Bovada Poker Review 2018

  • Despite these limitations, Bovada Poker posts some the highest player traffic for US-facing poker rooms. Bovada Poker’s tournament offerings are quite substantial and many of them offer guaranteed prize pools. Just a few of the guaranteed tournaments offered daily at Bovada Poker include: $50 buy-in $25,000 guaranteed tournament.
  • Welcome to my Bovada.lv site review. I’m glad you decided to pay me a visit. Now, before we get into this one, I need to make something crystal clear from the starting line – Bovada.lv is the most popular US online gambling site by a heck of a margin (roughly 10x on its biggest competitor), and if I know anything about US-friendly gambling sites, it’s that these waters are full of sharks.

Anyone that likes online poker will enjoy the poker room at Bovada. The video poker section features 17 different options, including Deuces Wild, Joker Poker 52 Hands and Double Double Bonus Poker. Download the Bovada Poker Software. As a new player to Bovada, you will need to access the Bovada Poker Download in order to get started with real money gaming. Bovada Poker offers their own free to download software for Windows and Mac devices. The original download is 13 MB. Once fully installed, the Bovada poker software needs 134 MB of space.

Bovada Poker

Bonus:
100% up to $500
4.8 / 5
Network:
Pai Wang Luo
Compatibility:
Bonus Code:
not needed
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Bovada is one of the bastions of modern poker. When US poker was in shambles, the operator stood tall and was the rock in which the waves of regulations crashed. Today, the website has completely reinvented itself, appealing to an international crowd, boasting stellar security, a brand-new downloadable client, a string of excellent promotions, and much, much more. At a glance, Bovada is more than meets the eye:

  • Iron-clad security making it the safest card room to play at
  • Thousands of people available in online play
  • $3.5 million guaranteed in one-off tournaments
  • Regular $100,000 events
  • Day-specific events
  • Secure banking options

The company has come a long way. They have completely reinvented their look creating an intutive platform that works from any device. Compatible with Mac, Windows and mobile devices, the website is an absolute delight to play on. Now that we have been introduced to the general offer, let’s focus on the specifics in our in depth Bovada Poker review. There’s so much to talk about, so we better not waste time.

Being Lucky with Promotions at Bovada

Bovada doesn’t make a big display of promotions. They are there, but they apply for aspects of the gaming experience that are not necessarily related to poker. Nevertheless, rest assured that Bovada does well by you and you will be on the receiving end of a 100% poker bonus on your first deposit up to $500, which is quite a bit to get you started at the felt.

The bonus is quite simple to obtain, too. All you need is to join the website and make an eligible bonus. In order to play, you will need to download Bovada Poker and install it, or grab your phone and plunge into the game.

Keep in mind that you will have 30 days to clear the bonus. You will be credited the bonus upon reaching a certain level, which is calculated in points. You can quickly use the table we’ve posted here as reference.

Depending on the type of game you are participating in, you will be eligible for points in two distinct ways. If you play a regular game, you will earn points when you invest into a “raked pot”, as per the chart here:

For tournament games, things are slightly different. You will obtain 3 points for every $1 you spend on covering tournament fees. It is really that simple, so it won’t take you long to figure out what the best games and tournaments for you are to join.

If you don’t have too much time on your hands, do remember to benefit from this welcome bonus, but to the point where you can realistically cover the conditions for a maximum return.

The Bonus Code – Not Really En Vogue

The bonus codes at Bovada are not popular for their poker client. They may still apply for some of the promotions available in the other facilities of the website, such as the sports book and casino, but it may be some time before you come across the need to punch one in. I would say, with Bovada Poker bonus codes are very rare, only use the ones provider by this company itself, as other ones from affiliate sites are probably not going to give you anything extra. Nevertheless, rest assured that we will always keep you posted about the latest poker promotions that emerge here.

Clearing the Bonus

Clearing the bonus is not always easy, but thankfully there is a way. Zone Poker seems to be quickest way to clear the bonus at Bovada. The relatively low stake games ($0.25/$0.50) can fetch you up to 15-20 poker points per table within the hour.

Keep in mind that you need to actually have the associated skills and understanding of the Zone Poker game to be able to beat your opponents at a decent rate. If you can master the entry-levels, though, you will have no trouble clearing the bonus a dozen or so points per table per hour.

Depending on your skill level his may take you a while. It can be reduced by a few days by doing some serious gaming. In any event, the low entry level is quite accommodating, so don’t worry about any unexpected developments.

Bovada’s Excellent Games and Tournaments

Bovada comes with quite the solid offer when it comes to its game variations. At this moment you can choose between the already mentioned Zone Poker, Sit & Go Tournaments and Jackpot Sit & Go’s. Besides from that you will find the usual poker games like Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi and Omaha Hi/Lo.

