Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-30**Lead**
A new promotion from BetMGM, activated with the bonus code FOXNEWS, is offering first-time users in the United States up to $1,500 in first-bet insurance for the NBA Cup. The offer, which runs through the end of the tournament’s group stage, refunds losing wagers in the form of bonus bets, allowing bettors to recoup their initial stake if their first pick does not win. The NBA Cup, a mid-season tournament featuring all 30 teams, began its group phase on November 12, 2026, and the BetMGM promotion is timed to capture the heightened interest around the event.
**Contexto**
BetMGM, a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Entain plc, is one of the largest sportsbook operators in the United States, licensed in more than 20 states. The company regularly offers sign-up bonuses tied to major sporting events, and the NBA Cup — officially called the Emirates NBA Cup — has become a key marketing opportunity since its launch in 2023. The bonus code FOXNEWS is part of a broader partnership between BetMGM and Fox Corporation, which includes cross-promotion on Fox Sports broadcasts and digital platforms.
The mechanics of the offer are straightforward: a new user registers an account, deposits at least $10, and enters the code FOXNEWS. The first wager placed on any NBA Cup game is then insured up to $1,500. If the bet loses, BetMGM credits the user’s account with bonus bets equal to the amount of the initial stake, up to the $1,500 cap. These bonus bets can be used on any future sports market, though they typically expire within seven to fourteen days and do not return the stake amount if they win. The promotion is available in all states where BetMGM operates, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio, among others.
The NBA Cup itself has grown in viewership since its inception. According to data published by the NBA, the 2024 tournament saw a 12% increase in average television ratings compared to the inaugural edition, with the championship game drawing over 5 million viewers on ABC. The event features a group stage followed by a single-elimination knockout round, culminating in a final on December 14, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. BetMGM’s promotion covers all games from the group stage through the final, giving bettors a wide window to use the insurance.
**Analise**
The timing of the BetMGM bonus code FOXNEWS reflects a broader trend in the sports betting industry: operators are increasingly using insurance offers rather than pure deposit matches to attract new users. First-bet insurance reduces the perceived risk for novice bettors, who may be hesitant to place a large wager without a safety net. By capping the coverage at $1,500, BetMGM targets serious basketball fans who might be willing to place a significant bet on the NBA Cup while still limiting the operator’s liability. The use of bonus bets — which expire and do not pay out the stake — also ensures that the effective cost to BetMGM is lower than a cash refund.
From a consumer perspective, the promotion is most valuable for bettors who are confident in their first pick but want a hedge against a loss. The NBA Cup’s single-elimination format in the knockout rounds introduces higher variance, making insurance particularly appealing. However, users should be aware that bonus bets come with restrictions: they cannot be withdrawn as cash, and winnings from bonus bets typically do not include the stake amount. For example, a $1,000 bonus bet placed at +100 odds would return $1,000 in winnings, not $2,000. This nuance is often overlooked by new users, and BetMGM’s terms and conditions clearly state that bonus bets are non-withdrawable.
The partnership with Fox Corporation also adds a layer of credibility and reach. Fox Sports broadcasts NBA Cup games nationally, and the FOXNEWS code is promoted during commercial breaks and on the Fox Sports website. This integration allows BetMGM to tap into a large audience of casual basketball viewers who may not have previously engaged with sports betting. As of 2026, legal sports betting is available in 38 states plus Washington, D.C., and the market continues to expand. The NBA Cup, with its concentrated schedule and high-stakes games, provides an ideal vehicle for customer acquisition.
**Fontes**
- BetMGM official terms and conditions for the FOXNEWS bonus code, accessed via BetMGM.com on October 30, 2026. - NBA Communications, “Emirates NBA Cup 2026 Schedule and Broadcast Information,” published October 15, 2026. - Fox Sports, “BetMGM Bonus Code FOXNEWS: Get $1,500 First Bet Insurance for NBA Cup,” posted on FoxSports.com, October 28, 2026. - American Gaming Association, “State of the States: Sports Betting in the U.S.,” 2026 annual report.