Bovada Sportsbook Review


Bovada is a major name in online gambling and one of the primary betting websites available to the U.S. market. The brand has become increasingly popular, mainly because of the quality of service it provides. Established in 2011, Bovada aims to be a leading name in the online gambling industry and has made significant progress since entering the market. The Bovada brand offers several services, including an online casino, a poker room, horse racing betting, and a sportsbook. For this review, we will focus on Bovada’s sportsbook and everything it offers. Below, you will find information about the available betting markets, supported payment methods, and promotions you can claim.
Summary of Bovada Betting Site
| Bovada Sportsbook in Brief | |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2011 |
| Trustpilot Reviews | 1,326 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 1.6 ⭐ |
| Sports on Offer | American Football, Baseball, Soccer, Basketball, and 20+ other sports |
| Minimum Deposit | •$10 - MatchPay; •$20 - card payments; •$50 - Direct Bank Transfer; •0.0001 BTC - Bitcoin; •0.001 BCH - Bitcoin Cash; •0.2827 BSV - Bitcoin SV; •0.01 LTC - Litecoin; •0.002 ETH - Ethereum; •5 USDT - USD Tether; •0.0002 BCL - Bitcoin Lightning |
| Minimum Withdrawal | •$75 - Bitcoin; •$10 - MatchPay, Voucher, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Bitcoin Lightning; •$50 - Ethereum, USD Tether; •$250 - Check by Courier; •$1,500 - Bank Wire |
| Withdrawal Time | • Bitcoin - Up to 24 hours • Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Tether, and Litecoin - Up to 1 hour • Check by Courier - Approximately 10-15 Business Days • Bank Wire - Approximately 10-15 business days |
| Payment Methods | |
| Licenses | The Union of the Comoros |
| Sponsorships | N/A |
Betting Markets
Football is one of the most popular sports in the United States, and millions of viewers tune in every week to watch the games. At Bovada, you can wager on some of the most popular matchups in the country. The NFL is the main league of choice for sports bettors, but there are also occasional minor leagues on which you can place bets. Bovada provides a live feed showing the current state of a given game and adjusts the odds in real time.
Baseball is considered the national pastime by many U.S. citizens, and it is also one of the leading sports in the online betting world. Bovada covers popular leagues from around the globe and provides several wagering options for baseball bettors. At the time of writing, this gambling website offers betting on Major League Baseball, NPB, and Mexican League games.
Basketball is a favorite among viewers worldwide, and its popularity extends to sports betting. Games take place throughout the day, giving bettors plenty of opportunities to wager on their preferred teams at Bovada. Here, you will find several basketball leagues, with the NBA being the most popular among them. However, you can also wager on the Australian NBL, Mexico’s LNBP, Chile’s LNB, Israel’s Super League, Russia’s VTB United League, and many other competitions. The selection is extensive and should appeal to basketball bettors.
Soccer is arguably the most popular sport in the world, and its betting scene is unrivaled. With many betting options available for individual games, Bovada gives you plenty of ways to wager on soccer. The list of supported leagues is long and includes the English Premier League, French Ligue 1, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, Spanish La Liga, the Polish Cup, and dozens more.
Tennis attracts a considerable audience, and with multiple matches taking place at any given time, you should have no shortage of betting options. Bovada serves tennis bettors by offering wagers on the Las Vegas Tennis Open, ITF Women, ATP Tour, WTA Tour, Challenger events, and many other tournaments worldwide.
The list of sports supported by Bovada is too extensive to cover fully in this review. However, some of the more prominent options include boxing and MMA for combat sports fans. If you enjoy video games, you can also consider esports betting on popular competitive titles. Rugby fans have access to Rugby League and Rugby Union wagers, while those who enjoy sports played with clubs, bats, or sticks can bet on golf, hockey, Gaelic games, and cricket.
| Bovada Features | |
|---|---|
| Sports Coverage | Aussie Rules, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, cricket, cycling, darts, entertainment, eSports, football, futsal, golf, handball, horse futures and props, motorsports, Olympic Games, politics, Rugby League, Rugby Union, snooker, soccer, specials, tennis, table tennis, MMA, volleyball, and virtual sports |
| Minimum Bet | $0.50 |
| Supported Bet Types | Outrights, specials, straight bets, draw no bet, team totals, proposition bets |
| Early Cashout Option | Yes |
| Live Streaming | Yes |
| Live Statistics and Scores | Yes |
| In-play Betting | Yes |
| Available Odds Styles | American, decimal, fractional |
| Bet Slip Features | Prop builder |
Promotions and Bonuses
The Welcome Bonus becomes available as soon as you open an account with Bovada. It provides a 50% match on your first deposit, up to $250. The bonus will be added to your balance within 30 minutes of your deposit. However, you must follow certain rules before you can cash it out. First, there is a turnover requirement equal to five times the value of the bonus. Therefore, if you claim the full $250 in bonus funds, you must place $1,250 worth of bets before you can withdraw the bonus money as part of your bankroll. Additionally, you may not request a cashout while a bonus is active on your account. If you do, the bonus amount and any associated winnings will be removed from your balance.
