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Bovada Review Summary
Bovada has been a part of the offshore online betting industry for nearly two decades.
They offer a full-service sportsbook and are the only sportsbook online that is exclusive to US residents.
In addition to their sportsbook, they have an online casino powered by RealTime Gaming (RTG).
It’s important to note that Bovada does not accept new accounts from players in some states due to the uncertain legal landscape of iGaming in those jurisdictions.
Bovada doesn’t accept players from NV, NJ, NY, MD, DE, MI, CO, WV, DC, OH, CT, PA, KS, LA, MA, or TN.
Take A Virtual Tour Of Bovada
Our Honest Opinion Of Bovada
What We Like About Bovada
There are few sites with a track record that goes back as far as Bovada’s, and in the offshore betting industry, longevity is everything.
The longer a site has been around, consistently practicing legitimate business practices, the more trustworthy it becomes.
They also have the best software available for betting sports online.
Bovada has always paid players quickly and is still tops in the US market for payout speeds via check. They offer one free check withdrawal per month.
Their support staff is one of the best around as well. They offer 24-hour phone support, 365 days a year, and their email response time is somewhat legendary.
They quote a 24-hr response time but usually answer emails in several hours or few minutes.
The goal of gambling sites is to make money, and Bovada certainly does that in a big way, but their track record and rulings always seem to be favorable to players.
While some highly-rated US-facing offshore bookmakers have made some questionable decisions in the past, Bovada gives players the benefit of the doubt in most disputes. They truly seem to value their players.
Bovada is a premier online sportsbook that offers more than just sports betting.
It also has an impressive online casino component where you can play some of your favorite games, such as blackjack, slots, and roulette.
Having it all in one place is an underrated feature of the Bovada experience. There is a convenient element of enjoying sports betting and the most popular casino games on one website.
What We Don’t Like About Bovada
Their 15.9% charge on credit card deposits is pretty brutal. This is the primary method that bettors will use to deposit, and this extra expense costs them five percent every time they deposit.
They’re not the best sportsbook for high-volume bettors due to their lower limits. Also, they are quick to limit players who are beating them for substantial amounts.
The Department of Justice likely despises them and may try to shut them down. Though Calvin Ayre may have sold off his stake in the company in 2007, that story is not necessarily true.
Rumors of Ayre’s involvement in the company have circulated for years. No one knows for sure how involved he is in day-to-day operations, if at all.
Ayre came to an agreement with US authorities in July 2017, pleading to a misdemeanor charge with the more serious charges being dropped. The outcome was certainly a victory for Ayre.
Is Bovada Legit?
Yes, Bovada is safe for US players. They have been in the online gambling industry for more than two decades.
As you read in our complete Bovada review, they are not perfect and do have few minor flaws, but when it comes to the best online betting sites for US players there is nobody above them.
- They pay players on time.
- Their support is fast, friendly, and helpful.
- Bovada offers more than 150 online casino games plus tons of sports betting markets.
- They have live betting, props, straight bets, parlays, and more to satisfy every sports enthusiast.
- Bovada is mobile-friendly for both their sports betting and casino.
Bovada is legit and we highly recommend its sportsbook to every sports fan for betting online.
Bovada Reviews – Users’ Opinions and Experience
Bovada Deposits Review
| Method | Min | Max | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
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$10 | $5,000 | 2 - 4 Hours |
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$10 | $5,000 | 2 - 4 Hours |
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$10 | $5,000 | 2 - 4 Hours |
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$10 | $5,000 | 2 - 4 Hours |
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$10 | $5,000 | 2 - 4 Hours |
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$10 | $5,000 | 2 - 4 Hours |
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$20 | $1,500 | 1-15 Minutes |
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$20 | $1,500 | 1-15 Minutes |
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$20 | $1,500 | 1-15 Minutes |
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$20 | $1,500 | 1-15 Minutes |
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$50 | $450 | 2 - 4 Hours |
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$20 | $1,000 | 2 - 4 Hours |
Deposit options for bettors are smaller than other sites. Bovada offers players credit cards and Bitcoin as deposit methods. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Visa Gift Cards, and MasterCard.
Bovada.lv has added extra security to accounts to protect players from fraud.
Each user will create a 4-digit PIN when they sign up, which they will use for account changes and must be entered before making a withdrawal.
MAIN DEPOSIT Options At Bovada
BITCOIN
Both Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash are available as deposit methods and the ones we recommend over other methods.
There are no fees on deposits and withdrawals, and cryptocurrency payouts are extremely fast compared to other cashier options.