The Game Variations at Bovada Poker

As you can see in the screenshot above, tinkering with the filters is quick and easy. If you are interested only in a specific type of game, you can quickly make sure that you only see the tables you would like to play at.

Beyond Zone poker, we definitely enjoy two exclusive features, the Quick Seat and the Anonymous Tables. Though these definitely weren’t accepted well back in 2011 when the website first introduced them, nowadays they have come to be held in high esteem by the poker community.

Now that Bovada’s reputation about their anonymous table has been proven, gamers appreciate the ability to play without being followed or tracked on purpose, or, for example, be “grieved”, a term that is used to describe aggressive behavior against a player.

As to the specific types of play, we definitely recommend trying to qualify for the Golden Spade Poker Open (GSPO) with a total prize pool of $3.5 million.

If you feel in a competitive mood on a Monday, you can rely on the so-called Mad Monday tournaments which will be a quick gateway to an immense competition. Every now and then, the competition will change and the prize pool will most likely grow. By now the website has a solid player base, which allows it to scoop up any money raked from fees and pour them back into maintenance and even better tournament opportunities.

A Client Worth Downloading

If you are looking for an exceptional poker client, Bovada is it. You will be quite pleased to know that the software run spotlessly on both your Mac and Windows-powered computers and devices. There is no stopping one of the world’s most popular online poker sites when it comes to compatibility.

Bovada Poker Download, PC Version: the Tournament Lobby

The interface is delightful and it makes no difference which OS you have. The visuals are intutive and easy to navigate. Most importantly, it doesn’t lack a single thing. You can customize everything you feel uncomfortable with via the “Settings” button, or you can jump straight to bonuses and see what treats Bovada has prepared for you.

If you ever need to find all your bonuses in one place, there is a separate built-in bonus feature to allow you and enjoy yourself a quick bonus offer. Again, the poker section doesn’t rely on bonuses so much, so don’t be concerned if promotions are less common.

What you should be interested in are the tournaments, there are plenty to keep you busy. You will notice that there are four languages to choose from when it comes to the user interface and you can get hold of the customer support agents via e-mail.

If you are interested in obtaining an account overview, this is also quite easy by jumping to the “My Account” tab.

Mobile Poker – All Systems Go in Bovada

While many poker websites would not have the technical insight to create a reliable online poker solution, Bovada has not struggled in the slightest. All of the offered facilities at Bovada are accessible with a portable device. Whether it’s your smartphone or slick tablet, you have a quick access to the website which will recognize your device and automatically adjust the layout for mobile play.

Nothing detracts from the experience. You can test it from any screen size, and Bovada will still offer you all of its options without having you go through unfamiliar symbols or features. There is really no difference between this and the desktop version and you will be quick to notice how responsive everything is.

Mobile-first solutions are extremely important in today’s market. If you are a gamer who is constantly on the go this means that you should find a reliable way to take you gaming experience with you without any hickups. Look no further, as Bovada will provide you with everything you have ever needed.

Bovada Has it All: Poker, Casino & Sportsbook

Touring the available gaming options will not disappoint. Bovada, like some others is a multi-purposed facility, allowing you to experience the gambling industry in its entirety. Are you a little jaded from playing poker? Then perhaps, it’s time to kick back and watch a football or basketball match. But while at it, would you mind putting down a wager and maybe even earn something extra?

Screenshot of Bovada Sportsbook

The sports book is very pleasant to the eye as it offers you a lighter interface (nothing that tinkering with the settings of the client couldn’t fix, though), where you can read right through the odds. There are many competitions to pick from.

The Casino – Care to Go for a Spin?

Bovada’s casino is free to play and it comes with excellent gaming options. You will never even need to stake real money on the casino if you just want to wind down from poker, thanks to the practice mode. However, there are some great financial rewards to reap, so you might as well give it a fair consideration.

The casino games can be directly played within the poker client, too, allowing you to have a quick recluse from the action at the tables. You can also access Bovada’s casino games directly, as the casino has an instant play option on their site.

Whatever you do, you will always have a healthy transaction, allowing you to be on top of your gaming forays in Bovada. If diversity is important, then Bovada has done an exceptional job of introducing to many, varied and worthwhile distractions.

Banking – Easy and Client-Friendly

Most online poker rooms love to send you back to their website to deposit or withdraw your money, but this can be done via the Bovada client just as easily. Speaking of banking, we ought to take a closer look at each method when it comes to funding your account or claiming the spoils.

Deposit Methods at Bovada Poker

Bovada has found it best to work with a select few number of operators. As a result, you won’t get dozens of available cash options, but the ones you have available to you will be every bit as useful and secure as you could have ever hoped for.

You can pick from Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express). As a rule of thumb, Amex usually does well, but it might fail to clear. Don’t worry, though, because your money will always be safe with any sort of online transaction through their secure payment operator.

The maximum deposit amounts are $1,500 for a card and $5,000 for Bitcoin respectively.

