BetMGM (NY) Shady AF

**stevenash** · 02-15-22, 10:32 PM

^
I've heard a lot of horror stories regarding MGM.
I live in Ct, so far no complaints with DK and FD.

**thomorino** · 02-15-22, 11:58 PM

Originally posted by Crusherrr

Made an account with BetMGM NY and threw $1k on Bengals ML which they lose obv. No biggie. I get $1,000 free bet back as this was my first bet with them in NY.

Nope. They added a free play to my account after I placed the bet. So I throw that free bet on something. Didn't seem anything crazy. They had lots of risk free bets on other things like Waste Management Golf tournament, Daytona 500, and a few other things. Plus- I did just deposit $1,000 and place it all on a bet. So I thought nothing of it.

Well. It turns out- because I used that free bet (without opting in to any free bets) in the terms it says that now I no longer get the risk free $1,000 on my first bet. I instead get this as my "Welcome offer". What? Seems like an easy way for them to avoid having to pay out players $1,000. Just throw $25 into anyone's account if they risk the $1,000 so if they lose they don't have to give them a free bet back.

Live chat was no help- This is some shady stuff for sure. I never opted in to any free bets and I was fully expecting to be given $1,000 free bet back if my bet lost. Now I don't get it back according to them.

I've requested a second opinion and told them I will reach out to the Department of Consumer Protection and Gaming authority if it's not resolved immediately.

Draftkings tried to screw me out of $5,000 in Connecticut when they launched (they ended up making good on it and then some). But I did have to go through consumer protection first. I've actually grown to like them as they basically bow down to every command I make to them.

Will report back when they hopefully make good on their Welcome offer of $1,000 risk free bet- and not some stupid free bet offer AFTER I placed my first bet with them. Sketchy stuff for sure.

I've been betting at Betmgm for almost a full year now in Pennsylvania and they have treated have been fair.

The mistake you likely made is when talking to customer service you didn't ask to speak to someone with decision making authority like a manager or supervisor. I would be highly surprised if they don't make good on the full free bet for their risk free offer.

I always ask to speak to a manager or supervisor if the issue is significant and it isn't resolved in my favor.

I wanted to pick up my cash at Parx sportsbook in Philadelphia last week and a customer service rep told me it would 2-3 business days before the money was ready, I asked to speak to a manager and my cash was ready to be picked up the same day.

The entry level people do what they are told and follow the rules - they don't have decision making authority. When I ask to speak to a manager I almost always get one right away, and almost always get a different result.

**thomorino** · 02-16-22, 12:00 AM

The betmgm promotion is your first bet with real money is risk free so the fact you used a freeplay wager shouldn't matter anyways.

**Crusherrr** · 02-16-22, 12:04 AM

Originally posted by thomorino

The betmgm promotion is your first bet with real money is risk free so the fact you used a freeplay wager shouldn't matter anyways.

Correct- I placed the bet and then was given a free bet after. So I don't see how using some free bet would then become my welcome offer and not the risk free up to $1k. But CS said since I used the free bet- that was me accepting that as my welcome offer instead. They could have removed the free bet if I wanted supposedly. But I had no idea what the free bet was even for. I also didnt think it would matter but apparently it does.

I expect them to make it right, but super sketch by them to say the free bet they added was my welcome offer and not the risk free up to $1k.

**thomorino** · 02-16-22, 12:11 AM

Originally posted by Crusherrr

Correct- I placed the bet and then was given a free bet after. So I don't see how using some free bet would then become my welcome offer and not the risk free up to $1k. But CS said since I used the free bet- that was me accepting that as my welcome offer instead. They could have removed the free bet if I wanted supposedly. But I had no idea what the free bet was even for. I also didnt think it would matter but apparently it does.

I expect them to make it right, but super sketch by them to say the free bet they added was my welcome offer and not the risk free up to $1k.

These books pay the entry level people who handle customer service next to nothing, it sounds like you just talked to someone who didn't know the rules.

**thomorino** · 02-16-22, 12:20 AM

Betmgm gives you a 10 dollar free bet if you wager 50 dollars during the week and their super bowl promotion was bet 56 dollars on the game and get 4 free 10 dollar bets.

