So, you're used to the bright lights of the Ameristar Casino in Black Hawk or East Chicago, and now you want that same experience from your couch? You are not alone. Many players look for the Ameristar brand online, expecting to find a dedicated app. Here is the deal: you won't find an app called 'Ameristar' in the App Store. Instead, Ameristar's digital presence is rolled entirely into the BetMGM Casino platform. If you want the rewards, the game library, and the reputation of Ameristar on your phone, you have to go through BetMGM. It sounds confusing at first, but it's actually a huge advantage for players.
Ameristar is owned by Boyd Gaming, a massive name in the US land-based casino scene. However, For online gambling in states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Boyd partnered with MGM Resorts. This means the online skin for Ameristar is BetMGM. When you download the BetMGM Casino app, you are essentially playing at the online version of Ameristar. Why does this matter? Because you get access to one of the largest game libraries in the US. We aren't talking about a stripped-down selection. You get the full roster of slots, table games, and live dealer options that power the MGM network. The integration is smooth, but the branding catches people off guard.
If you frequent the physical Ameristar properties, you probably have a B Connected card. Here is where the online crossover gets interesting. While the land-based rewards program is B Connected, the online ecosystem ties into MGM's M life Rewards. When you sign up for the online casino, you link your account to M life. This allows you to convert online play into real-world perks. You can earn Tier Credits that help you climb the M life ladder - Pearl, Gold, Platinum, and Noir. Higher tiers mean things like waived resort fees, priority check-in lines at MGM properties (like the Borgata in Atlantic City or MGM Grand in Las Vegas), and exclusive access to VIP lounges. It is a bridge between your digital play and a luxury Vegas-style vacation.
BetMGM runs promotions that are specific to its online user base, which Ameristar players can access. You might find a 'Bet $10, Get $50' offer or a weekly 'Wheel of Fortune' spin that guarantees a prize. These aren't usually available to walk-in players at the physical casino. The online space is much more aggressive with bonuses because the competition is just a click away. For a savvy player, this means you can pad your bankroll significantly before ever sitting down at a virtual blackjack table.
The game lobby is where the BetMGM engine really shines. Since it acts as the online hub for Ameristar, you aren't limited to just a few titles. You are looking at over 1,500 games in some states. The slot selection is heavy on high RTP (Return to Player) titles. You'll find the usual suspects like Cleopatra and Divine Fortune, but also exclusive titles you can't play anywhere else.
One specific feature worth highlighting is the 'The Big One' series. These are networked progressive jackpots that frequently climb into the millions. Because BetMGM pools players from multiple skins and states, the prize pools grow fast. If you are chasing a life-changing score, this is the digital equivalent of the giant slot jackpots you see on the casino floor. The hit frequency isn't high, obviously, but the potential payout dwarfs what most standalone online casinos can offer.
For players who miss the social aspect of the Ameristar pits, the Live Dealer section is the cure. Powered primarily by Evolution Gaming, you get real dealers streamed in HD. You can play Infinite Blackjack, Lightning Roulette, or Baccarat. The betting limits are flexible, starting as low as $1 for casual players and going up to $10,000+ for high rollers. It bridges the gap between the random number generator (RNG) games and the tactile feel of a physical casino.
Moving money is always the biggest pain point for US gamblers. BetMGM handles this well. They offer a wider range of options than most standalone sites. You can use standard Visa and Mastercard, but processing rates can vary depending on your bank. For guaranteed deposits, PayPal and Venmo are available, which is a huge plus for security and speed. Withdrawals typically process back to the original deposit method up to the amount deposited. If you prefer keeping your bank details offline, you can use Play+ or buy a Paysafecard at a local convenience store. Crypto is not currently supported for direct deposits, as it operates strictly within state-regulated frameworks.
| Casino Brand | Welcome Offer | Payment Methods | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM (Amerister Online) | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 Free | PayPal, Venmo, Visa, Mastercard, Play+ | $10 |
| DraftKings Casino | Play $5, Get $50 in Casino Credits | PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, ACH | $5 |
| FanDuel Casino | Play it Again up to $1,000 | PayPal, Venmo, Visa, Mastercard | $10 |
Ameristar has physical locations in Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and other states. However, the online version (via BetMGM) is currently live in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. If you are in Colorado or Missouri, you cannot legally play on the BetMGM casino app yet, as those states haven't passed iGaming legislation. You can only use the sportsbook app there. It's a crucial distinction - being able to walk into an Ameristar in Kansas City doesn't give you the legal right to play slots on the app from your home in Missouri. You must be physically located within the borders of a legalized state, verified by geolocation software.
The app itself is polished. It doesn't carry the Ameristar logo, but the functionality is top-tier. Navigation is split into logical tabs: Casino, Live Dealer, Promotions, and Rewards. The search function actually works well, unlike some clunky competitor apps that struggle to find specific games. Load times are fast on 4G and 5G connections. On the security front, it uses biometric login (FaceID and Touch ID), so you don't have to type your password every time. It's a native app, not a wrapped mobile site, so the scrolling is smooth and the games launch in their own dedicated window.
No, you cannot link a B Connected card directly to the online casino. The online platform uses the M life Rewards program. You will need to create an M life account to track your online play, which can then be used at MGM properties nationwide.
No. Ameristar does not operate its own branded real-money app. It operates under the BetMGM license. To play the online version of Ameristar, you must download the BetMGM Casino app available in NJ, PA, MI, and WV.
The standard wagering requirement for the BetMGM welcome bonus is 15x on slots. This is significantly better than the industry standard, which often sits at 20x or 30x. Note that table games and video poker usually contribute much less, often only 10% or 0% toward clearing the bonus.
Yes, but with a caveat. Since the online wallet is tied to BetMGM, you can withdraw cash at the cage of any MGM property. However, you typically cannot walk into an Ameristar in Black Hawk and withdraw funds from your BetMGM account unless that specific property has a partnership arrangement for cage transactions. It is best to check the specific withdrawal options in the cashier section of the app for your state.
