Expert Consensus
When it comes to online sports betting, Bovada sportsbook checks all the boxes. On top of a generous welcome bonus that can hit $750 when depositing with Bitcoin and referral bonuses that could earn you hundreds more, this site offers the widest range of sports to bet on, live sports betting, special and exotic prop bets for the wackiest events in pop culture. Plus, the easy-to-navigate pages and mobile betting access only boost the reputation of an industry leader that remains top in class.
Bovada Information
Bovada Sportbook Pros and Cons
Bovada is one of the oldest online gambling companies on the Internet. Back in 1994, Bodog was launched as a consultant for online operators. In 2001, Bodog relaunched as an online casino, poker site, and sports betting site.
When the UIGEA was passed in 2006, the brand was sold to Morris Mowhawk Gaming Group (MMGG). MMGG eventually converted Bodog into the UK and Canadian side of the business, while launching Bovada as the US-facing casino, bookmaker, and card room. Bovada has 25 years of experience in the online gambling industry.
Pros
- Incredible selection of sports from around the world
- Mobile betting without time-consuming downloads
- A full set of multiple betting options for larger payouts
- Prop bets from sports, politics and entertainment
- Bitcoin-Friendly
Cons
- Low deposit maximum amounts for credit cards
- Check withdrawals could take up to 15 days to get to you
Expert Testimonial
Bovada is a heavyweight champion amongst sportsbooks. With a long history of satisfied customers, depth of offerings, and large bonuses, Bovada is a great pick.
Welcome Bonuses and Promotions
Welcome Bonus
You can receive a 50% match bonus on your first deposit, up to a maximum of $250. It might not sound like a lot, but it looks a lot better when you deposit $250 and walk away with $375 to start playing with.
Bitcoin Bonus
Your match bonus for using Bitcoin to make your first deposit is 75% up to $750. Bovada is ahead of the curve when it comes to using cryptocurrency to make your deposit, but they also want to make it worth your while.
Casino and Poker Bonuses
There are separate welcome bonuses for the casino and poker room at Bovada, as well. You should check those out if you want to take a break from sports betting.
Other Promotions at Bovada
Rewards Program
The Bovada Rewards program includes loyalty rewards and bonus points that can be gained through bets on the Bovada sportsbook, poker rooms and casino.
Refer-A-Friend Program
At Bovada, if you refer a friend to the sportsbook and get them to sign up, you can receive a percentage of their first deposit. It’s currently based on a 200% referral match bonus up to $200 with an additional $75 bonus awarded when your friends and family make a first deposit with Bitcoin, Litecoin, or another Cryptocurrency.
Game Contribution Rates
As is the case with casino bonuses or poker room promotions, you must meet certain requirements before keeping your Bovada sportsbook bonus cash for good. The rollover is 5x on sports, horses and 30x on casino on both the initial deposit and bonus amount. The bonus funds can not be used for LIVE dealer games.
Sports Betting Options at Bovada
When you first arrive at Bovada Sports, you’ll find on the main menu categories for NFL, basketball, hockey, soccer, tennis, golf, live betting, and “All Sports”. The site also has quick links along the left side of the page for NBA Game lines, College Basketball, NHL Game Lines, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and the CONCACAF Champions League.
The middle of the sports homepage is dominated by live betting odds. Using a tool, you can spot live in-play bets grouped by American odds, fractional odds, or decimal odds. Bettors also can search for bets using an internal Bovada search engine. A tool on the right-hand side of the page shows your current betting slip and all the open bets you’ve have. A handy help section link is available underneath those tools.
Point Spreads
We found that Bovada provides the full suite of betting options and types. Below is a list of the sports betting types available.
Slot Games
Weighted odds in which the favorite must cover the spread. Underdog bets win even if they lose by less than the spread.
Moneylines
If you don’t like point spreads, make a moneyline wager on who wins the game outright. Favorites have the – symbols and underdogs have the + symbol.
Totals
Also called an Over/Under bet, it is a wager on how many points or goals will be scored in a game, regardless of winner.
Parlays
Three or more bets on separate events. To win a parlay, all bets must hit. Parlays tend to have high payouts.
Teasers
You can combine your bets on two games. Bovada even allows you to adjust the point spread, but your payout will be smaller.
Futures
Long term wagers, such as who will win a league title or a league MVP.
Proposition Bets
Also called prop bets, these are wagers on stats or events during a sporting event.
Entertainment Prop Bets
Prop bets on celebrities, scandals, or events in the entertainment industry.
Political Prop Bets
Prop bets on politicians, elections, or political scandals.
LIVE Betting
Live in-play sports betting apps allow wagering on dozens of prop bets during a game.
Banking Methods
Sports bettors have five banking methods at Bovada Sports. The most popular are the major credit cards. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are all accepted. If you don’t want to use your credit card, Visa and Mastercard gift cards are other popular methods. If you decide to use gift cards make sure they are eligible for online international purchases.
One thing to keep an eye on is the deposit fees Bovada charges. For the first deposit, there is no fee, but afterward, players are charged 5.9 percent when using Visa and MasterCard. Things get even worse for American Express users, who pay a 9.9 percent fee on all deposits after the initial. For that reason, the actual minimum deposit for credit cards is $20 plus the 5.9 percent or $21.80. Credit card deposits have a $500 max limit.
It is hard not to notice that Bovada is keen on Bitcoin. As noted above there are multiple bonus offers for Bitcoin users. In an additional perk, bitcoin users get their profits much faster and without the fees. This goes for Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin SV, as well. Bitcoin SV, in particular, helps process larger transactions like are the ones commonly done for real money skill games, and Bovada can process more transactions, as well.
Bitcoin not only offers new players a more lucrative welcome bonus, but allows for payouts to hit your account faster with no fees. Plus, crypto deposits offer an extra layer of privacy between sportsbook and player.
Bovada Sportsbook Details
Mobile Gaming
Bovada’s mobile sports betting platform is compatible with iPhone, Android and Windows users, but there is no app available in the App Store and Google Play Store for Bovada. No mobile app is required to make your Android smartphone or tablet computer, iPhone, or iPad compatible with Bovada. Because its instant play games open in the web browser, simply navigate to the site and begin making sports bets instantly.
Safety and Security
As they do with the rest of their services Bovada uses top-of-the-line encryption security with your personal transactions and financial details. They have been in the game long enough that they know players will leave if their sportsbook safety is not up to par. Therefore, they work had to ensure you do not have to worry about that.
Customer Support
If you have questions, you can click on Bovada’s Help Section to get answers to general questions. You’ll find separate FAQ sections on Sports, Poker, Casino, Bitcoin, Horses, Financial Questions, Bonus Questions, and the General FAQ. This should cover most inquiries that do not pertain to a specific case.
If you don’t see the answer in their FAQ section, fill in your query at the top of the page. If you still don’t get a link to the response.
The Verdict
Bovada is the long-time king of the online sportsbooks. And we found it remains one of, if not the, best option for a wide-range of bettors.
We fully recommend Bovada for just about every type of player, with its history of solid performance and timely payments.