I think you are overreacting here, I would be 99% sure they will make good on their promotion.

They just launched in New York weeks ago and their customer service people are likely not very well trained or used to dealing with issues like these.

**False Start** · 02-16-22, 01:45 AM

Crusher.....Agree with you that the wording and implementation at MGM in NY was confusing. Not clear at all. And subpar customer service.

What I do love about MGM is that I get paid in less than 25 minutes.
Also, they have promos (even after that confusing $1000 risk-free signup bonus) that are very impressive. I'l log into my account and it will give me "deposit $800 and get $400 free cash)...even though you have to play through $3,200 in that example. When I signed up they also put in an extra $500 cash on top of the $1000 I deposited. Just a one-time play through for that.

They also offer me daily 20% profit boosts on three-team multi-sports parlays. (I learned my lesson....went 0-3 I think, picking big ML favorites...always lost at least one leg)
But something smiliar to that which I love is for the Aussie Open, they gave me a "25% boost token". So I scalped with another book, even though the limit was $100, just like the 3-team parlay boosts I mentioned above.
So I got Medvediv at like -135 or so, and took Nadal at +165 or so for a guaranteed profit.

I drive 10 minutes over the New Canaan, CT line to the Vista Market and place my wagers.

Question for you: I think it ws you who mentioned that you had both DK and FD in NJ. And you contacted them personally in CT to get another sign up bonus.Is that right? Hoew hard did you have to press them? Did you try FD and DK sign=up bonus in NY? What did they say?

Pointsbet wouldn't let me sign up for any promos in NY since I absolutekty crushed them the first week thy opened in NJ a few years ago.They were putting up the wrong in-game lines and I was just pounding the. A hockey team would be up 3-0 and the team that had already scored two goals has a team total of 2.5. LOL. I saved all the screeshots toshow my grandkis one day. Shot taker? ABSOLUTELY. If they keep ripping consumers off with rigged casinos and ridiculous stratddles on money lines, them I'm going to fire away at their mistakes.

Wynn Bet just opned in NY. WHAT A JOKE! Bet $10 and get $200 in site credits that drop slowly out of your accounts every few days Awful. WYNN in other states had a $1000 risk free wager. I guess Wynn knows they can't compete with the big boys in NY, so they aren't giving away crap.

Good luck!

**Optional** · 02-16-22, 08:37 AM

Sounds like staff "confusion" to me.

Nothing in the terms suggests the offer is invalidated by using any other offer after betting your 1k.

BetMGM

https://www.ny.betmgm.com/en/mobileportal/promotions/sports/king-of-sportsbooks

If you can't get a manger in there to fix it, it will be interesting to see what sort of argument they come up with for the NYSCG.

"Promoter will have complete discretion over interpretation of these Terms and Conditions and administration and operation of the Sports Promotion. Decisions of the Promoter will be final and binding in all matters related to the Sports Promotion."

Seems to be the only possible leg they could stand on, and I'd love to see what a US regulator would say to any book trying to pull that one

**Crusherrr** · 02-16-22, 10:09 AM

They have replied to me via email now saying that I have received a different welcome offer. The free bets they put into my account- since I used them- it disqualified me from the $1,000 risk free offer. I placed the $1,000 bet FIRST and did not enter any bonus codes, opt-in to any free plays, or anything else.

This is the reason why you are not eligible for any welcome offer anymore. Please note that a newly registered player is eligible for one (1) Welcome Offer only.

You may view the information about the amount, validity and possible restrictions of the FreeBet by navigating to ""My Account>>Promotion>> Sports (look for the green highlighted banner FREE BET)"".
"
In case you have further questions, we will be more than happy to assist you. We are available 24 hours, please review our FAQs section and get in touch here for assistance.

Thank you for choosing us as your online gaming site.

Sincerely,

Cristopril
BetMGM New York Online Gaming Customer Service
Gamble Responsibly

**Crusherrr** · 02-16-22, 10:12 AM

They took it upon themselves, to add in free bets into my account after I placed my $1,000 wager on the Bengals ML (which lost). However, since I used the free bets- that became my welcome offer.

