If you logged into your BetMGM Michigan Sportsbook app for the first time in a while this past weekend, you likely noticed something other than a plethora of NFL Week 1 betting markets.
A brand new look.
One of Michigan’s leading brands updated its online sportsbook and online casino app recently, with a focus on enhancing four areas: design, discovery, one-game parlays, and speed and stability.
BetMGM app updates
Kamal Grey, Vice President of Sports Product Management and Operations at BetMGM, spoke with PlayMichigan and PlayPennsylvania recently about the changes to the app.
Here’s a look at the updates, broken into the four focus areas.
BetMGM app design
A consistent look and feel throughout the app was a focus for the development team.
The traditional black and gold color scheme that BetMGM Michigan Casino and BetMGM Michigan Sportsbook customers are used to didn’t go away. But tweaks to the font and buttons used to place bets give it a different feel even before you start diving into the more dramatic changes.
Consistency on the top and bottom of the app are obvious when switching between the sportsbook and casino. Buttons for the sportsbook, casino, promotions and your account line the bottom. A hamburger menu to browse sports betting markets or casino games, depending which you’re using, and a search bar are at the top.
Right beneath those are buttons for quick access to popular markets in the sportsbook, or popular game types in the casino.
The only real change when switching is the obvious one: sporting events to bet on are replaced by casino games to play.
Discovery
The design plays right into the navigation improvements BetMGM was trying to make. Those menus at the top and bottom make it simple to get to what you’re looking for.
Grey said making the search bar prominent was important for the developers. But not only can you search for the exact sporting event or casino game you want right from the front page, but it also gives you options based on popular searches and your own history.
Popular games and bets are also prominently displayed just above the open betting markets. Some can be manipulated right there, without leaving the home screen. For example, a drop down menu on the Astros vs. Tigers tile allows you to pick an exact result, and the odds update right there, allowing you to place the bet without having to enter into the game’s menu.
The online casino, which is already far and away Michigan’s most popular, allows you to browse right on the homepage. Games are broken into categories, with your recently played games and the casino’s featured games on the top.
One game parlays at BetMGM Michigan
The popularity of the one-game parlay, or single-game parlay, continues to rise with Michigan sports bettors. So, BetMGM is capitalizing by enhancing and simplifying their options.
One-game parlays can be accessed right from the homescreen, by clicking the one-game parlay button on the game’s listing. You can also access it within the “All Wagers” section of the game.
The parlay builder allows you to sort through popular bets, game lines, team props and player props — if available. There are also pre-built parlays you can choose. There’s even a “How To?” button within the builder, that provides a brief explanation of a one-game parlay, as well as an example.
BetMGM app speed and stability
Even with the new features, the BetMGM app does seem to load quickly if you have a stable Internet connection. Of course, so much of an app’s speed and stability relies on that.
BetMGM Pennsylvania was down for a while this past Sunday prior to and during part of the 1 p.m. NFL games. No widespread outages were seen in Michigan, however.
Screenshots from BetMGM Michigan App.
