Play MGM Casino Review

Is Play MGM a Trustworthy Online Casino?

Play MGM entered the market with a big advantage over other new online casinos: despite being new, the casino is directly connected to one of the biggest names in the gambling industry. That company has invested significant capital into creating an online casino that offers a strong experience for users without being too derivative.

The casino took the Borgata’s old New Jersey license for online gambling and repurposed it for Play MGM NJ. While it builds upon that license for its legal status, it is an entirely different casino. MGM is hesitant to seek additional certification opportunities, so players must rely on the base legal status granted by the NJDGE to assuage doubts about the casino’s security. Local players rely on NJDGE to find legit online casinos here to visit.

Which Certificates Does Play MGM Hold?

Play MGM does not hold any third-party security certificates from eCOGRA or other providers. The casino relies entirely on the strength of licensing from and regulation by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NYDGE). When we asked, customer service pointed only to the state licensing as verification of the platform’s security. If you are looking for a security guarantee, you can read about safe gambling sites listed here with our reviews. 

Who Licenses Play MGM for Safe Gaming Online?

The only applicable license issuer for Play MGM in New Jersey is the NJDGE. Unfortunately, Play MGM does not release any information about the casino’s license number. Instead, the site displays the licensing and regulation banner at the bottom of the homepage.

When Was Play MGM Established?

Play MGM is a newly-created online casino. MGM Resorts International established it using the Bellagio’s defunct license after MGM Resorts International bought the company in 2016. The online casino launched in 2017.

The parent company, MGM Resorts International, was founded in 1986. Compared to longer-established names in the industry, MGM has had a meteoric rise in popularity and prominence during its 33 years.

What Do US Online Gamblers Think of Play MGM?

Despite being a newer site, Play MGM has a strong reputation among online gamblers in New Jersey. The online casino launched with a strong series of promotions aimed at welcoming new players. As a result, many players tried the casino and found a fresh, enjoyable approach to online gaming. The ease of signup, swift deposit and withdrawal processing, and straightforward website design all played significant roles in its positive reception.

How Popular Is the Play MGM Website?

Remarkably for its young age, Play MGM scores an impressive 85,951 rank in US traffic. This ranking compares favorably to online casinos in the USA like Virgin Casino (ranked 272,636) but still less than 888 Casino (ranked 41,800). With some additional years of exposure combined with its ongoing promotions, you may find that Play MGM rises significantly in popularity.

Is Play MGM a Listed Company?

Play MGM is just one of many brands owned by MGM Resorts International. MGM Resorts International is part of the S&P 500, and you can purchase its stock using the symbol MGM on the NYSE exchange.

Which Brands Does MGM Resorts International Own?

MGM Resorts International is one of the largest brand names in gambling, owning several other major brands. One listing on their home website (www.mgmresorts.com) includes the following brands:

• Bellagio
• Aria
• Vdara
• MGM Grand
• The Signature at MGM Grand
• Mandalay Bay
• Delano Las Vegas
• Park MGM Las Vegas
• NoMad Las Vegas
• Mirage
• New York New York
• Luxor
• Excalibur
• Circus Circus
• Beau Rivage
• Gold Strike
• Borgata
• Empire City Casino
• MGM Grand Detroit

There are several other MGM satellites, including in China.

How Does Play MGM Promote Responsible Gaming Among US Players?

Play MGM provides a helpful tab on its bottom navigation with resources for responsible gaming as well as an “RG” chip button at the top of the navigation bar. It’s not nearly as obvious as with some other casinos, but the casino does offer the regular features that you’d expect from an online casino, including play limits, wager limits, deposit limits, and self-exclusion options. 

If you are concerned that you have a problem, the casino offers a number to call (1-800-GAMBLER) and a link to the national gambling addiction website (www.800gambler.org). Play MGM also offers advice to protect your account from abuse from roommates, family members, or friends.

The Signup Process at Play MGM’s Online Casino

Play MGM has capitalized on its late entry into the marketplace. It’s clear that the website designers and those who manage the online casino have put time and effort into studying the competition. As a result, the site offers a streamlined signup process that keeps necessary steps and details to a minimum. With little more than the information that you know off the top of your head, you’ll be signed up and ready to play games in a matter of minutes.