Again- very shady practice. There was no mention that if I used the free bets they randomly added- that would become my welcome bonus. Obivously I'd never use a few $25 free bets instead of wanting my $1k wager to be risk free. They obviously know customers will use the free bets without question- and they wont have to pay out the $1,000 free bet if I lose.

I would have needed to have them REMOVE the free bets if I wanted the $1,000 risk free, apparently. The free bets were given AFTER I placed my bet, I did not opt-in to receive them, I did not enter any bonus code to try and receive any other promotion other than the $1,000 risk free first bet.

Total scum move.

I replied back to them-

I did not opt in to that bonus, nor did I enter any bonus codes. I placed my $1,000 bet first. That's the welcome offer I expected to receive. Not $25 free play bets.

This needs to be corrected immediately. Please expedite this request to a manager promptly.

Adding free bets after I placed my first bet to then make it so my welcome offer is not the $1,000 risk free is simply shady, and inexcusable.
I expect this to be made right.

**Crusherrr** · 02-16-22, 10:18 AM

Originally posted by False Start

Question for you: I think it ws you who mentioned that you had both DK and FD in NJ. And you contacted them personally in CT to get another sign up bonus.Is that right? Hoew hard did you have to press them? Did you try FD and DK sign=up bonus in NY? What did they say?

Not sign-up bonuses. In CT they gave me pre-access. I was one of the I think it was 500 people who got to access in the soft launch for a week. I wasn't eligible for the "sign up" bonuses or risk free sign up stuff, but they gave me lots and lots of deposit bonuses, free bets, casino free credits, etc. As it is- I can message my host and they will credit me with $4k in free bets every time I deposit $10,000. 1x rollover.

Their casino promos for VIP are also exceptional. With leaderboards, rewards and the promos they give- $1,500 free credits for $100,000 wagered. It ends up being about 1.5%-2% back you net by playing perfect strategy in Blackjack. Adds up to a very significant edge. Draftkings has been very very generous to their big players.

**5mike5** · 02-16-22, 11:12 AM

I liked MGM at first, until they cut me to $1.50 max bets across the board on all betsl...They had a live platform much slower than other sites at that time which was great while it lasted

they def love giving away free stuff even to their winners, but they showed me the door

**thomorino** · 02-16-22, 01:38 PM

Originally posted by Crusherrr

They have replied to me via email now saying that I have received a different welcome offer. The free bets they put into my account- since I used them- it disqualified me from the $1,000 risk free offer. I placed the $1,000 bet FIRST and did not enter any bonus codes, opt-in to any free plays, or anything else.

This is the reason why you are not eligible for any welcome offer anymore. Please note that a newly registered player is eligible for one (1) Welcome Offer only.

You may view the information about the amount, validity and possible restrictions of the FreeBet by navigating to ""My Account>>Promotion>> Sports (look for the green highlighted banner FREE BET)"".
"
In case you have further questions, we will be more than happy to assist you. We are available 24 hours, please review our FAQs section and get in touch here for assistance.

Thank you for choosing us as your online gaming site.

Sincerely,

Cristopril
BetMGM New York Online Gaming Customer Service
Gamble Responsibly

The terms and conditions clearly state that only your first real money wager qualifies for the risk free bet promotion.

To claim this Sports Promotion, you must during the Promotional Period (a) visit www.betmgm.com or download the BetMGM Sports mobile application, (b) open a BetMGM Sports wagering account, (c) deposit a minimum of $10 in to your account and (d) place, as your first real money bet after opening your account, any sports wager using funds you deposited into your account (a “Qualifying Bet”). Only the first $1,000 of the Qualifying Bet are eligible for this promotion.

**thomorino** · 02-16-22, 01:39 PM

I still think betmgm will make good on this. Again, these books do not pay entry level customer service much money and many know little to nothing about gambling.

The terms and conditions clearly state only the first real money wager is what counts as the risk free bet.

