Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-02**Lead**
A widely circulated sportsbook promotion promising a $150 bonus for a $10 wager using the code “FOXNEWS” has prompted security experts to issue cautionary advice to U.S. bettors. The offer, promoted by BetMGM ahead of NHL and MLB playoff games and a busy football weekend, is legitimate when accessed through official channels, but authorities warn that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting high-profile sports events to launch phishing campaigns and fake betting sites. With millions of Americans expected to place bets this weekend, the risk of falling victim to fraud is elevated.
**Context**
BetMGM, a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Entain, is one of the largest licensed sportsbook operators in the United States, holding permits in more than 20 states. The company frequently partners with media brands to offer promotional codes; the “FOXNEWS” code is believed to be part of a marketing arrangement with Fox News Media, though BetMGM has not publicly detailed the specific terms. The promotion allows new users to bet $10 and receive $150 in bonus bets, a common acquisition tactic in the competitive online gambling industry.
However, the surge in legal sports betting since the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act has also attracted malicious actors. According to the Federal Trade Commission, reports of gambling-related scams have increased in recent years, with fraudsters creating lookalike websites that mimic legitimate operators. During major sporting events such as the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, MLB postseason, and NFL regular-season games, these scams tend to spike. The American Gaming Association has repeatedly urged consumers to only wager with state-licensed operators and to verify promotional offers directly on the operator’s official website or app.
Security researchers note that the “FOXNEWS” code itself is not inherently dangerous, but the way it is distributed can be exploited. Scammers may send unsolicited text messages or emails containing the code, directing recipients to fake login pages designed to steal credentials and financial information. In some cases, victims have reported unauthorized withdrawals from linked bank accounts after entering their details on fraudulent sites. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, one of the most active state regulators, has issued public advisories reminding bettors that legitimate promotions never require sharing sensitive data like Social Security numbers or passwords outside the operator’s secure platform.
**Analise**
The timing of this promotion is particularly significant. The NHL and MLB playoffs are in full swing, drawing large audiences, and the weekend includes a full slate of college and professional football games. This convergence creates a perfect storm for both legitimate marketing and criminal activity. Security experts emphasize that the convenience of a one-click bonus can blind users to red flags. “When you see a deal that seems too good to be true, it often is,” said a cybersecurity analyst at a major threat intelligence firm, speaking on condition of anonymity due to company policy. “But even legitimate offers require caution. Always navigate to the site yourself, never click a link in an unsolicited message.”
The broader trend of sportsbook promotions using media-branded codes also raises questions about consumer data privacy. While BetMGM and its partners adhere to strict data protection regulations in regulated states, the proliferation of codes across social media and third-party affiliate sites can make it difficult for users to distinguish official from unofficial channels. The American Gaming Association’s “Have a Game Plan” campaign advises bettors to set limits, use only legal operators, and report suspicious activity to state regulators.
For the weekend ahead, security professionals recommend that anyone interested in the BetMGM offer should visit the official BetMGM website directly, type the code “FOXNEWS” during registration, and ensure the site’s URL begins with “https://” and displays a valid security certificate. They also advise enabling two-factor authentication on betting accounts and monitoring bank statements for any unauthorized transactions. State gaming commissions in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and other key markets have dedicated hotlines for reporting suspected fraud.
**Fontes**
- American Gaming Association, “Responsible Gaming Education Month” resources and public statements on scam awareness. - Federal Trade Commission, consumer alerts on sports betting scams (2024–2025). - New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, advisory bulletins on phishing and fraudulent sportsbook websites. - BetMGM official terms and conditions for the FOXNEWS promotion (accessed via BetMGM.com). - Cybersecurity industry reports on gambling-related phishing trends (general, no specific numbers cited).