BetMGM Rolls Out World Cup Sweepstakes as US Betting Interest Surges

BetMGM is leaning into World Cup momentum with a new sweepstakes that pairs sports betting with a travel-and-VIP experience, thanks to a fresh partnership with Marriott Bonvoy. With legal online sports betting now reaching about 135 million adults across the United States, the operator is clearly betting that players want more than odds boosts and basic promos - they want “legendary” access and real-world perks.

BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy team up for a World Cup sweepstakes

The promotion centers on the Sports Illustrated “Beyond the Pitch” Party series, which wraps up with a major event in New York City on July 18, 2026. BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy are positioning the sweepstakes as a fan-first experience: link accounts, place a small wager, and you’re in the mix for weekly prize drawings.

In a statement, BetMGM Chief Revenue Officer Matt Prevost said, “At BetMGM, we’re always looking for ways to reward our players with legendary experiences they simply can’t get anywhere else. Partnering with Marriott Bonvoy for this event allows us to bring fans inside the velvet ropes during a once-in-a-generation moment on the global sports stage.”

How to enter: simple steps, clear limits, and a low minimum wager

Eligibility is built around a straightforward action path. The sweepstakes runs through June 21, 2026, and it’s open to eligible BetMGM users who connect their BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy accounts, then place a minimum $10 wager.

You’ll enter through the BetMGM Sportsbook app or website after linking your accounts. There’s also a cap designed to keep entries balanced - a maximum of 25 entries per entry period - with winners selected weekly throughout the promotion.

If you’re the type who likes clarity before you click “confirm,” this one’s easy: link, bet at least $10, enter, and keep an eye on weekly drawings.

The prizes: New York City VIP access, plus bonus bets and points for everyone

BetMGM didn’t keep the prize pool small. The headline package is built for fans who want a true “big weekend” feel, not just a coupon-style reward.

Here’s what’s on the table:

• 10 grand prize winners (plus a guest each) receive VIP access to the July 18 New York City event, round-trip travel to New York City (or travel funds), a three-night stay at Moxy Lower East Side, and dinner at L’Artusi Supper Club.
• 30 additional participants receive a $100 bonus bet.
• Every entrant with at least one entry gets 2,500 Marriott Bonvoy points.

That last piece matters because it gives the promo a little more fairness - even if you don’t land the grand prize, you’re not walking away empty-handed.

Why this is launching now: World Cup betting handle could hit $3.3 billion

The timing is no accident. Deutsche Bank projects World Cup betting handle in the United States at $3.3 billion, with a range from $2.5 billion to $4.1 billion. The same projection breaks out expected shares for major operators, with FanDuel at about $1.3 billion, DraftKings at about $1.1 billion, and BetMGM projected around $250 million.

There are a few reasons the 2026 tournament could be especially bet-friendly:

• 104 matches are scheduled (up from 64 in 2022), which means more games, more markets, and more moments that drive action.
• Matches will be played in North American time zones, which tends to increase live betting and casual engagement.
• Legal access has expanded fast - about 135 million adults now have legal online sports betting access, compared to about 104 million in 2022.

More matches plus easier access usually equals more momentum, and this sweepstakes is designed to capture that attention early.

BetMGM’s bigger play: “Entertainment company with a sportsbook attached”

This sweepstakes fits a broader BetMGM pattern: tie betting to entertainment, content, and experiences rather than focusing only on price promos.

Recent moves support that strategy, including a Bragg Gaming slot content deal and a branded game called “The Lion’s Share” set to appear on Columbia Broadcasting System’s “The Price Is Right” starting September 22, 2026. The point is pretty clear - BetMGM wants to stay top-of-mind whether you’re placing a pre-match wager, spinning slots, or watching mainstream television.

If you’re also interested in the casino side, it’s worth checking the BetMGM Casino platform for its mix of slot studios and live dealer options, plus ongoing promos that can stack alongside your normal play (as always, terms apply).

A quick promo reality check: bonuses have rules, and so do sweepstakes

Even when a promotion feels simple, it’s smart to keep balance and read the key terms before you opt in. Sweepstakes entries can be limited by entry periods, eligibility rules, and account-linking requirements, and bonus bets typically come with bet-type restrictions and expiration windows.

If you’re newer to BetMGM across casino products, the welcome offer in certain states may include a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 plus $25 Freeplay, but it comes with deadlines and wagering requirements, and different games contribute at different rates. That’s not a downside - it’s just the “fine print” reality of regulated online gambling, and knowing it upfront helps you play with clarity.

This World Cup sweepstakes is a solid example of where sports betting is headed in the United States: less about hype, more about experiences, access, and extras you can actually use. If you already planned to place a World Cup wager, linking accounts and taking a shot at weekly drawings can be a fun add-on - just keep your budget steady, use limits if you need them, and treat the sweepstakes as a bonus, not a bankroll plan.