25 bonus:
- The first $10 can be used for whatever you'd like: casino, poker, or sports betting.
- The remainder of $15 needs to be used to enter tournaments only.
I recommend entering some of the big weekly guaranteed tournaments for the best bang for your buck.
Releasing the deposit bonus requires a bit more work. If bonus funds are released in 10% increments, and you need to earn 20X in iRPs the size of the increments, I recommend playing cash games. This is because you only have 7 days to clear the bonus, and cash game raked hands go by faster than entering a tournament.
Ongoing Promotions
Take part in various additional bonuses and ongoing promotions that run throughout the year. In detail, ongoing promotions that run are:
- Special leaderboard promotions
- Tournament series with bigger and boosted guarantees
- Freerolls
- Reload bonuses
Poker Games at BetMGM
BetMGM spreads a nice variety of different forms of poker games for the novice to a professional poker player. Although the BetMGM name launched in 2019, it is no newcomer to the poker scene. Previously, the online poker room was established under the playMGM name. Furthermore, special tournament series sometimes even make player traffic surpass some of the larger poker rooms.
With the variety of games plus a shared player pool between PartyPoker NJ and Borgata Poker NJ, let's take a further, more detailed look at what this online poker room offers.
Multi-table Tournaments
Multi-table tournaments are the shining star of BetMGM. Not surprisingly, the lion's share of the larger guaranteed tournaments takes place on Sunday. Below, here is a table with BetMGM's tournaments occurring every week.
| Tournament Name | Start Day and Time | Buy-in |
|---|---|---|
| Daily $10k | Daily from 7 pm ET | $109 |
| Daily $3k | Daily from 7:30 pm ET | $55 |
| Daily $3k Turbo | Daily from 9:30 pm ET | $215 |
| Mega Tuesday $12k | Tuesday from 8:00 pm ET | $535 |
| Mega Thursday $7.5k | Thursday from 8:00 pm ET | $320 |
| Sunday Starter $3k | Sunday from 4 pm ET | $55 |
| Sunday $35k | Sunday at 5 pm ET | $215 |
Sunday $35,000 Tournament
The major tournament at BetMGM Poker is the Network Sunday $35k for a $215 buy-in. Each Sunday at 5 pm ET, you can participate in one of the biggest Sunday major tournaments around. Additionally, look for special tournament series when the prize pool boosts, sometimes up to $250,000 guaranteed.
Sunday Major Comparison
| Poker Room | MTT Name | Buy-in | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
 BetMGM Poker | Sunday $35k | $215 | $35,000 |
 PokerStars | Sunday Special | $200 | $40,000 |
 WSOP.com | $100k Sunday | $320 | $100,000 |
Indeed, in the comparison above, BetMGM has the smallest Sunday tournament guarantee. Typically, this would mean that BetMGM has one of the smaller player pools in NJ with these tournaments. On the other hand, this is not a negative as fewer players means there would be less competition to win the tournament.
The major Sunday tournaments at all the online poker sites fluctuate depending on player traffic and special series. Thus, I would like to compare within a year to see if BetMGM grows in the player base.
Cash Games
Overall, cash games are not as popular as tournaments across all poker rooms. At BetMGM NJ, you won't find crazy high stakes. Instead, look for stakes ranging from $0.01/$0.02 onto $25/$50. The only exception is fastForward, which is only spread up to $1/$2.
Although there is an excellent range of stakes that BetMGM spreads, the issue is looking for tables unless at the micro-stakes. My recommendation is if you are looking for higher stakes to play, check the heads-up tables where you will be more likely to find an opponent.
Hold 'em
By far the most popular cash game version, you can easily find a NLHE table running at all times, especially at the lower stakes. During peak hours where traffic is highest, $1/$2 tables are easy to find. However, if you look for higher stakes, look to play cash games during special tournament series where overall player traffic is higher than average.
Omaha
In general, Omaha is less popular than NLHE, and BetMGM falls right in line with that statement. Indeed, Omaha games do run at BetMGM. However, Omaha is typically confined to just a handful of tables running at micro-stakes during active or peak hours.
Stud
To begin with, Stud is offered at BetMGM Poker. Yet, it is very unusual to see even one active table at the micro-stakes. Your best bet if you insist on playing Stud at BetMGM is to look for games during special tournament series where player traffic is much higher than average.
fastForward
A version of turbo cash games on steroids, BetMGM calls this poker variant fastForward. The idea behind fastforward is you do not need to wait any time between poker hands. When you fold a hand, you are immediately moved to another table with new opponents and a new seat for a new hand.
Unfortunately, the player traffic is too low, or perhaps, players just do not regularly play fastForward. Thus, fastForward rarely ever runs. On the other hand, the rest of the world outside the United States does play fastForward. Perhaps with the continuous improvement of BetMGM, this form of poker will eventually catch on.
Sit-n-Gos
At BetMGM, sit-n-gos vary from stakes:
- $1 buy-in to $500 buy-in.