**thomorino** · 02-16-22, 01:45 PM

The problem with Betmgm New York's argument here is that there is no evidence the $25 freeplay was a weclome offer.

The book's webpage states that the 1k risk free bet is their welcome offer. There is nowhere on the website or to the best of my knowledge anywhere else where it is stated that a $25 freeplay is a welcome offer.

There argument fails in my opinion because a reasonable player has no reason to know that a 25 dollar freeplay bet was a welcome offer that if accepted would preclude the player from taking advantage of other welcome offers. There is nowhere on the site where it is stated that $25 dollar freeplay bet is a welcome offer - obviously no one would accept this over a risk free bet of 1k.

**Crusherrr** · 02-16-22, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by thomorino

I still think betmgm will make good on this. Again, these books do not pay entry level customer service much money and many know little to nothing about gambling.

The terms and conditions clearly state only the first real money wager is what counts as the risk free bet.

I clearly stated that the very first bet that I made on my account was Bengals ML for $1,000. So yes, I should receive my first bet that I placed back as a $1,000 free bet

**Crusherrr** · 02-16-22, 03:41 PM

Resolved! Can someone update my title, pleae? I was given 5 free bets for the difference that I was owed.

What ended up happening- according to them- was I was linked to a different promotion and not the Risk Free $1,000 one that is on the website. I never entered any promo codes, just placed my bet and expected it to be risk free up to $1,000. You don't need to opt in. No bonus or promo code, just whatever your first bet is, it's risk free. So I was very confused as to how I could be linked to any other promotion when there are no other promotions to opt in to.

The SBR link supposedly had me linked to some "Bet $10" offer. Which isn't even listed on the website under promotions (at least not in NY). I guess its important to question all free bets that are given unexpectedly- as those stupid free bets are what almost caused me to not get the $1,000 free bet back. I explained to them, obviously- I'd bet $10 and not $1,000 if I were wanting a few $25 free bets and not for my first bet to be risk free.

I was on the phone for 45 mins and got hung up on. Called back and a lady named Christine was able to help me. It took about 45 mins on hold again with her but they were able to make this right.

I still think it was kind of shady this happened but glad it's resolved now. It would be nice if SBR didn't link your account to any certain type of promotion or would tell you what the offer their link provides- because then you don't actually know what you're opted in for.

**Optional** · 02-16-22, 04:22 PM

Originally posted by Crusherrr

Resolved! Can someone update my title, pleae? I was given 5 free bets for the difference that I was owed.

What ended up happening- according to them- was I was linked to a different promotion and not the Risk Free $1,000 one that is on the website. I never entered any promo codes, just placed my bet and expected it to be risk free up to $1,000. You don't need to opt in. No bonus or promo code, just whatever your first bet is, it's risk free. So I was very confused as to how I could be linked to any other promotion when there are no other promotions to opt in to.

The SBR link supposedly had me linked to some "Bet $10" offer. Which isn't even listed on the website under promotions (at least not in NY). I guess its important to question all free bets that are given unexpectedly- as those stupid free bets are what almost caused me to not get the $1,000 free bet back. I explained to them, obviously- I'd bet $10 and not $1,000 if I were wanting a few $25 free bets and not for my first bet to be risk free.

I was on the phone for 45 mins and got hung up on. Called back and a lady named Christine was able to help me. It took about 45 mins on hold again with her but they were able to make this right.

I still think it was kind of shady this happened but glad it's resolved now. It would be nice if SBR didn't link your account to any certain type of promotion or would tell you what the offer their link provides- because then you don't actually know what you're opted in for.

There is no special promo link forcing anything on you on SBR that I know of.

And anyway, their reasoning that you somehow silently opted in to some $25 freeplay offer instead of the big ass promo on the front of their site is a nonsense explanation anyway.

**thomorino** · 02-16-22, 05:28 PM

It would be interesting to know if people were blocked from getting the main promotion at Bet mgm new york in other cases.

**DontTailMe** · 02-16-22, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by Optional

There is no special promo link forcing anything on you on SBR that I know of.

