| Updated: The online gambling platform was established in 2011, but before that, it operated under the name Bodog, one of the most visited gambling sites in the U.S. During that time, it was operated by the Morris Mohawk Gaming Corporation and held a license from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Today, although it operates under a new brand, the online casino and sportsbook maintains the same high standards of customer satisfaction, online safety, and fair gaming.
With more than 15 years of experience, the renowned gambling operator offers its customers an easy-to-use online betting platform, generous promotions, and convenient payment methods. Most notably, Bovada accepts Bitcoin, which is becoming an increasingly popular deposit method among gambling enthusiasts. The cryptocurrency provides a high level of security and exceptionally fast transactions, whether they are deposits into your gaming account or withdrawals of your winnings. Due to its use of Bitcoin, Bovada is well known for its fast, reliable payouts compared with other gambling operators, where withdrawals to credit cards, bank accounts, or digital wallets may take longer to process and authorize.
Featuring a new and improved interface, Bovada’s Sportsbook is easy to use, even for less experienced sports betting fans. It has a simple, straightforward bet slip, a clear, modern layout, and a fantastic mobile platform that is equally smooth and functional on both Android and iOS devices. As the Sportsbook is oriented mainly toward a U.S. audience, there is a strong focus on North American sports such as basketball, American football, and hockey. Of course, customers can place bets on a wide variety of sporting events from around the world, including ITF tournaments, the UEFA Champions League, and major horse racing events. Most importantly, the Sportsbook has an excellent Live Betting section where the odds are dynamic and change constantly.
Promotions and Bonus Terms
Welcome offers and bonuses are essential considerations for most casino and sports betting enthusiasts when choosing where to bet online. Recognizing the importance of promotions, Bovada offers excellent welcome bonuses and regular events that reward not only new account holders but also existing members. Notably, those who make Bitcoin deposits benefit the most from Bovada’s bonuses.
It is important to know that all bonuses and promotional campaigns are intended primarily for U.S.-based customers. Other requirements must also be met before you qualify for a bonus or can withdraw any winnings generated from it.
$250 Sports Welcome Bonus
Those who join Bovada’s Sportsbook and make a real-money deposit will receive a 50% match bonus of up to $250. To receive the welcome bonus, they simply need to register an account and redeem the bonus from the My Awards page on the website. There is no minimum qualifying deposit for the bonus itself, but customers should keep Bovada’s minimum deposit limits in mind: $20 when funding an account with a credit or debit card, or $10 when depositing with Bitcoin.
However, playthrough requirements must be met before you can request a withdrawal. In Bovada’s Bonus Terms & Conditions, these are listed as rollover requirements, and they refer to the number of times customers must wager the bonus they have received. For this particular offer, the rollover is 5x, which means that you need to place bets in the Sportsbook and Racebook equal to five times the combined amount of the bonus and deposit. For instance, if your first deposit is $10, you will be awarded a $5 bonus, representing a 50% match. In this case, you will need to wager $75, which is $15 multiplied by 5.
Although this is a Sports Welcome Bonus, its wagering requirements can also be met in Bovada’s Casino section. However, the rollover is considerably higher at 30 times the combined amount of the deposit and bonus, so the amount that must be wagered increases to $450. This bonus is available to U.S. recreational players only. If the bonus is abused in any way or a withdrawal is requested before the rollover is completed, all winnings generated from the bonus will be forfeited.
$500 Sports Bitcoin Welcome Bonus
This is one of the most attractive promotions offered by Bovada because it includes not only a $500 sports bonus but also a second bonus that can be used in the Casino. After completing their registration, players need to redeem one of the available bonuses while making a Bitcoin deposit. In this case, they must claim the $500 Sports Bitcoin Welcome Bonus and enter the bonus code BVSBITCOIN50.
This offer is valid only for first-time Bitcoin deposits and can be redeemed only once. New customers receive a 50% match bonus on their deposit, up to a maximum bonus amount of $500. Once again, there is no minimum deposit amount, and the rollover requirement is five times the combined total of the deposit and bonus. When meeting the bonus requirements, users can place bets in the Sportsbook, Casino, and Racebook. The bonus is not available in the Poker section. If it is used in the Casino, the playthrough requirement is 30x, but not all games contribute at the same rate. Moreover, craps does not contribute toward meeting the rollover requirement.
