BetMGM is adding several new features for the 2026 NFL season, including its own form of injury protection for player props. The sportsbook announced its enhanced NFL offerings earlier this week. BetDefense is one of the main additions, but BetMGM is also rolling out an enhanced Cash Out feature. The timing comes right when FanDuel and Fanatics have also made injury protection a bigger part of their NFL products. With the NFL season underway, sportsbooks are finding new ways to innovate.
BetDefense gives users protection on eligible NFL player props if an injury happens early in the game. If a player leaves early due to injury during the first quarter, BetMGM can return the user’s stake in cash. However, do note that it’s not offered at every BetMGM location, including Alberta, Massachusetts, Ontario, and Puerto Rico.
BetMGM is also introducing Odds Flash, which offers enhanced spread pricing on select college and NFL markets. Cash Out is getting an upgrade as well.
BetMGM is focusing on an area where two of its major competitors have already made changes: injury protection.
FanDuel recently made Bet Protect+ free for NFL wagers throughout September. The feature normally costs an extra 3% of the wager amount, but FanDuel is waiving that fee during the opening month of the season.
Bet Protect+ covers eligible player props when a player leaves with an injury and does not return, similar to what’s now offered at BetMGM.
Fanatics has taken a different approach with FAIR PLAY MAX, which it launched this week.
First Half Injury Protection is automatically included on eligible NFL player props. Users can also activate a Gameday Token for Second Half Injury Protection on one eligible player prop per day.
With that in mind, it’s clear that Injury protection is becoming another way for sportsbooks to separate themselves from competitors.
An injury early in a game is one of the most frustrating outcomes for a bettor. A user can make a player prop bet and have almost no chance to win if that player gets hurt after only a few snaps.
By providing a feature to refund losing wagers resulting from injury, BetMGM, along with FanDuel and Fanatics, is attempting to endear itself to users. The goal is to retain players with a more user-friendly experience.
Expanded Cash Out is an interesting offer that was also rolled out. It’s a way for BetMGM to attempt to compete with prediction markets.
One of the selling points for prediction markets is the ability to sell a position before an event ends at a price set by the market. Users can sometimes get better value than they would from a sportsbook’s Cash Out offer, especially when there is strong liquidity.
To that end, expanding Cash Out gives BetMGM another way to compete with the flexibility offered at prediction markets.
With the betting industry continuing to evolve, BetMGM’s NFL offerings show how operators continue to try to innovate to stand out in a competitive market. It’s creating a more user-friendly experience.