Which Information Must American Players Provide to Play MGM During Signup?

Play MGM only needs standard information from you when you sign up. That information list consists of a salutation, first and last name, email address, mailing address, phone number, birthday, last four digits of your Social Security Number, username, and password.

Does Play MGM Require That I Show Any Documents to Retrieve My Funds?

In most cases, you will not need to show any documentation to withdraw funds from your account. This ease of withdrawal is primarily because most withdrawals will return to the same account(s) that you used to deposit into your account. 

If you would like to withdraw cash at the casino cage, you will need to show a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license as well as the voucher ID for the withdrawal request. This voucher ID is generated automatically when you initiate the withdrawal online, so reference your account for additional details.

What Is the Registration Process at Play MGM?

The system employs a fairly standard signup procedure, though there are load times between each page. Once you’ve entered relevant personal information, the system will prompt you to confirm your age, agree to the privacy policy, and provide several security questions and answers. These questions serve as an easy way to reclaim your account access information if you ever lose it. The signup process is over in a matter of minutes, then you can deposit money and start gambling.

How Long Will It Take to Withdraw Funds?

Withdrawal time is one of Play MGM’s strongest selling points. The casino strives to minimize the lag time between initiating and completing withdrawals, which keeps many players happy. Except physical checks, your funds will process immediately. Physical checks will still need at least a business day to process, followed by transit time as the check is delivered to your address.

Which Documents Does Play MGM Use to Verify My Identity?

You don’t need to provide special documents to begin playing with Play MGM. By registering your deposit account and possessing an IP address that confirms your geographical location in New Jersey, you can start playing immediately. The only time at which you’ll need to provide any documentation to verify your identity is during a casino cage withdrawal.

How Long Does It Take to Deposit Funds into My Account?

Play MGM excels in transaction speed. Any deposit that you make will immediately be available in your account, so you can start playing right away. Combined with Play MGM’s lack of fees for New Jersey gamblers, it’s clear why Play MGM has a great reputation for transactions.

Deposits & Withdrawals at Play MGM

This casino stands out in its deposit and withdrawal methods for one good reason and one bad reason. The bad: it keeps these options fairly limited, so you’ll usually see more options from competing casinos. However, you’re unlikely to find any online casino that processes payments and withdrawals more swiftly. Our experts have found that processing time and reliability outweigh having a variety of options, primarily because Play MGM still provides a selection of typical deposit and withdrawal methods despite its limitations.

How Can I Deposit Funds into My Play MGM Account?

Play MGM uses an unusually small number of deposit methods. The casino relies on some of the industry’s most popular processors, including Visa and Mastercard, so that players can get playing more swiftly.

Despite these limited options, the casino’s processing speed is unparalleled. You will be able to instantly play with any funds that you deposit into your account.

How Can I Withdraw Funds from My Play MGM Account? 

Play MGM has a more limited selection of withdrawal options than many of its competitors, but it more than makes up for this selection in withdrawal speed. If you bank with any of its partner banks (including Bank of America, BB&T, Chase, Citi Bank, HSBC, PNC, Santander, TD Bank, and Wells Fargo), you will have no trouble instantly withdrawing your funds.

One of the innovative features that Play MGM offers is an integrated withdrawal feature for its casino cage. Many of its competitors rely on players calling or emailing to withdraw funds at the cage. Play MGM has arranged it so that any player can make a withdrawal request through the website’s account management page. Staff will prepare the withdrawal for player access roughly 15 minutes later at the cage. 

Does Play MGM Require Me to Show Evidence of a Source of Wealth?

Play MGM does not make it a policy that players must provide a source of wealth. If the IRS or the Division of Gambling Enforcement take an interest in your deposits, however, you may be asked to provide documentation including bank statements to verify where your income is coming from for gaming.

Bonuses and Campaigns at Play MGM

When Play MGM first launched, the casino put an intense focus on offering a strong selection of bonuses and incentives for new players. While some of that energy has faded due to the continuously-positive performance of the casino, the platform maintains several ongoing bonuses. Now that many regular players have already signed up as members, Play MGM focuses instead on bonuses that encourage its players to try new features.

Which Bonuses Are Available to New Players?