Additionally, choose between:
- NLHE or Omaha
- 6-max or Heads-up
- Standard or Turbo
During peak hours, sit-n-goes fill quickly, especially at the lower stakes. However, during low player traffic hours, you may find it challenging to find even one active table running.
BetMGM Poker Mobile App
Currently, you can download the BetMGM Poker mobile app for Android and iOS devices. Additionally, you can easily navigate to casino or sports betting in the same app.
Although the mobile app suffered for a few years, BetMGM has made significant improvements in releasing frequent updates recently. The parent company, GVC Holdings, also runs the international brand, PartyPoker. Recently, GVC Holdings opted to rebrand to the name Entain. To this end, there have been significant improvements in soliciting player feedback and improving that software.
Overall, the improvements have not gone unnoticed, the app runs smoothly, and previous mobile app issues such as freezing, and lagging have virtually disappeared. Finally, there is a massive improvement with in-app notifications.
How to Download
- Tap the ‘Download for Android' or ‘Download for iOS' button.
- For iOS, the BetMGM app automatically installs. For Android, if prompted, go to settings and allow installation from BetMGM.
- Launch the BetMGM mobile app and enjoy poker, sports betting, and casino from your mobile device.
Desktop Interface
To play poker at BetMGM, you need to download the desktop client. The instructions are easy and straightforward to follow, and the vast majority of desktops can accommodate the BetMGM desktop client. Moreover, you can easily access the casino and sports betting clients within the same software.
Finally, although there is a link on the website to read about the latest software updates, it is broken. However, rest assured that BetMGM has been updating the software and in significant steps. Again, many previously known issues such as crashing, freezing, or lagging are fixed. Also, organization and navigation are vastly improved.
Thus, an overall sleeker and more modern feel for BetMGM Poker is much appreciated.
How to Download Desktop Client
- Head to the BeMGM main website and click on the tab, ‘Download Now.'
- Save and download the file.
- Follow the instructions for installation.
Payment Methods and Withdrawal Limits
Get access to some of the best payment methods through BetMGM. While the vast majority of online poker rooms or gambling operators have the same payment methods, limits and processing times differ from each operator. At BetMGM, no extra fees are charged for deposits and withdrawals.
For withdrawals, the processing time may take up to 5 business days. Using a withdrawal method requires that you have used it previously within the past 180 days. On the other hand, and perhaps, best of all, there are no pre-set withdrawal limits for BetMGM.
| Withdrawal Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| VIP Preferred e-Check | 3-5 Business Days |
| PayPal | 3-5 Business Days |
| Borgata Cashier Cage | Instant |
| Skrill | 3-5 Business Days |
| Physical Check in Mail | 14-20 Business Days |
| Play+ Card | 3-5 Business Days |
Featured Payment Method
If you're playing at BetMGM often, consider signing up for the Play+ Prepaid card. The process is quick to sign-up, and you do not need to wait for the physical card before depositing.
Although you will need to wait 10-14 days after a successful sign-up for your card to arrive, you can use it anywhere. Discover cards are accepted. In this manner, you can easily fund and withdraw BetMGM funds onto a prepaid card accepted at most major retailers and ATMs.
BetMGM Poker is Legal and Licensed
BetMGM Poker in New Jersey is 100% legal, regulated, and in compliance with licensing requirements set forth by the Division Gaming of Enforcement. Through the physical casino anchor, the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, BetMGM operates under their gaming license.
Launched first in 2017 under the playMGM name, this legal online poker room was one of the first operators in New Jersey. Now, MGM Resorts International and Entain, formerly GVC Holdings, created a Roar Digital subsidiary to take their online gaming products to the next level.
| BetMGM Poker Company Overview | |
|---|---|
| Parent Company: | MGM Resorts International |
| Software: | Entain, formerly GVC Holdings |
| New Jersey Partner | Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa |
| Address: | 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| NJ License: | NJIP 19-001 |
| International Licenses: | Macau |
| Email: | Form Submission |
The History of BetMGM
BetMGM is the online gambling platform of the casino powerhouse, MGM Resorts International. Formerly, BetMGM was known as PlayMGM. Officially, PlayMGM launched as an online poker room in 2017 in partnership with their physical casino anchor, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City.
MGM Resorts also owns Entain, formerly GVC Holdings, the software developer for BetMGM, but online poker rooms, PartyPoker and Borgata Poker, in the Garden State. Together, a combined player pool of the three poker sites provides you with an even more connected player experience.
BetMGM Expansion
Roar Digital, a subsidiary of MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings, recently raised a second round of funding to expand their online presence in the United States. Look next for BetMGM to launch in Pennsylvania and Michigan.
BetMGM is already live in Colorado with its online sportsbook plus Indiana, West Virginia, Nevada, and New Jersey. MGM Resorts also entered into partnerships with Buffalo Wild Wings and Yahoo Sports as a testament to their plans for further expansion.