CREDIT CARDS
There are several credit and debit cards you can use on Bovada. Visa, MasterCard, and Amex are all accepted.
Card deposits have a 5.9% minimum fee. It isn’t worth paying such high fees when you can deposit with zero fees using Bitcoin.
MATCHPAY
Bovada recently added MatchPay as a deposit and payout option.
This certainly comes in handy for those who want to deposit or withdraw money on Bovada via PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay, or any other supported online wallet system.
Bovada Payout Review
| Method | Min | Max | Speed | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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$10 | $9,500 | Up to 24 Hours | Free |
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$10 | $9,500 | Up to 1 Hour | Free |
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$10 | $9,500 | Up to 1 Hour | Free |
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$10 | $9,500 | Up to 1 Hour | Free |
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$10 | $9,500 | Up to 1 Hour | Free |
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$10 | $9,500 | Up to 1 Hour | Free |
|
$100 | $3,000 | 5-10 Days | $50 - 3% |
|
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$20 | $1,000 | Up to 24 Hours | Free |
Bovada shines with their payout speeds, which have led the offshore betting industry for years.
Being paid when you win is more important than any bonus or odds difference.
They are a shining example in the industry of how to do it right.
MAIN WITHDRAWAL Options At Bovada
CHECKS
Depositing via check certainly isn’t the fastest way to get funds into a gambling site. On Bovada, processed checks take about a week in most cases, despite their given timeframe of 5-10 days.
Requested checks have a minimum amount of $50 and a $3,000 limit.
BITCOIN
We highly recommend Bitcoin. It does not come with any fees. Payouts are processed much faster than other methods.
Funds are sent within 24 hours after requesting a payout. Player accounts are credited with the deposits within a matter of minutes.
Bovada VOUCHERS
Bovada is testing out Vouchers as a banking method. The main use of these vouchers is for players to transfer funds among themselves.
It is not your traditional payout method, as you don’t receive the cash, but a code you can share with others.
Does Bovada Actually Pay Out?
Yes, Bovada pays their players.
They are one of the most trustworthy gambling sites available.
How To Sign-up & Deposit At Bovada For The First Time
Create Your Bovada Account
Head to Bovada.lv and hit the “Join” button on the top of the page. Fill in the information requested. Bovada will ask you for proof of ID when you withdraw your winnings.Select A Welcome Bonus
Whether you will play casino games or bet on sports, select one of the welcome bonuses Bovada offers. Read the rules and write the bonus code to claim the reward.Deposit
Go to the banking section and select your preferred banking method to deposit. Double-check the amount and claim your welcome bonus by entering the Bovada promo code.It’s Time To Play!
Once the money and bonus are in your account, you can go to the sports betting or the online casino section to gamble on your favorite games.
Bovada Sportsbook Review
North American Focus, But Other Markets Available
Bovada is only for US citizens, but players wouldn’t know it by their odds selection.
Their largest number of markets will focus on the main US sports, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, along with college basketball and football, but they have odds on dozens of leagues around the world.
There are loads of futures and propositions on European soccer leagues, cricket, and loads of other sports.
Rugby, cricket, darts, racing, horse racing, cycling, mixed martial arts, and more are available in some form.
Betting options for most sports include teasers, parlays, if-bets, and reverses.
They allow a fair bit of customization on their teasers, but aren’t quite on the level of other sportsbooks when it comes to markets and bet customization.
Recreational Wagering Limits
As mentioned above, Bovada is a sportsbook that markets itself to recreational bettors.
Bettors who want to wager thousands of dollars per game and not get themselves limited if they begin to win will have to look elsewhere.
The sportsbook is conservative when it comes to betting limits. The largest wagers they will take on the NFL and NCAA are $5,000 on sides and $1,000 on totals, parlays, and teasers.
NBA spreads have a maximum bet of $1,000, and NBA moneylines and totals have a maximum of $500. NCAA spreads and totals both have a max of $500.
SLOWER LINES
More important, Bovada posts their lines much slower than other US-facing sites and most other sportsbooks.
When you’re betting big money, getting the best price is paramount and that usually means getting a jump on early lines.
Bovada doesn’t even offer overnight lines on MLB, the NBA, and college basketball. Their NFL lines don’t go live until 6 pm on Monday evenings for the next week.
This is 24 hours after other sportsbooks release their lines for the coming week. When the market has undergone major adjustments.
Underdog Odds
Even without the early jump on the lines and the dual pricing issue, Bovada offers some excellent value on underdogs because they shade their lines toward heavy public bets.