At its launch, Play MGM engaged in numerous promotions to attract new players. While some of them persisted, most bonuses at Play MGM are temporary. The casino designs these bonuses to encourage players to try new games, deposit more funds, and stay active on the platform.

Ongoing promotions are designed to welcome new players with a $25 bonus for your first deposit followed by a 100% match of your first deposit up to $1,000. You can visit https://casino.nj.playmgm.com/en/p/promotions for more information regarding current bonuses, including “Cash Back Mondays” which reward you 25% of your losses up to $100 if you deposit $50 or more.

Which Styles of Bonus Campaigns Does Play MGM Run?

Play MGM engages in various bonus campaigns designed to get players to try new services. You won’t even need a Play MGM bonus code to participate in these great offers. One common push from the casino is getting casino gamblers to try betting on sports events. Other campaigns are temporary incentives based on the day of the week.

In our experience, the VIP rewards program, iRewards, is the more interesting offering in this area. It’s not designed for the casual player so much as the more serious gambler, however. There are several tiers: Sapphire (0-24,999 points), Pearl (25,000-74,999 points), Gold (75,000-199,999 points), Platinum (200,000+ points), and NOIR (invitation only). You earn points by betting on slots, video poker, and table games, but the most efficient method for point earning is through poker tournament fees and cash game rake. Each of those merit 5.5 points per dollar spent.

Redeem VIP rewards for different items at the iRewards market. These items range from cash and tickets to electronics and housewares. At higher levels, you may become entitled to additional favors from the casino, especially if you redeem your points for bonuses at the physical casino in New Jersey.

Bonus and Campaign FAQ

The Kinds of Games Available at Play MGM’s Online Casino

You won’t find a huge selection of games at Play MGM. The casino offers well below 1,000 games available for play with no intentions of quickly adding many more. Nevertheless, Play MGM does have several high-quality games, including live table games with a real dealer.

Which Games Are Available to Players at Play MGM?

Play MGM lacks the variety that you’ll find in some of its competitors. It is slow to take on third-party software, limiting the speed with which it can acquire new games. Right now, Play MGM hosts about 400 slots in a variety of styles, including progressive slots and slots with growing jackpots. This variety, though not the largest online, may interest new Play MGM players in our guide to slots online.

Play MGM does host table games, but the options are relatively limited. Available games include:

• Roulette (American and European only)
• Craps
• Texas Hold’em
• Blackjack

In most cases, you’ll find video and live variants, so you do have the option to play with a live dealer. This offering is a huge saving grace, in our opinion, as we can overlook the lack of options in exchange for access to live games. Some people prefer video versions of these games, but our experts tend to favor casinos that offer that live game experience.

If you aren’t sure how to play or want a few hot tips before you jump in, you can explore our guide to blackjack online or our guide to roulette online. 

A sister site allows you to bet on sporting events, including:

• Baseball
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Golf
• Football
• Boxing
• Hockey
• Basketball
• Auto Racing
• Cricket
• MMA
• Rugby

Combined with available promotions, many people find that Play MGM offers the gaming opportunities necessary for an exciting gambling experience.

Who Provides the Software that Play MGM Uses for Its Online Casino? 

Play MGM holds its software providers very close to the chest. The information is not available anywhere online - not in the FAQ, and not through the platform’s 24/7 customer service. This silence is a little unsettling, but many of the slots games appear to be available on other online casinos that use Gamesys. Some of the games are likely proprietary and developed in-house, but the lack of information available is concerning.

The User Experience on Play MGM’s Website

MGM has spent a significant amount of time and money ensuring that its platform is available and accessible to users. Despite this effort, mobile users will still find that functionality is limited while using some devices.

Are Any Devices Unable to Access the Casino?

Play MGM allows you to log into your account with most devices. You can use Apple, PC, or Linux devices (such as a Chromebook) that can run Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox. Other browsers are not supported, so there is no guarantee that they will function correctly.

Those on mobile devices can access the website using an Android or iOS browser. There is a Play MGM app available in respective app stores that permits players to use their phones to log into their accounts. The experience is limited, however, as many of the slots and other games are not compatible with mobile devices.

How Does Play MGM’s Casino Function, Look, and Feel for a US User?