However, online poker is not a top priority for BetMGM. While it is true that there are plans to launch BetMGM poker in Pennsylvania and Michigan, the dates for launch remain unknown.
Responsible Gambling
BetMGM Poker being a licensed and legal operator, takes responsible gaming seriously. Any measures that are set by you are valid for the entirety of the period.
Set your own individual limits on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis regarding deposits and wagers. Limit decreases are immediate. Limit increases can only occur after the expiration of the previous limit and a confirmation of your request.
Also, opt into and use a time management system that limits your gaming time on BetMGM's site. Once the time limit set runs up, you will be prevented from further play. Remember that limit increases are only valid after 30 days.
Finally, you can temporarily suspend your account or self-exclude from gaming. A temporary suspension is from a period of 3 to 180 days. However, self-exclusion bans you from any New Jersey internet gaming operator for a period of 1 to 5 years.
For any questions, comments, or concerns regarding responsible gambling, email: [email protected].
Other BetMGM Products
BetMGM Poker iRewards Loyalty Program
Aptly called iRewards, the poker rewards loyalty program at BetMGM, earns you points for online poker play. Additionally, you are automatically enrolled in the M Life Rewards Tier Credits, which earns you points at participating MGM Resorts. In turn, these points translate into a whole host of perks like hotel stays, entertainment, or dining.
Just like enrolling in M Life Rewards is automatic, so is enrollment in iRewards. The instant you make a real money wager towards any ring game or tournament, you earn iRewards Points (iRPs).
| m Life Tier | Points Required |
|---|---|
| Sapphire | 0-24,999 |
| Pearl | 25,000-74,999 |
| Gold | 75,000-199,999 |
| Platinum | 200,000+ |
| Noir | By Invitation Only |
If you're looking to spend your points on something else rather than the traditional cash back, check out the Loyalty Store. You can purchase with your points:
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Luxury items
Remember to keep the date Oct. 1 in mind because this is when BetMGM annually reviews and awards Tier Levels. In detail, suppose that you are on the Sapphire Level and did not earn iRPs within the previous 180 days. The remaining iRPs in your account will then be removed or forfeited. You do not have to earn iRPs for the last 365 days before points are lost for high tier levels.
Therefore, I strongly recommend that you play a single hand of poker or make any real money wager before your points expire and forfeited. On the other hand, you can also make sure to cash out or redeem your existing points before expiration.
24/7 Customer Service
Customer support is always available at BetMGM Poker. Additionally, an extensive and informative ‘Help & Contact' section is located on the main website. This section is beneficial for some of your more common questions and concerns from geolocation, account issues, and even bonuses and promotions.
Yet, customer support is not always top-notch. For example, there may be issues when you are using Live Chat. A customer support agent may connect and disconnect randomly. Additionally, Live Chat support agents are somewhat limited in how they can help you. Thus, you will need to email support. Finally, you may need to follow-up with the backing as getting a response is sometimes tricky.
Overall though, customer support agents are friendly and try their best to respond. Thus, customer support at BetMGM Poker can be hit-or-miss.
How to Contact
- Phone: (609) 248-9531
- Email: [email protected]
- Live Chat: Accessible from the top right of the website, click on the Chat icon.
- FAQs: Available on the main site.
- Support Hours: 24/7
Final Verdict
Overall, playing at BetMGM Poker is highly recommended. When you consider the brand recognition and commitment to improving the online gaming experience, it is a top-notch experience. Moreover, an all-in-one gambling package with poker, casino, and sportsbook is rolled into one client. Finally, when you consider the generous new player welcome bonuses with ongoing promotions, it is impossible not to recommend this top NJ online poker room.
BetMGM Poker Review FAQs
What are some ongoing promotions that BetMGM Poker runs?
Choose from a variety of ongoing promotions and bonuses with BetMGM Poker. There are special leaderboard promotions, tournament series with bigger and boosted guarantees, freerolls, and reload bonuses. These promotions are consistently offered and vary throughout the year.
Is BetMGM Poker legal?
BetMGM is 100% legal for New Jersey poker players. Besides, it partners with Borgata Hotel & Spa, located in Atlantic City, NJ. Finally, MGM Resorts International owns both the physical hotel and casino plus the online poker rooms Borgata Poker NJ and PartyPoker NJ. Also, BetMGM Poker is now legal for Michigan players.
Does BetMGM Poker have a mobile app?
Yes, the BetMGM poker mobile app allows you to play poker on-the-go for iOS and Android devices. To download, head to the BetMGM Poker site and click on ‘Download Now’ on your mobile device. Additionally, the mobile app also integrates sports betting and casino games.
How do I download and install the BetMGM Poker client?
Install and download the BetMGM Poker client via the main BetMGM website. When you click on the ‘Download' button, the installation process begins automatically, and the installer prompts you for any further steps. Notably, the BetMGM client actually integrates the online casino and sports betting as well.
Specification: BetMGM Poker Review
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