This is even true if you “switched over” and are dealing with the sharper set of odds.
Players will often find underdog pricing that beats the rest of the US betting market because of their heavy recreational base of players.
Proposition Bets At Bovada
Bovada’s proposition markets are vast, especially when it comes to the NFL. Their maximum bet on props is $500 for most, but some can actually be slightly less.
However, this still represents a chance for savvy bettors to find some hidden profits. Bovada’s large numbers of prop bets make keeping track of all of them by the oddsmakers nearly impossible.
There are plenty of inefficiencies in these markets (NFL specifically) and they are an excellent way for players to build a bankroll.
Dual Lines At Bovada
The online Bovada sportsbook actually deals two sets of lines to players. It is one of the heaviest criticisms that knowledgeable sports bettors have of Bovada.
One set of lines is tagged for recreational gamblers and another set for customers who have a clue.
In colloquial betting speak, these are generally known as their “square lines” and “sharp lines.”
Bettors who have been at Bovada for a long time may not even realize that they deal two sets of lines.
The easiest way to determine if you’re dealt the sharper odds is to log out of your account.
Their standard odds or square lines will be available to those visitors without an account. The majority of Bovada’s clients are also dealt this same set of lines.
Bovada is famous for shading its lines toward public plays, such as spread favorites and overs.
Even if you’re switched over to their sharp lines, there are still plenty of +EV betting opportunities.
Remember, few of Bovada’s customer base are savvy gamblers. Their head oddsmaker at one time stated something like, “most of our action comes an hour before game time on most markets.”
Bovada Sportsbook Bonuses Reviewed
Freeplay Welcome Bonus
The Bovada sportsbook offers an exclusive 50% Up To $250 Freeplay Welcome Bonus for new players on their first deposit.
There is no bonus code needed for this promo. When a new player makes their first deposit, the bonus will be credited automatically within 30 minutes.
The bonus comes with a 5x rollover. If used in the racebook, the rollover is also 5x. However, casino play will require a 30x rollover.
Bovada Bitcoin Bonus
Bovada also has a 75% match up to $750 on your first Bitcoin deposit that you make to your account.
You have to use the bonus code BTCSWB750. Like the Welcome Bonus, it comes with a 5x rollover.
This is one of the lowest rollovers you will find at any online sportsbook.
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Still don’t understand rollover requirements? Read our betting sites bonus rollovers guide.
Related Online Gambling Sites
Bovada Casino Review
Bovada is a well-known sportsbook brand, but most people don’t realize that they also have a casino division where you can find many popular online gambling games.
They have it all in one stop.
We’ve done a Bovada casino review, and you will find all the details below.
You will see their game selections, banking methods, bonuses, and other features available for casino users in the United States.
You already know Bovada is a trustworthy betting brand. Here, you will learn whether their casino offer is just as good as their sportsbook.
Is Bovada Casino Legit?
Yes, Bovada casino is legit and safe for US players.
They have been in the gambling industry for over 20 years.
Their support staff is one of the best around. They offer 24-hour phone support, 365 days a year.
Bovada Poker Review
Besides the usual online casino games, Bovada has an entire section dedicated to poker.
To play on your desktop, you must download an app. It takes little to no time to install.
Yet, you can play poker at Bovada on your phone without the need to download an app.
The poker interface works perfectly on your Android or iPhone browser.
Bovada offers an exclusive poker bonus as well. You can learn more about it below in this Bovada casino review.
You will also find daily and weekly sit & go tournaments and open tables for those who only want to “sit,” play a few hands and be on their way.
Their weekly tournament guarantees a $150K prize pool.
Is Bovada A Good Poker Site?
Yes, Bovada is an excellent poker site.
The clean interface, alongside the many tournaments available, makes their website a terrific poker room.
Bovada Casino Bonuses & Promos Reviewed
There are terrific rewards for those looking to exclusively gamble on casino games. Below you can see every detail on how to claim these casino bonuses.
Casino Welcome Bonus
You can get as much as $3,000 on the casino welcome bonus at Bovada.
To claim the reward, you must use the promo code CAWELCOM100 for a 100% up to $1,000 match bonus.
After using the first part of the bonus, you become eligible for the rest of the reward on your next two deposits.
To cash these prizes, you must use the code BV2NDCWB. These bonuses are a 100% match of up to $1,000, and you can redeem the code a maximum of two times.
These rewards are subject to a 25X rollover requirement. It’s the smallest rollover in the offshore betting market.