While this offer is attractive, it is only one of several benefits available to those who use Bitcoin for their deposits. Bovada offers a second bonus of up to $4,500, which can be claimed when making a Bitcoin deposit, but it is intended for Casino use only. Players need to redeem the code BVSBITCOIN150 and confirm the deposit transaction. They will then receive a 150% match bonus on their deposit. The bonus can be used three times per account holder, with up to $1,500 in bonus funds available each time.
However, not everyone will be able to benefit from this promotion, as the minimum deposit is $1,000. The combined amount of the deposit and bonus is subject to a 25x playthrough requirement, and craps is the only game that does not contribute toward meeting it.
Cashback Bonuses with Bovada Rewards
Many online casinos and bookmakers describe their rewards programs as VIP Clubs and grant access only to members who spend large amounts of money. Bovada takes a different approach by awarding Reward Points for every $1 wagered in the Casino, Sportsbook, and Racebook.
Those who place a $1 bet on table games and video poker receive 1 Reward Point, while players wagering the same amount on slots receive 5 points. Each $1 wagered on specialty games earns 15 Reward Points, but sports betting and horse racing fans benefit the most from the program. Each $1 staked on Sports Singles, Sports Teasers, Sports Round Robin/Parlays, Racebook Straight Wagers, and Racebook Exotics/Multiples earns 10, 15, 20, 40, or 60 Reward Points, respectively.
Points accumulate and can be redeemed for cash, with the redemption rate depending on the Bovada Rewards Level, ranging from 2,500 to 1,000 points for $1. One of the best features of the program is that users receive a daily cashback bonus on their losses, with the exact percentage depending on their level. All customers start at the Starter level, which grants them a 5% daily cashback bonus. Once they collect 2,500 points, they advance to Rookie Level 1, where the cashback bonus increases to 5.5%. There are 14 levels in total, and those who reach the highest one, called The Hall of Fame, can enjoy daily cashback of 15% on their losses.
The bonus cash received when redeeming Reward Points is subject to a 2x rollover requirement in the Sportsbook and Racebook, and a 10x requirement when played through in the Casino. The cashback amount is also considered bonus money, so it comes with a playthrough requirement: 1x for the Sportsbook and Racebook, 1x for the Casino, and 1 poker point per $1.
$100 Refer-a-Friend Bonus
Bovada also rewards customers who invite their friends to join the site, with a bonus of up to $100 per referral. This offer is available to any Bovada member. To receive the bonus, you need to send your friends a referral link for them to open. They must then register an account and make a deposit.
In addition to the regular welcome bonuses your friends receive, you will receive a 200% match bonus based on their deposits. You can receive up to $100 for every friend you invite to Bovada, and the number of referral bonuses is unlimited. Your bonus counts as bonus cash, so it is subject to a rollover requirement: 5x for the Sportsbook and Racebook, and 30x for the Casino. There are several exceptions, and not all wagers contribute toward meeting the playthrough requirement. These include all mini games in the Sportsbook and Racebook, as well as Single Deck Blackjack, Double Deck Blackjack, Sic Bo, Baccarat, Craps, and Roulette in the Casino.
General Bonus Terms
The promotions are available only to customers based in the U.S. There may be exceptions for residents of Mexico and Brazil, but in such cases, Bovada will notify them about the specific bonuses for which they are eligible, along with all applicable conditions and requirements. Only one account and one bonus of each type are allowed per person and household. Exceptions include the Refer-a-Friend Bonus, which can be received multiple times, and the $4,500 Casino Bitcoin Welcome Bonus, which can be redeemed up to three times by each player.
Another important point for all Bovada members is that every bonus is subject to a playthrough requirement before the bonus amount or any resulting winnings can be withdrawn. The exact requirements are listed in the bonus terms. Different bonuses cannot be used together, and you are not allowed to claim two welcome bonuses, for instance. If you receive the $250 Sports Welcome Bonus, you cannot redeem the $500 Sports Bitcoin Welcome Bonus.
Finally, sports bets count differently toward meeting playthrough requirements than Casino bets. In the Sportsbook, all losing wagers contribute fully toward the rollover. For winning bets, however, Bovada considers both the amount wagered and the amount won. The lesser of the two amounts contributes toward the rollover. The bet must be settled before it can count toward the requirement.
