Bovada

An online gambling site founded in 2011, Bovada is the US arm of the famous Bodog bookmaker and gambling brand. Currently based in Costa Rica and operating with a Curaçao gambling license, it is a popular offshore bookie for sports bettors.

The sportsbook has an extensive footprint, available in every state except Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Nevada. Internationally, the platform (still known as Bodog) is open in Canada and Europe.

The bookie offers generous welcome bonuses for those players just joining the site. Although there is no dedicated Bovada app, any new user planning to take advantage of these gifts can register using the mobile betting site.

Bovada - Review

Initially, this particular company was created to service US customers of the gambling mega-giant Bodog. Following the decision to split Bovada into its separate entity, its popularity has only grown and continues to attract more players.

This company has already celebrated its 10th anniversary. The Costa Rica-based bookmaker has been operational since 2011. With a gambling license from Curaçao, the sportsbook currently operates legally in most US states and internationally.

Within the United States, a player can use the bookmaker in every state except New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, and Maryland. While their reach is broad, it isn’t total; and it is not accessible in countries such as The UK and Ireland. The Mediterranean countries of Spain, Italy, and France have also prohibited this app, as have the northern nations of Austria, Switzerland, and Germany.

Because the platform does not operate on an app, it is available to many users. Whether they use the Apple iOS, Android, or computer web browsers, the slick site works equally well on all operating systems. While playing, bettors can use convenient payment and withdrawal methods. As discussed previously, welcome bonuses, referral codes, and Bitcoin deposit bonuses are all available to players using the correct Bovada promo code.

Sports Betting Markets and Lines

Despite its focus on the US market, the available betting markets have universal appeal. Some international events include UFC, European football, auto racing, tennis, golf, rugby, and Aussie rules football.

Bovada has taken the logical step towards expansion and opened up betting markets on television entertainment events, such as Game of Thrones plot twists and Marvel movie casting decisions. The most extensive betting lines still fall under the NBA basketball and NFL football games, but NHL hockey and MLB baseball also have a healthy showing.

On top of these evergreens, favorites are more niche events, like cycling and darts. Curling, table tennis, badminton, and snooker also have a dedicated betting base with this bookmaker. Esports are represented, as are political campaign outcomes. Overall, with their broad mix of sports and cultural events betting, the bookmaker appeals to a large market of bettors.

Bets and Odds

The bookmaker's odds are competitive with other sportsbooks and are usually on the sharper side. Even rookie bettors will recognize future bets, such as singles and parlays.

Bovada isn't just for rookies. They've made this very clear by the bet types, which always showcase options like moneylines, spreads, and totals. However, the betting style that has made the sportsbook a fan favorite is live betting. Its odds are very responsive to in-game action, and for experienced bettors, this can lead to thrilling gameplay.

Live Betting

The Bovada sportsbook has hit a home run with its live betting option, offering significant stakes on almost every game or event. Kept updated with up-to-the-minute statistics, the betting odds are never static. Current status, score, and prop bet information — such as player performance — are live-reported, and skilled bettors can utilize this information to make the most of any match.

The mobile site makes finding the live betting section very easy, as it is a large button at the top of the sports betting page. A player clicks on this, chooses the match that interests them, and then bets on their preferred bet type.

Payment And Withdrawal Options

A critical feature of any sportsbook, the range of options for players to fund or withdraw from their account has proven popular. In keeping with their customers' push for increased crypto usage, they accept cryptocurrency deposits in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Tether, and Zelle. Players can fund between $10 and $5,000 using cryptocurrency, and their account will reflect the new balance within 24 hours.

The exceptions are Ethereum and Tether, which require minimum deposits of $50. For bettors wanting to use credit cards, American Express, Visa, and MasterCard are all accepted. While the initial deposit is free for credit card users, subsequent card deposits will be subject to a 15% fee.

Other deposit methods are direct bank transfer and MatchPay. Players should remember that when they are funding their account for the first time, they can use the Bovada bonus code during registration and receive the welcome bonus.

Withdrawal fees heavily favor cryptocurrency, requiring no fees for crypto withdrawals, while a cheque by a courier incurs a $100 fee per request. However, the initial withdrawal request in 90 days is free.

Deposit Methods

• American Express

• Bank Transfer

• Bitcoin & Bitcoin Cash

• Ethereum

• Litecoin

• MasterCard

• MatchPay

• Visa

• Zelle

Withdraw Options

• Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Bitcoin SV

• Check

• Ethereum

• Litecoin

• Voucher

Accepted Currencies

• Bitcoin

• Bitcoin Cash

• Bitcoin SV

• Ethereum

• Litecoin

• United States Dollars

Customer Service And Support

This sportsbook has one of the most comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions sections. The section is broken down by category of play and technical issue and has many videos explaining, in detail, the solutions to common problems.

If users wish to speak to one of the support staff, they have three ways: phone, live chat, or email. All three options are available 24/7. In theory, bettors can get help any time of the day. However, we've found that the customer support contact information is heavily punctuated with recommendations to use the FAQ section or community forum.

When looking for a contact number or email address, we found a gently worded warning that the customer support agents are busy and service may answer any contact with a slow response. They then directed us to the FAQ center. They have enhanced their FAQ section to ease the strain on the Bovada customer support team.

Responsible Gaming Tools

One area where there is room for improvement is responsible use. Because there is no app, there are no easily accessible 'settings' to monitor and control behavior.

Although the platform has maximum deposit limits, these are easily skirted by using more than one method. Responsible gambling support information is available on the website, but it is little more than a questionnaire and a contact number for problem gamblers.

If a player wants to delete their Bovada account by contacting customer support, they can, but that remains the only option as there is no 'freeze out' period to activate.

Mobile Betting with Bovada

With no app available, Bovada maintains one platform for its users efficiently. iOS, Android, and desktop users all access the same website, which is good. Simple and easy to use, an app would feel almost redundant to the sportsbook webpage, which is already a stripped-down and responsive site.

Downloading The Betting App

Bovada has opted to remain completely web-based with a fast server and clean website. No app means no additional software downloads, though it also means having to open a web browser to place a bet. This is not a problem for most bettors, and some may even prefer this.

Web Platform

The developers have made sure the Bovada Sports webpage works smoothly on any phone's operating system. It is designed with a minimalist aesthetic and immediately apparent main menus. Bettors need only click on 'sports' at the top of the page and are presented with odds information, current games in play, and future match-ups.

Tapping on the sport of their choice opens all the available betting options on that match, and wagering is exceptionally straightforward. In short, the mobile betting site functions much like an app, and the lack of clutter on the site leads to an app-like feel during use. It's a pleasant gambling experience and is a welcome change to the obligatory downloads of other bookmakers.