There are no fees that apply, although Bovada may need to charge you 5.9% of the sum in case of depositing with a credit card, which the operator might be willing to cover sometimes.

Withdrawing Quickly and Reliably

Withdrawing your funds from Bovada is quite easy to do. You can generally use a handful of ways to go about it, either by tapping into cryptocurrencies or using a check by courier. Familiarity with cryptocurrencies is necessary here, which may not be your favorite part, but it helps. The good part of using cryptocurrencies for your gambling transactions is that most of the times the poker rooms offer an extra bonus because of using Bitcoin. It’s cheaper for them than having to pay a percentage to a payment provider for instance for credit card payments.

Bovada changes their payment methods sometimes. Let’s give you a snippet of what they have right now as available to us:

  • Bitcoin – $10/$9,500 (min/max) – 10-30 minutes
  • Check by Courier – $100/$3,000 (min/max) – 2-10 days payment frequency
  • BitcoinCash – Assigned after manually activating your account, coincides with Bitcoin. – 10-30 minutes

As you can see, withdrawing money from Bovada is not too much trouble. Given the challenges that some legal restrictions impose, Bovada has done exceptionally well in keeping its end of the deal.

Bovada Customer Support

The customer support is always here to help you quickly find your way around the casino. Bovada offers every way of communication. You can place a call, chat with a customer rep or simply drop them an e-mail. They all work well and professional and will lead to a solution to any problem you might have.

Here’s the Bovada contact info you need:

  • Reach Bovada by phone: 1-888-263-0000
  • By e-mail: Use the on-site format
  • Or through live chat: Visit “Contact Us”

We wholeheartedly recommend that you also visit the HELP section where you will find a comprehensive FAQ. We know that reading can be a bit of a pest, but if you give it a shot, there is a great chance you will find an answer to your query. And if you still want to dissipate any doubts, do make sure to contact Bovada support.

Safety & Security at Bovada

You needn’t worry about a thing with Bovada’s security offer. First off, they are SSL encrypted. They are quite capable of fending off anyone – be that a hacker or even a user who’s trying to play from a restricted jurisdiction. This also means that VPN will do you no good.

Bovada are supporters of safe and responsible gambling practices, as per their official policy.

Bovada Poker Site Review – Final Thoughts

Bovada stands out from the crowd in our book by virtue of their compatibility with multiple devices and operating systems alone. But there is much more that deserves a proper mention and examination. The website has completely reinvented itself to offer even more competitive poker opportunities. Drawing on its years of experience, Bovada has created a reliable gaming network that stands tall in the world today. The cards seem to favor you today, so why not give it a go?

Home » Poker Reviews » Bovada Poker

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April 25th, 2018 Last updated on October 29th, 2020
Bovada Poker Highlights
  • Best customer support and prompt payouts
  • Also offers an online casino and well respected USA sportsbook
  • Easy to clear 100% to $500 deposit bonus

“Bovada has been a favorite among US players for 10 years. Good software, lots of tournaments, great support & fast cashouts.”
~ Legaluspokersites.com Staff

Bovada Poker receives a good amount of attention from Americans. With fast banking, super-soft games and quality software, Bovada is a competitive choice for anyone from the United States who wants to play real-money poker online.

How Tough is the Competition at Bovada?

Other reviews of Bovada will focus on the games available and mundane details regarding Bovada’s software. We know that US poker players only really care about one thing when they’re thinking about playing at a room – namely, whether or not they can make some money playing poker at that room.

When it comes to Bovada, the answer to that question is a clear yes. The games at Bovada are softer than the average poker room that takes US players, and there are a few unique aspects of Bovada that help to generate this weaker-than-average competition:

  1. Attached sportsbook and casino: It’s always a bonus for United States online poker players when a room has a casino or sportsbook attached, and Bovada has both. We’re not saying that everyone who bets sports is bad at poker, or that all those who play slots are losing hold’em players. What we are saying is that having more gamblers in a poker room is generally going to work out well for the skilled players in that room.
  2. No datamining: Serious online poker players like to have a lot of information on their opponents. Bovada makes it much harder than other rooms for players to acquire and apply data concerning their opponents, so a good percentage of serious players avoid the room altogether.
  3. Fast transactions: Casual players don’t want to jump through hoop after hoop to make a deposit, and they like to get their cash quick when they make a withdrawal. Bovada has over a decade of experience of processing transactions under tough conditions, and it shows in their industry-leading turnaround times for US players.

Deposits and Cashouts at Bovada

A poker room can be the softest in the world but still be of no use to you if you’re not able to get money on and off of the site. Thankfully, Bovada receives higher-than-average ratings from players and industry observers when it comes to banking transactions.

Methods

Bovada accepts multiple methods for deposits, including credit card, bank transfer and money transfer services such as MoneyGram. Cashouts can be processed by check and money transfer services. Turnaround time for deposits is generally under one hour, and cash outs are processed in under two weeks on average.