The Bitcoin Welcome Bonus is similar to the standard Welcome Bonus but has specific terms for customers who deposit with Bitcoin. It provides a 75% match on your first deposit, up to $750. To claim this bonus, you must enter the BTCSWB750 code when depositing through Bitcoin or Bitcoin Cash. As with the other promotion, the turnover requirement is five times the bonus amount and must be met through sports bets. This promotion is mutually exclusive with the Welcome Bonus, meaning that you cannot claim both. Therefore, you should choose carefully.
If you enjoy Bovada’s services, you can recommend the site to your friends and earn a reward for doing so. The Refer a Friend promotion allows you to invite new users to Bovada and benefit from their participation. When a friend registers through your referral link, you can earn up to $3,750 and gain exclusive access to promotions and events.
To participate in the promotional offer, newcomers must register for an account using a link received from a friend who is already a customer of the sportsbook. Once the new customer selects a sign-up offer and funds the account, you will receive your bonus funds. The bonus amount will be determined by the first deposit. If your friend selects Bitcoin or Bitcoin Cash as the payment method, you will receive an additional $25 in bonus funds.
As with the other promotional incentives, the Refer a Friend bonus also comes with a 5x turnover requirement for sports or horse racing bets.
Bovada rewards its long-term customers through its Loyalty Program. The program is straightforward: the more bets you place, the more points you accumulate. As you earn more points, your standing with Bovada rises and your rewards improve.
There are several account rankings, ranging from Starter to Hall of Fame, each with its own reward ratio. For example, Hall of Fame bettors can exchange 1,000 Reward Points for $1. However, when you open an account, you will begin with Starter status and will need 2,500 Reward Points to receive $1. In general, the more bets you place at Bovada, the more rewards you can receive. Bettors earn a different number of Reward Points for each $1 wagered on sports, depending on their status.
As they progress through the different rankings, bettors can also unlock new, exclusive payment options. Another benefit of the bookmaker’s Loyalty Program is that customers do not lose the status they have earned.
| Promotional Incentives at Bovada | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Promotional Incentives at Bovada | Minimum Deposit Required | Rollover | Minimum Odds Required | Eligible Markets and Bets | Country Restrictions | Expires After |
| 50% Welcome Bonus of up to $250 | $20 | 5x on sports and horse racing and 30x on casino games (combined deposit and bonus amounts) | N/A | Up to 50% of the bonus amount | States of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Nevada | N/A |
| $750 Bitcoin Deposit Bonus | $20 | N/A | N/A | Up to 50% of the bonus amount | States of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Nevada | N/A |
| Refer a Friend and Get up to $3,750 | $20 | 5x on sports or horse racing | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Banking
One available payment option is a credit or debit card, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Either type of card can be used to make an instant deposit into your sportsbook bankroll, with transactions clearing as soon as you confirm them. Credit cards are among the most convenient choices for funding your bankroll, as they are widely available at Bovada.
The minimum credit card deposit is $20, while the maximum is $1,500. Your first deposit is free; however, each subsequent Mastercard or Visa transaction comes with a 5.9% commission fee. Customers depositing via American Express must pay a 9.9% fee on all transactions after the first one. These amounts do not include any fees imposed by your card issuer or foreign exchange fees that may apply.
An alternative to credit cards is depositing via Bitcoin. Bitcoin is an online payment system that is not connected to a traditional banking platform. Its value is determined by the market, and it is designed to operate without the control of a central authority. As a result, it is decentralized and can offer greater privacy online.
Bitcoin transactions are processed within a few seconds and do not require you to reveal personal information during the transfer. The minimum deposit is the equivalent of $10 in Bitcoin at the time of the transfer, while the maximum is $5,000. Bovada does not charge for Bitcoin transactions, but the transfer may incur a nominal network fee, which is generally lower than the sportsbook’s credit card fees.
Other payment methods available for deposits include Bitcoin Cash, Union Pay, MatchPlay, Player Transfer, and direct bank transfer. For withdrawals, eChecks are an additional banking option that appears on the withdrawal page.
| Banking at Bovada | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payment Method | Deposit Limit and Timeframes | Withdrawal Limit and Timeframes | Deposit and Withdrawal Fees | Bonus Restrictions |
| Bitcoin | $10-$5,000; Instant | $10; A few minutes | N/A | Not specified |
| Bitcoin Cash | $10-$5,000; Instant | $10; A few minutes | N/A | Not specified |
| Mastercard | $20-$1,500; Instant | N/A | 5.90% | Not specified |
| Amex | $20-$1,500; Instant | N/A | 5.90% | Not specified |
| Union Pay | $20-$1,500; Instant | N/A | 5.90% | Not specified |
| Visa | $20-$1,500; Instant | N/A | 5.90% | Not specified |
| MatchPlay | $20-$1,000; Instant | N/A | N/A | Not specified |
| Direct Bank Transfer | $50-$450; Instant | N/A | N/A | Not specified |
| Player Transfer | $10-$15,000; Instant | N/A | N/A | Not specified |
Mobile Support
Bovada gives you full access to the sportsbook’s features from both desktop computers and mobile devices. The mobile version is adapted for smaller displays, resizing certain elements and rearranging others to make the website as accessible as possible. The user interface retains its functionality and allows for easy navigation between menus. You can use the sportsbook’s features without significant limitations. Whether you visit from a desktop computer or mobile device, you will still have access to promotions, betting markets, customer support, and banking methods.