The website is designed with modern sensibilities. While many of the games have the same style and appearance that you’ll find on other casinos, the web design is fairly slick. It’s not too flashy—instead, the platform keeps things organized with an oversized navigation bar. You’ll find it’s a breeze to access your account by using the login button at the top of the page, which then becomes the account access button.

The site doesn’t break new ground, but it is visually distinct enough from other websites in layout and color palette that you’ll feel the difference. 

Play MGM’s Online Customer Support for US Players

The customer support at Play MGM is a mixed bag. The casino provides 24/7 support accessible by phone, but you’re unlikely to get information that you won’t find in the FAQ. During a call to the customer support center, our experts found that the first answer always referenced the FAQ. Unfortunately, the FAQ was missing some technical information, and the representative was unaware of that fact.

Which Methods Does Play MGM Offer for Customer Support?

Play MGM lacks a live chat functionality, though we recognize that other sites’ live chats aren’t necessarily the most useful help feature. The tech support phone line (609-248-9531) goes to a call center, and you’re unlikely to get more information from them than you would from a 24/7 automated chat service.

The FAQ is fairly comprehensive and usually has the information that you’d want from a real person. If you keep your questions related to the online casino’s functionality, you’ll probably find the answers that you desire. The FAQ is broken down into subsections that make sense, so it’s not hard to find the right headings that apply to your questions. Overall, the FAQ is easy to navigate and filled with useful information.

What Makes Play MGM Unique?

This casino has more than just a reputable name attached to it. After analyzing available data, we’ve found that Play MGM is a solid casino worth checking out for US players. You can try out many of the slots variations and other games available online as you take advantage of the casino’s betting incentives.

How Does Play MGM Casino Stand out from Other Casinos? 

Play MGM manages to avoid the cliche of trying to be too different while dodging charges of being the same as its competitors. Play MGM takes what has worked in other casinos and develops it further into a style that is unique to the platform. For many players, the biggest selling point is the capacity for the casino to immediately processes deposits and withdrawals.

Should a US Player Choose Play MGM Over Its Competitors?

Play MGM is a safe and reputable place to enjoy gambling. It blends several positive features together in a way that instills confidence while granting players the opportunity to freely try out new games. Experienced players will find the game selection thin, but the live table games are a significant selling point.

Our Expert Review Summary

Our overall impression of Play MGM was quite positive. We believe that this is a casino that is well on the way to becoming one of the best casinos on the market. In just a few years, you may find that Play MGM is one of the top three casinos online based on user quantity and frequency.

5 Traits about the Casino that Impressed Us

It’s easy to list positives about a solid and satisfying casino. Here are just five considerations.

• Easy Signup Procedure

It’s clear that a casino wants you to gamble with them when they make it easy to sign up and get started. Without the hassle of following complicated steps, you can immediately get gambling after signing up.

• Strong Bonus Incentives

While current bonuses are focused on expanding players into new areas of the casino, these bonuses do add up. If you diligently review the available promotions, you can always find something suitable.

• Swift Monetary Processing

Once you deposit funds in your account, you’ll be able to play with them. If you withdraw funds, you’ll see them in your account shortly.

• Live Casino

Players who want the real Play MGM Casino NJ experience but cannot leave home will enjoy the casino’s live table games.

• Stable Brand

Considering the stability of the larger brand, you can expect Play MGM to be available for many years to come.

Three Drawbacks to Using Play MGM

While there are fewer negative considerations about Play MGM than there are positives, there are a few worth mentioning.

• Poor Live Customer Service Options

While the FAQ section is fairly comprehensive, the lack of a live chat and the call center structure of the customer service line mean that you’ll have a hard time getting the information that you want if it’s not in the FAQ.

• Limited Withdrawal and Deposit Options

Despite speedy withdrawals, the limitations on kind of deposits and withdrawals can be frustrating. Those with Paypal funds that they’d like to deposit are unfortunately out of luck.

• Secrecy Regarding Software

Many players are simply interested in the software used for their favorite games. Unfortunately, Play MGM is not interested in letting anyone know what software is behind the platform’s games.

JustGamblers.com’s Final Review of Play MGM

Play MGM has a lot going for it. Despite some drawbacks that gave us pause, we believe that the casino has a bright future and is already in a good place. As a result, we gave the casino an ‘A’ rating of 5/5. For more reviews, you can see all our casino games reviews in one place.