Bitcoin Casino Welcome Bonus
Another juicy reward available for Bovada players is the Bitcoin casino welcome bonus of up to $3,750.
As the name suggests, you must deposit using Bitcoin, Litecoin, or Bitcoin Cash to be eligible for this reward.
You can claim the bonus on your first deposit using the code BTCCWB1250. The prize is a 125% up to $1,250 match bonus.
Then, you can redeem the rest of the reward by using the promo code BTC2NDCWB on your next two deposits, each has a 125% value of up to $1,250.
The first bitcoin deposit welcome bonus has a 25X playthrough requirement. The following two bonuses are subject to a 50x rollover rule.
Poker Welcome Bonus
Joining Bovada’s poker room comes with a 100% up to $500 poker welcome bonus using the code PWB500.
Players will have 30 days to exchange this reward. There are no rollover requirements for this bonus.
The reward will get unlocked in $5 increments for every 150 Rewards Points won in poker.
Bovada Casino Games Reviewed
SlotS & JACKPOTS
RealTime Gaming, Rival Gaming, and Betsoft software provide the best slots on Bovada.
You can find 3D Games and many of the most popular 2D titles to spend hours enjoying their great selection of online slots.
bLACKJACK
Bovada’s blackjack selections include Classic Blackjack, Double-Deck Blackjack, European Blackjack, Perfect Pair, and more.
They have nine games of online blackjack overall, and you can choose between selections with standard payout odds or those who pay a little more.
Table Games
Nineteen table games are waiting for you at Bovada, including the always popular Craps, Pai Gow Poker, Baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker, and the classics European and American Roulette.
They have a solid variety of table games without going overboard with the number of selections.
Video Poker
The Video Poker section at Bovada has ten games with the best and most searched titles.
You will find the consistently profitable Jacks or Better, one hand, three hands, or ten hands.
Bonus Deuces Wild 1 hand and several variations of Jacks Poker are also available.
Specialty Games
Specialty games like Go-Go Bingo, Bingo Goal, and Pesca Bingo are open for those looking to have fun all night.
Keno Draw, Thunder Crash, and the 5k Amazonia Bingo are also part of Bovada’s attractive specialty games selection.
Live Dealer Casino Games
Bovada’s live dealer section offers a variety of Blackjack games as well as American and European Roulette, Baccarat, and Super 6.
Bovada has different limits for each table, so you can enjoy all the games that suit your budget.
Bovada vs. Other Gambling Sites
- Rating
- Deposit Bonus
- Live Odds
- Cashier Fees
- Accepts Crypto
- Banned Regions
- Live Support
- Deposit Bonus:100% Up To $2,500
- Live Odds:Yes
- Cashier Fees:No Fees With Crypto
- Accepts Crypto:Yes
- Banned Regions:None
- Live Support:Yes
- Bet & Win at BetUS
- Deposit Bonus:50% Up To $250
- Live Odds:Yes
- Cashier Fees:Free payout per month/ BTC free
- Accepts Crypto:Yes
- Banned Regions:DE, MD, NJ, NV
- Live Support:Yes
- Bet & Win at Bovada
- Deposit Bonus:50% Up To $250
- Live Odds:Yes
- Cashier Fees:Free $50 payout per month/ BTC free
- Accepts Crypto:Yes
- Banned Regions:None
- Live Support:Yes
- Bet & Win at BetOnline
There are plenty of online gambling sites out there, but not many with a reputation as good as Bovada’s.
If you still want to find an alternative, check our article where we recommend other gambling sites like Bovada.
And below, you will find several articles to compare what Bovada offers versus other online betting brands that accept US players.
Bovada In-Depth Comparisons
Bovada On Your Phone
Bovada has the advantage that you don’t need to download an app to play your favorite casino game or bet on your favorite sporting leagues.
Instead, you can play directly on your phone’s browser with no trouble.
Bovada’s interface is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Bovada Rewards Program
Bovada has one of the best rewards programs online for gamblers.
Few sites even offer reward programs and VIP programs to players these days, and many that do, still don’t provide real value for players.
This is not the case at Bovada, where you will earn Reward Points for all your real-money gambling that can be exchanged for bonuses and other rewards.
Bovada Customer Service
Bovada’s team is available 24/7, and though they don’t have live chat support, they offer extremely quick email support and a toll-free phone number as well.
Their email response time crushes other offshore bookmakers.
They respond to all emails within 24 hours, but they are usually much faster. We have received replies in less than a half hour to most of our queries.
