Sportsbook promos are written to sound simple and then hide the important part in the fine print. If you're considering the BetMGM offer tied to NFL Week 7, this guide walks you through what it asks you to do, in order, and the one condition you should understand before you put any money down.
Per Fox News, new users in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia can use promo code FOXNEWS with BetMGM to bet $10 and get $150 in bonus bets. Here's how that works in practice.
Check Your Eligibility First
Before you download anything, confirm two things:
- Your state. The offer, as reported, applies to Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
- New account status. It's a sign-up offer for new users, so it won't apply if you already have a BetMGM Sportsbook account.
I can't verify the full terms from here, including age requirements, location checks or expiration dates. Read the terms inside the app or on BetMGM's site before you deposit. Betting is only for adults in places where it's legal, and you should only wager money you can afford to lose.
The Seven Steps, in Order
The steps below follow the process as outlined by Fox News.
1. Get the app
Use the link in the original article or download the BetMGM Sportsbook app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Fox News doesn't specify minimum software versions, so check the app listing for your phone's requirements. If the install button is greyed out, your OS version is probably too old and needs an update.
2. Create a new account
Sign up as a new BetMGM Sportsbook customer. Enter the promo code FOXNEWS when asked. Skipping the code field is the most common way people miss a sign-up bonus, so check it before you submit.
3. Deposit at least $10
Add a minimum of $10 to your account using one of the payment methods the app offers.
4. Place a first wager of $10 or more
Pick any market you like: a spread, moneyline or total. The offer requires a first bet of at least $10.
5. Understand the catch: the bet has to win
This is the part that matters. According to the outline from Fox News, you need to make sure the bet wins to unlock the bonus. The headline "Bet $10, Get $150" can sound like a guaranteed payout for placing a wager. As described, it isn't. If your first bet loses, the bonus may not be triggered at all. Check the exact terms in the app to see how a loss is handled.
6. Wait for the bet to settle
After your wager settles, the $150 arrives as bonus bets, per Fox News. That means it's credit for placing more bets, not cash you can withdraw directly. How bonus bets pay out, and whether the stake is returned with winnings, is something to confirm in the terms.
7. Use the bonus bets on upcoming games
The bonus bets can then go toward future games. Bonus credits often come with an expiration window, so look for a deadline in your account and don't let them sit.
Choosing a First Bet That Makes Sense
Since the bonus depends on that first bet winning, the pick is the real decision. A few practical ways to think about it:
- Look at the featured games. Fox News highlights a Week 7 slate that includes the Chiefs, Packers, Lions, Rams, Raiders and Seahawks in featured windows. Big-name games tend to have the most markets and the most information available.
- Keep it simple. A single straightforward bet is easier to understand than a multi-leg parlay, where every leg must hit. Fewer moving parts means fewer ways to miss.
- Stay at the minimum. Because the offer needs a $10 first wager, there's no reason to stake more than $10 to qualify.
- Know that no pick is safe. Favorites lose. Nothing in a promo changes the odds on the game.
A Quick Word on Why Promos Like This Exist
Sportsbooks compete hard for new customers in legal betting states, as Fox News notes in its coverage. A large bonus is an acquisition tool. That isn't a reason to avoid it, but it's a reason to read the terms the way you'd read any contract, and to treat the offer as a possible extra, not a source of income.
Protect Your Account and Your Wallet
Since this involves a financial app, a few basic habits apply:
- Download only from the official App Store or Google Play listing.
- Use a strong, unique password and turn on two-factor authentication if the app offers it.
- Set a deposit limit in the app's responsible gaming settings before you place your first bet.
- If betting stops being fun, use the app's cooling-off tools or contact a support line for gambling problems.
The Takeaway
Before you deposit a dollar, open the offer's terms and find the answer to one question: what happens if your first $10 bet loses? Everything else about the deal depends on that answer.
