BetMGM vs theScore Bet — Which Big Bonus Is Actually Worth More?
BetMGM's $1,500 offer is the bigger headline number, but theScore Bet's $1,000 First Bet Reset can be easier to extract real value from depending on your first-bet size. Here's how the two compare side by side.
What Does Each Bonus Actually Give You?
Use promo code BUSABONUS at BetMGM and you get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first cash wager loses—that's a First Bet Reset, not a deposit match. The full $1,500 only kicks in if you open with a $1,500 bet. Bet $50 and your reset is $50.
theScore Bet (promo code GOAL) works the same way structurally—lose your first bet and it comes back as bonus bets, up to $1,000. Both offers are First Bet Reset promos, so the comparison really comes down to caps, availability, and the fine print around eligible users.
BetMGM vs theScore Bet Bonus — Head-to-Head Table
| Feature | BetMGM (BUSABONUS) | theScore Bet (GOAL) |
|---|---|---|
| Max bonus amount | $1,500 in bonus bets | $1,000 in bonus bets |
| Bonus type | First Bet Reset | First Bet Reset |
| Promo code | BUSABONUS | GOAL |
| Minimum age | 21+ (all states) | 21+ (18+ in KY) |
| States excluded | DC, MS, NY, NV, Ontario, PR | Eligible new users only; check state availability |
| Bonus bets stake returned on win? | No — profit only | No — profit only |
| Operator | BetMGM | PENN Entertainment (theScore) |
Which Offer Is Worth More in Practice?
Raw dollar cap aside, both promos share the same structural reality: bonus bets only return the profit, not the stake. So if you win a $100 bonus bet at -110, you pocket roughly $91, not $191. That changes the math on "bigger is better."
For most recreational bettors opening with a first bet under $200, the BetMGM cap is largely irrelevant—both books cover you equally. The $1,500 ceiling only matters if you're willing to risk a four-figure first wager. If that's not you, theScore Bet's $1,000 reset is effectively the same product.
BetMGM is excluded from New York, Nevada, and DC, among other markets. If you're in one of those states, theScore Bet (which returned to market in December 2025) may be your better path—assuming it's live in your state. Always confirm sports betting is legal where you live before signing up anywhere.
What the Fine Print Looks Like on Both Sides
With any First Bet Reset, the refund lands as bonus bets, not cash. You can't withdraw bonus bets themselves—only net winnings from bonus-bet wagers are cashable. Short expiry windows make this harder; a 7-day window on a large bonus is genuinely difficult for casual bettors to work through.
Minimum odds restrictions also apply. Bonus bets commonly must be placed at -200 or longer, so you can't slap your entire reset on a -400 favorite and call it cleared. For a deeper look at terms that catch new players off guard, our sportsbook bonus red flags guide breaks down the clauses that actually cost money.
Our Verdict
If you plan to open with a first bet above $1,000, BetMGM's higher cap wins on paper. For everyone else, the two offers are functionally identical in structure—pick the one available in your state and at an operator you trust. Read the full breakdowns before committing: BetMGM Promo Code BUSABONUS — $1,500 Bonus Bets Reviewed and theScore Bet Promo Code GOAL — $1,000 First Bet Reset Explained.
You can also claim both at the same time—each sportsbook tracks new-player eligibility separately, so stacking welcome offers across operators is fair game. Just don't try to claim a casino bonus and a sportsbook bonus from the same operator simultaneously; that typically disqualifies one of them.
Must be 21+ (18+ in KY for theScore Bet). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.