VIP Program
In addition to regular Reward Points, Bovada offers a wide range of other rewards and benefits for its most active players. These are part of Bovada’s VIP Program and are designed specifically to motivate and reward high rollers. The program is called Red Room, and access is granted only to Bovada members who make large deposits and enjoy playing for high stakes.
Members of the Red Room can enjoy special treatment, including weekly deposit bonuses, exclusive offers, cash rewards, and free payouts that are processed even faster. Bovada also offers VIP members personalized customer service and double Reward Points when they place bets in the Casino, Sportsbook, or Racebook sections of the site. Members of this exclusive club can also enjoy various freebies and invitations to special events organized by the gambling operator.
Notably, there is no detailed information about how to enter the Red Room. Bovada’s customer service department will contact those who are eligible for the VIP Program.
Banking
Unlike most gambling sites on the web, Bovada does not offer a wide range of banking methods. Instead, it focuses on popular ways to deposit and withdraw funds from your gaming account: credit or debit cards, Bitcoin, and checks. This helps provide greater security and speed, especially when it comes to payouts. The Sportsbook is clearly oriented toward online payments and, most notably, digital currencies.
Bovada accepts payments only in USD and BTC, the widely accepted code for Bitcoin. There are no processing fees when making a Bitcoin deposit, but if you prefer to use a credit card, Bovada will charge a 5.9% fee on each transaction. Banks may also impose an International Service or Currency Conversion Fee of up to 3% on deposits made by credit or debit card. Bitcoin withdrawals are free, while withdrawals by check may incur a $100 processing fee.
Credit and Debit Cards
In the past, Bovada accepted various banking methods, but in 2017, sports betting fans can make deposits using only two card brands: Visa and MasterCard. These are the two most commonly used credit card brands, and in most cases, first deposits made with them do not require verification. Some Sportsbook members, however, may be asked to provide proof that they are at least 18 years old and are the owner of the card used to fund the account.
In terms of security, customers can rest assured that their credit card information will remain private and will not be shared with anyone online. Bovada uses strong encryption to prevent hackers from reading data transmitted over the Internet. Although deposits made with MasterCard and Visa cards are instant, they incur a 5.9% processing fee. Bovada members should also note that the Sportsbook does not transfer payouts to credit cards.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin payments have become a fast, convenient, and highly secure alternative to traditional deposit methods such as credit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets. As an electronic currency, Bitcoin has no physical form and is not issued or controlled by any central bank or other institution. When stored properly in trusted Bitcoin wallets, it offers high levels of security, online anonymity, and low or no fees. In 2017, the price of the digital currency increased tenfold, making it more valuable than ever. At the same time, Bitcoin gained wider acceptance in the financial world.
For those who have decided to switch to Bitcoin, Bovada is one of the leading options in the online gambling market. You can use both Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash to fund your Sportsbook balance, and these transactions are instant and free of charge. Bitcoin is also one of the two withdrawal options offered by the web-based bookmaker, with checks being the other. As expected, Bitcoin is much faster. After your withdrawal request is processed, which may take between 2 hours and 2 business days, you will receive the funds within 15 minutes. However, you are allowed only one Bitcoin withdrawal every 3 days.
Check by Courier
Traditional paper checks are still preferred by many sports betting fans, although they are considerably slower than Bitcoin. U.S. customers at Bovada should consult their banking institutions before choosing this option for one important reason: not all banks accept international checks. As Bovada is based in Quebec, the checks are shipped from Canada, which may also lead to delays.
In addition, fees are associated with this payment method. The online gambling operator allows customers to make one free withdrawal every 90 days. However, each additional payout comes with a $100 fee per transfer. If you are not concerned about the fees, you can request a withdrawal by check every 7 days.
| Banking Methods | Minimum/Maximum Deposit | Minimum/Maximum Withdrawal | Deposit Timeframe | Withdrawal Timeframe | Countries Where Available | Currencies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | $20 – $1,500 | N/A | Instant | N/A | U.S., Mexico, Brazil | USD |
| MasterCard | $20 – $1,500 | N/A | Instant | N/A | U.S., Mexico, Brazil | USD |
| Bitcoin | $10 – $5,000 | $10 – $9,500 | Instant | From 2 to 48 hours | U.S., Mexico, Brazil | BTC |
| Bitcoin Cash | $10 – $5,000 | $10 – $9,500 | Instant | From 2 to 48 hours | U.S., Mexico, Brazil | BTC |
| Check by Courier | N/A | $100 – $3,000 | N/A | From 10 to 17 business days | U.S. | USD |
Sportsbook Features
What makes Bovada’s Sportsbook stand out from many other online bookmakers is its new, user-friendly interface, which combines simplicity with a classic black-and-green design. All sections are conveniently arranged, with popular sporting events featured on the main page. All available sports are listed on the left side of the screen. Once you expand a sport, you can find its events divided into leagues, championships, and other categories. The bet slip is also located on the left and updates with every bet you place, allowing you to view singles, parlays, teasers, and round robins separately.
