Key Moments:
- BetMGM has scheduled its 2026 Poker Championship at ARIA Resort & Casino for 29 June to 4 July, featuring a $4 million guaranteed prize pool
- The guarantee marks a $1 million increase from the previous year, signaling strong growth and continued momentum
- Players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan may compete for seats via online qualifiers with entry points as low as $5
Championship Overview
The BetMGM Poker Championship is set to return to ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas from 29 June to 4 July 2026, and will feature a substantial $4 million guaranteed prize pool. This commitment reflects a $1 million increase compared to the 2025 edition, highlighting an acceleration in guaranteed prize pools across US live poker tournaments. The focal event adheres to the No-Limit Hold’em format and requires a $3,500 buy-in, serving as the flagship tournament within the ARIA Poker Classic summer series, which runs from 29 May through 13 July.
Event Structure and Schedule
Spanning a total of four days, the Poker Championship features two initial starting flights: Day 1A on 1 July and Day 1B on 2 July. Qualified participants from both Day 1 flights reconvene on 3 July, leading to the final table contested on 4 July. Players have the chance to secure event seats via live satellites at the ARIA Poker Room, with entry beginning at $160 and running throughout the weekend prior to the event.
| Day | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1A | 1 July 2026 | First starting flight |
| Day 1B | 2 July 2026 | Second starting flight |
| Day 2 | 3 July 2026 | Combined field continuation |
| Final Table | 4 July 2026 | Championship concludes |
Performance and Expansion
Since its inception in 2022, the Championship has demonstrated robust growth. The inaugural event drew 343 entries and established a prize pool of $1.1 million. As of 2025, entry numbers expanded to 1,853, driving the actual prize pool to $5.9 million – nearly double the $3 million guarantee for that year. The 2026 edition’s guarantee signals continued optimism regarding participation and potential payout.
“Summer in Las Vegas is where the poker world convenes, and the BetMGM Poker Championship is the centrepiece for us,” said David Mileaf, Director of Poker at BetMGM. “The partnership between BetMGM and MGM Resorts gives players access to venues and experiences that simply can’t be replicated.”
Sean McCormack, MGM Resorts’ Executive Director of Poker Strategy & Development, added:
“Combining BetMGM’s online reach with our ARIA guest experience, we’ve created something that truly resonates with today’s player and the overall championship atmosphere.”
Online Qualification and Packages
Aspiring entrants based in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan can access two distinct online qualification paths. The first option awards direct seats to the championship via weekly qualifier finals with $100 or $250 buy-ins, preceded by satellites starting at $10 and $25. The second route provides $7,200 travel packages, which include the $3,500 event buy-in, ARIA hotel accommodation, and an additional $500 in cash, attainable through a stepped satellite format beginning at $5 and $50.
The online qualification period closes on 23 June, with a final qualifier weekend running from 21 to 23 June. Event results will be made available to the Global Poker Index and The Hendon Mob, and exclusive live coverage will be provided through Poker.org.
BetMGM at a Glance
BetMGM, formed through the partnership between MGM Resorts International and Entain Plc, delivers sports betting and iGaming solutions, leveraging MGM’s exclusive US land-based and digital offerings in sports betting, tournament poker, and online casino. The operator’s reach extends within multiple US states as well as select international markets, including the UK and Sweden through the LeoVegas Group. Its regulated online poker platform is active in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
- Author
Daniel Williams