To load the mobile version, simply enter Bovada’s address into your browser. You do not need to install any software and can begin placing bets directly through the website.
| Mobile Support of Bovada | |
|---|---|
| Dedicated iOS App | N/A |
| Dedicated Android App | N/A |
| Browser Compatibility | Google Chrome, Opera, Safari, and Opera Mini, among others |
| Supported Languages | English, Chinese, and Spanish |
| Supported Devices | Apple iPhone 12, Apple iPhone 11, Apple iPhone XS, Apple iPhone XR, Apple iPhone X, Apple iPhone 8, Apple iPhone 7, Apple iPad, Huawei Y5, Huawei Y6, Huawei Y7, Huawei nova, Huawei P10, Huawei P20, Huawei P30, Infinix S4, Infinix Smart 5, Infinix Smart 6, Infinix Hot 7, Infinix Hot 8, itel A16, itel A33, itel A56, Nokia 2.1, Nokia 2.2, Nokia C1, OPPO A3s, OPPO A5s, OPPO A1K, Safaricom NEON RAY, Samsung Galaxy A01, Samsung Galaxy A10, Samsung Galaxy A10s, Samsung Galaxy A11, Samsung Galaxy A20, Samsung Galaxy A21s, Samsung Galaxy A30, Samsung Galaxy A40, Samsung Galaxy A50, Samsung Galaxy A51, Samsung Galaxy A70, Samsung Galaxy A71, Samsung Galaxy Grand, Samsung Galaxy J5, Samsung Galaxy J7, Samsung Galaxy S7, Samsung Galaxy S8, Samsung Galaxy S9, Samsung Galaxy S10, Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy J2, Samsung Galaxy J4, Samsung Galaxy Note8, Samsung Galaxy Note9, Samsung Galaxy Note10+, Tecno Pop 2, Tecno Pop 3, Tecno Camon 11, Tecno Camon 12, Tecno Camon 13, Tecno Camon 14, Tecno Camon 15, Tecno F1, Tecno K7, Tecno Spark 2, Tecno Spark 3, Tecno Spark 4, Tecno Spark 5, Tecno Pouvoir 2, Tecno Pouvoir 3, Vodafone 100, Vodafone Smart Kicka 4, Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 |
Licensing and Country Restrictions
Bovada operates under a license granted by the Government of Curacao. Customers can confirm that the sportsbook’s stamp of approval is still valid by visiting the Help section. Previously, the operator held certification from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which it voluntarily relinquished in late 2016. The reasons have not been disclosed to the public.
Over the years, Bovada has established a reputation for operating responsibly and reliably, while providing customers with a fair gambling experience. The website has attracted many users, indicating that it is capable of delivering a competitive betting service.
Bovada does not accept customers from states such as New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, and Maryland. However, it places responsibility on customers to understand the laws governing online gambling in their place of residence. The operator behind the sportsbook also manages several other gambling websites, some of which accept bettors from other jurisdictions.
| Player Protection Security at Bovada | |
|---|---|
| Encryption | 128-bit encryption technology |
| Custom Deposit Limits | N/A |
| Cooling-Off Period | N/A |
| Self-Exclusion | N/A |
| Minimum Age Requirement | 18 |
Customer Support
Bovada’s customer support is available at any hour of the day, with agents working around the clock to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable sportsbook experience. Most of the time, you may not need assistance, but when you do, you will have several ways to contact the support team.
The support team is available through three communication channels. The first and most convenient is live chat, which allows you to have a direct, one-on-one conversation with an agent. To initiate a chat, you must enter your name, email address, and the topic of your question. You will then be placed in a queue and connected as soon as an agent becomes available.
Alternatively, you can use the form on the “Contact Us” page to enter your email address and question. Response times are usually quick, with agents typically replying within 24 hours. If you prefer to speak to someone, you can call the phone number provided on the same page. A representative is available to answer your questions.
| Bovada Sportsbook Contacts | |
|---|---|
| Contact Details | •Live Chat: Yes |
| Social Media | |
Conclusion
At Bovada, you can rely on dedicated customer support at any hour of the day. You can contact the support team from either a desktop computer or a mobile device. Mobile support is another notable benefit of Bovada, as it allows you to access the sportsbook from almost anywhere.
Overall, Bovada has many of the hallmarks of a reliable gambling website. Its promotions may appeal to new and existing customers, and the sportsbook is worth considering if its markets, payment methods, and other features suit your preferences.
| Bovada Strong Points | Bovada Pitfalls |
|---|---|
| Extensive sports coverage | Fees are charged on deposits and withdrawals |
| Accepts cryptocurrency payments | Bonus terms are not presented clearly |
| Supports in-play betting | Limited range of accepted payment methods |
| Available for mobile betting | Available in a limited number of jurisdictions |
| Bonus offers tailored to Bitcoin depositors | No dedicated apps for mobile betting |