The Sportsbook also shows where and when each event is taking place, whether live bets are available, and where it can be watched live on TV. In most cases, you will see American odds attached to moneylines, point spreads, totals, futures, and some sports and entertainment props. Fractional odds are also shown for most entertainment props and futures. To help customers make informed decisions, Bovada’s Sportsbook features a dedicated Match Previews page containing statistics and detailed information about teams, participants, players, trends, standings, schedules, and more.
Focusing on recreational and less experienced customers who are likely to prefer lower wagers, Bovada’s Sportsbook has set accessible betting limits, with a minimum stake of only $1. The maximum bet depends on the sport and particular bet type, but it does not exceed $5,000. The maximum Sportsbook payout is $100,000, while the maximum payout in the Racebook is $50,000. It is important to note that lines for American sports, in particular, sometimes become available for betting later in the day than they do at other online bookmakers.
Betting Markets
Bovada’s Sportsbook focuses on providing lines for major North American sports such as football, hockey, and basketball, while also offering live betting options, props, and more. Horse racing has a dedicated section on the website where you can browse major events and regular races. A wide range of bet types is available, and along with extensive international sports coverage, the Sportsbook offers bets on entertainment, politics, and various novelty events.
The sports offered by the Sportsbook include football, also known as American football outside the U.S., basketball, hockey, soccer, tennis, UFC/MMA, golf, boxing, baseball, cricket, horse racing futures and props, motorsports, esports, badminton, rugby, snooker, darts, cycling, volleyball, handball, futsal, table tennis, and Gaelic football.
In-Play Betting
As with most online sportsbooks, in-play betting is extremely popular at Bovada and is easy to find in the Live Betting section. It opens in a new window and gives you access to events taking place at that moment, as well as a list of upcoming matches and games. All major sports are featured, including basketball, tennis, soccer, football, hockey, cricket, and more.
Various statistics about the current game are displayed, such as points scored, while the odds are dynamic and can change throughout the event. A convenient Quick Bet Mode is available. Once you enable it, you can choose a bet amount and place wagers with a single click. There are many betting options, including the outcome of a match, possession, and more. Bovada does not offer live streaming, but it provides information about where each game can be watched.
Mobile Betting
Another benefit of joining Bovada’s Sportsbook is its user-friendly mobile site. There are no native apps to download and install on your device. Instead, the site is fully optimized for mobile use. It can be accessed easily through the browser of any Android or iOS device and is just as functional as the desktop site.
You can place bets on a wide variety of sporting events, view all relevant statistics, and access the Live Betting section. The mobile Sportsbook also allows you to make deposits and request withdrawals directly from your smartphone or tablet. Live Chat, along with all statistics, guides, and help pages, is also available on mobile devices.
Licensing and Restricted Countries
U.S. legislation is extremely strict regarding online sports betting and gambling in general. Despite this, Bovada’s Sportsbook, Racebook, Casino, and Poker products are available to customers in almost all states. There are several exceptions, however, and residents of New York, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Nevada, Utah, and Washington State are not allowed to open accounts or place wagers on the website. Bovada primarily accepts players from the U.S., but it is also available to residents of Brazil and Mexico.
Customer Support
Bovada is a well-established, trusted brand that strives to provide its customers with convenience, security, and satisfaction through attractive promotions, diverse betting options, and fast payouts. If an issue arises, its customer support department is available at any time of the day or night. You can call the support agents or use the contact form available on the website. An even more convenient alternative is the recently added Live Chat function.
Sports betting fans can access the site in several languages. English, Spanish, and Portuguese are supported by both customer support and the gambling platform’s interface. Bovada also features a comprehensive Help section where customers can browse FAQs on different topics and read guides and articles about the Casino, Poker, and Sportsbook sections of the site.