Bovada Reddit Review vs SBS’ Review
Certainly, there is value in looking at other users’ reviews before picking an online sportsbook to place your bets.
Reddit’s threads about Bovada do provide value, however, one needs to be careful as they may be biased and written with a certain purpose by strangers on the internet.
SBS’ staff follows specific and strict criteria such as uncompromising honesty and in-depth analysis in our sportsbooks reviews.
They are written by professional gamblers and sports bettors who have years of experience in the industry and actually use the sites.
Bovada’s History
Bodog was just one of the many online sportsbooks in the US market but became a much bigger player after the passage of the UIGEA in 2006.
In 2007, the founder sold off his North American business to focus on European and emerging Asian betting markets.
Ayre sold his North American arm to the Mohawk Morris Gaming Group (MMGG), a company based in the Canadian Indian Territory. The group still owns Bovada today.
The international brand wanted to separate itself from unregulated US traffic. In December 2011, Bodog rebranded as Bovada.
They offer their services only to American online sports bettors. Canadians moved to Bodog.eu.
Fast-forward to today, and Bovada is one of the most respected online gaming brands and one of the top sites in the US betting markets.
Bovada Review Conclusion – Top Gambling Site
Despite their low betting limits compared to some other sites, Bovada is one of the kings in the US offshore betting market, and for good reason.
Their reputation and brand have serviced players without interruption for over a decade, and they have always paid players as quickly as possible.
Running an offshore gambling site that services Americans is a tough business – something that few outfits have perfected, but Bovada has come the closest.
Bovada Review FAQ
Is Bovada rigged?
No, Bovada is not rigged. They are one of the top offshore gambling companies in the world.
Are Bovada casino games rigged?
No, Bovada’s casino games are not rigged. The company is known for being fair to its clients.
Does anyone ever win on Bovada?
Yes, gamblers play and win at Bovada all the time.
What is the best casino game to play on Bovada?
It depends on what you enjoy gambling. Online slots, blackjack, and American Roulette are among the favorite casino games for Bovada players.
How do you get free spins on Bovada?
You will get free spins at Bovada by playing online slots. Their casino also offers email promotions once you have signed up to play.
How long does it take for Bovada to pay you?
Bovada takes between 24-72 hours to pay their players. Yet, it’s usually sooner.
How many games does Bovada Casino have?
Bovada offers a little over 125 online casino games.
Where is Bovada located?
Bovada’s online sportsbook and casino are in Costa Rica.
About the Author
Joseph Falchetti
Editor-in-Chief, Pro Sports Bettor and Casino Expert
Joe is the author of the majority of sports betting pages on SBS and he serves as a gambling consultant to our content team. He's been mentioned on Forbes.com as a gaming analyst, and his articles have been linked by larger publications, such as the New York Times.
Used it for Super Bowl 2019. Decent Bonus and odds. Depositing was easy. Highly recommended.
I have been with Bovada for a lot of years. The site is very good and there are lots of props. NFL is the best at Bovada. More betting options than anywhere else.
Bovada has the fastest withdrawals out of any site I have used. They did my Bitcoin payout in just a few hours. My favorite part is their live betting when it comes to betting as it’s fast and lots of bets.
The bonuses are not as big as other betting sites, but they are easier to clear at Bovada. I also like that they give you points and money back for placing bets. I have mostly used them for NBA live betting.
Graphics are good, customer service response was good. No problem depositing with any method they accept. Phone support is good, and they always answer.
I do not do well at the casino, but the sportsbook is good. I enjoy it a lot. They have lots of props for NFL. One thing is that I do love is their mobile site. It’s fast and easy to place bets.
I won $1,000 on Bovada and got paid by check. Took a little longer because I had to send in my ID, but I got paid. Check looked a little weird, but it worked.
Bovada is great but using Bitcoin make it better. I got a bonus just for using it. Then the payout was also fast. Their poker is good too, but cards are unlucky. Stick to sportsbook!
Probably my fav sportsbook for US guys. It’s awesome for NFL. I like the live betting and the prop bets. Payouts are fast.
They have a good casino and sportsbook that you can use from same account. It is a very good site and they have always paid me on time. I used Bitcoin to deposit and withdraw.
Mobile site is very good and easy to use. I don’t really bet much on desktop, but don’t like it as much as their mobile site. I have always gotten paid when betting at Bovada.
Not the biggest bonus but its helps with the rollover. Made few bets on the March Madness. Overall, pretty happy. They do have a quality costumer service.