A growing trend is establishing itself in the world of Michigan online gambling. BetMGM was first to get into the gift card game nearly a year ago. Now, DraftKings has joined the mix.
In other states, even more operators are tapping into the idea.
We’ve got you covered on all your gift card questions and how you can successfully find and use them in Michigan and beyond.
Are BetMGM, DraftKings gift cards legal in Michigan?
Yes, BetMGM Michigan and DraftKings MI gift cards are legal to purchase in the Great Lakes State.
In order to use them, you will still need an account with the respective online operator.
In both cases, the gift cards can be used for the online sportsbook or the online casino. For DraftKings, the card can also be used for its Daily Fantasy product.
Where can I buy a BetMGM or DraftKings Gift Card?
There are a lot of options available for you to purchase a card in Michigan.
BetMGM offers a location finder for you on its website. Just type in your zip code and it will show you all the different places you can purchase their cards.
BetMGM advertises the following as places to buy its gift cards:
- Dollar General
- 7-Eleven
- Speedway
- Sheetz
- Kum & Go
DraftKings offers an even more expansive list of places you can purchase their gift cards.
- 7-Eleven
- Albertsons
- Circle K
- CVS
- Dollar General
- Pilot/Flying J
- Sheetz
- Speedway
- Walmart
How much are the online gambling gift cards worth?
DraftKings offers gift card values of $25 and $50 currently, and they come with no activation fee.
BetMGM cards are available in $25 and $50 increments too, but also include a $10 bonus upon depositing the card into your account. That bonus can help cover the $4.95 activation fee that the BetMGM card comes with.
Note: When I bought my DraftKings and Bet MGM gift cards recently, I had to pay for both cards with cash.
MORE: Play+ Michigan online casinos
How do I use my BetMGM or DraftKings gift card?
That process is quite simple. Following the purchase of either card, you will just visit the respective site and sign into your account.
If you don’t have an account, you will need to create one. For that, you will need to provide your name, email, date of birth, address, phone number and last four digits of your social security number.
Once your account is activated, or you have logged in, simply visit the deposit page.
Choose to deposit through a gift card. You will then need to enter the card information that is behind the scratch code.
Your funds are immediately credited to your account and can be withdrawn at any time. You are not required to spend the gift card amount in the sportsbook or casino before withdrawing it.
For BetMGM’s $10 bonus, you have 30 days to play through the amount one time before you can withdraw it. Any use of the bonus must have odds of -200 or less.
Will more online gambling sites begin using gift cards?
While BetMGM and DraftKings are the only current gift card options available in Michigan for iGaming and online sports betting, more could be on the way.
Many other operators like Caesars and Golden Nugget already offer gift cards for their resorts and retail products. It’s not out of question to think they will add them for online gaming as well.
New Jersey and Pennsylvania consumers currently have the options to purchase a Game On gift card. It is a multi-branded sports betting payment card that allows you to add funds to your account at these online sportsbooks already in Michigan:
- FanDuel
- DraftKings
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Parx
Purchasers of a Game On card can load up to $400 on the card and use it at the online sportsbook of their choice.
What are the benefits of using a BetMGM or DraftKings gift card to deposit?
Gift cards are often used as gifts for others, hence the name.
However, they can also be used as a good way to set limits for online gamblers.
For those with addiction concerns or worried about using too much of their own money for iGaming, gift cards can be a viable option. The $25 or $50 cards can put a self-imposed limit on the player if they aren’t comfortable using the site’s responsible gaming software.
The cards can also be a nice way for a reluctant new user to dip their toe into the online gambling world. Some remain hesitant to make the jump from land-based to online gambling. A gift card can introduce them without having to make a large financial commitment.
If you or anyone you know needs help with their gambling-related issue, call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.