And anyway, their reasoning that you somehow silently opted in to some $25 freeplay offer instead of the big ass promo on the front of their site is a nonsense explanation anyway.

It's a tactic that a lot of the regulated US books are using now. Lots of people have lost out on the $1,000 free play by clicking on a link which offers a far less valuable sign up promotion. Why give someone the whole enchilada if they're willing to join for some rice?

**Crusherrr** · 02-16-22, 06:28 PM

Their explanation was basically- the sign up link I used contained a certain promotional offer only available to those that use the link.

That was an override on what promo was linked to my account. It took priority over the $1k risk free bet in my instance.

**False Start** · 02-16-22, 07:31 PM

Originally posted by Crusherrr

Not sign-up bonuses. In CT they gave me pre-access. I was one of the I think it was 500 people who got to access in the soft launch for a week. I wasn't eligible for the "sign up" bonuses or risk free sign up stuff, but they gave me lots and lots of deposit bonuses, free bets, casino free credits, etc. As it is- I can message my host and they will credit me with $4k in free bets every time I deposit $10,000. 1x rollover.

Their casino promos for VIP are also exceptional. With leaderboards, rewards and the promos they give- $1,500 free credits for $100,000 wagered. It ends up being about 1.5%-2% back you net by playing perfect strategy in Blackjack. Adds up to a very significant edge. Draftkings has been very very generous to their big players.

WoW! That's tremendous. I would lover $4K in free bets for a $10K deposit.

I've said this before, but I have used every bonus in the tri-state area. When my dasd visyes from Florida, I dot it with him, too. We split that 50-50,,,he doesn't even knkw what an app is! LOL.

I'm going to start using my two sisters, too. Both have differet last names and adresses. basically, I will do all the "work" and split the profits with them 50.-50 All I do is free promos for big money. No risk at all. made a small fortune since NJ started in 2018.

**False Start** · 02-16-22, 07:35 PM

I miss the good old days of 2017 when I can past-post Heritage and 5dimes on hockey goals while I was in the arena or listening on a.m. radio.
They finally slashed my limits and puty me on a 30-second delay. I knew it would happen. But it was fun while it lasted.
With it now being "legal," I can't beat the delay in hockey, even at the arenas. Missing it by 2 seconds, tops. Figured that would happen.

**False Start** · 02-16-22, 07:43 PM

Crusher...I won my $1000 first bet at MGM, so I'm not sure what would've happened if I lost. I would like to think that it was "risk-free"

**ThaWoj** · 02-16-22, 07:52 PM

This somewhat happened to me. They said because I pre registered in october for the $200 free bet offer once live in january, it automatically disqualified me from any other offer including the $1000.

I never made a deposit and when i got on chat, the guy told me i indeed WAS elgible for the 1000 promo. I asked if i could get a chat transcript and after that for some reason i got connected to another rep. This time she said no, other dude was wrong, i am NOT elgible for the 1000. I asked "even tho i never deposited???"
She said nope, only 1 welcome offer per account, and the $200 free bets was my welcome offer. I told her back in october when i pre regged there was no mention of a 1000 risk free bet. Otherwise i wouldn't have pre regged. She said i was out of luck. I said good thing i didnt listen to the other chat rep. She said sorry about that..

So i really dont want to play with them even tho all my casino play is at mgm properties

**Crusherrr** · 02-16-22, 09:40 PM

Originally posted by False Start

WoW! That's tremendous. I would lover $4K in free bets for a $10K deposit.

I've said this before, but I have used every bonus in the tri-state area. When my dasd visyes from Florida, I dot it with him, too. We split that 50-50,,,he doesn't even knkw what an app is! LOL.

I'm going to start using my two sisters, too. Both have differet last names and adresses. basically, I will do all the "work" and split the profits with them 50.-50 All I do is free promos for big money. No risk at all. made a small fortune since NJ started in 2018.

You realize offers offshore are 100x better,right?

**False Start** · 02-16-22, 11:11 PM

Originally posted by Crusherrr

You realize offers offshore are 100x better,right?

Been booted from all offshores by risk-management. Was killing them on in-game betting.