Fees

Bovada has some of the lowest fees for US poker players of any site you’ll find online. Deposit fees for almost every method are covered by the room, and players incur only minor withdrawal fees depending on the method they choose to cash out funds.

Security

Bovada operates on the same cashier as the world-renowned Bodog brand, and brings Bodog’s decade-plus reputation and experience to the table as a result. When you’re dealing with a system that has handled billions in transactions without one significant issue, you can feel comfortable trusting your personal information and funds to that system, a level of comfort that Bovada is unique in being able to claim.

How to deposit on BovadaPoker with Bitcoin

Bovada Poker is one of the best Bitcoin gambling sites out there. The site has fast deposits, fast withdrawals and there are never any fees. In nearly every case, you’ll have your cryptocurrency in the site and ready to play in less than 60 seconds.

To deposit, all you have to do is have your Bitcoin wallet, select Bitcoin as your deposit method and you’re good to go. You can even use a QR code to do it. You even get bigger bonuses when you deposit with Bitcoin. Visit their Bitcoin FAQ page for more.

How Valuable are the Promotions and Bonuses at Bovada?

The bonuses and promotions at Bovada Poker are worth less than the value you’d find at the average US-facing poker site. Bovada lacks a robust VIP program, and the standing promotions offered by the room return single-digit rakeback percentages to players.

Don’t let this picture dissuade you from playing at Bovada, however. While the room may offer below-average promotional value, it more than makes up for that lack of value in other areas. Here are a few reasons why Bovada may still be a very profitable room for United States players despite weak promotions and bonuses:

  1. Soft competition: As we mentioned earlier, Bovada has perhaps the weakest competition of any US-friendly online poker room. Getting to dine on soft competition at the tables can make up a lot of value lost on the promotional front.
  2. Low-cost banking: Many rooms give US players great value upfront with bonuses, but then charge them substantial fees when it comes time to cash out their winnings. Bovada has some of the cheapest banking fees of any room serving United States online poker players.
  3. Tournament overlays: The one promotional area where Bovada really shines: Generous tournament overlays on both minor and major tournament events. With thousands of dollars added to tournament prize pools every week, Bovada provides tournament players from America with a nice way to boost their ROI without lifting a finger.

Other Products at Bovada

In addition to the Bovada online poker room, players can also access a sportsbook, racebook and a full-featured casino that houses dozens and dozens of games. All of these products are linked from a single Bovada wallet.

Breaking Down the Bovada Software

In addition to multiple table views that give players maximum flexibility when playing poker at Bovada, the room also offers a completely unique feature that you won’t find at any other US online poker site: Anonymous tables. When you play at Bovada, you don’t have to worry about anyone building a profile on you, as all play takes place anonymously. This feature is in place for both cash games and tournaments at Bovada.

Mobile Options for Bovada Players

There is no dedicated mobile poker client for Bovada poker. There are mobile options for the Bovada casino and sportsbook, however. The Bovada casino works on Android and iPads.

Operating System Compatibility

In addition to the native Windows client, Bovada Poker is also available to players from the United States in a dedicated Mac poker client. Linux players will be able to run the Bovada software using Wine or a similar program for running Windows executables within Linux.

Bovada Poker Network & License Information

The Bovada poker room is licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Bovada is part of the same poker network utilized by several international arms of the Bodog brand. When you’re playing at Bovada, you’re up against an international player pool that also serves as the poker home for players from Bodog.ca and Bodog88. The Bodog Poker Network has offered online poker to players from around the globe since the early 2000s.

Bovada Poker Compatibility Review

Bovada is a top pick for American players. Why?

  1. They receive the most (US) traffic. More traffic means more games running – less downtime.
  2. Bovada is rec-player friendly. You won’t find many grinders here, trying to hunt you down and take your money. They don’t allow 3rd party tools either.
  3. Bovada runs many promotions, including their $1,000 deposit bonus, more than $170,000 in guaranteed tournaments every Sunday and satellites to live tournaments.

Sounds good, right?! Are you ready to get started?

The first step is to download their software to your computer. That’s what I’ll help you with now, followed by an explanation of what to expect in terms of their software once you sign up.

How to Download Bovada to Your Computer

The download process will only take a couple of minutes. But first, here are the system requirements:

  1. Operating System – Min. Windows XP Rec. Windows 7
  2. Processor – Min. 1Ghz Pentium Rec. Same
  3. Memory – Min. 500Mb RAM Rec. 512Mb RAM
  4. Disc Space – Min. 30Mb Rec. 60 Mb
  5. Screen Resolution – Min. 1024×768 Rec. 1366×768

Here are the steps you need to take to download the software:

  1. Visit Bovada.
  2. Click download.
  3. On the first screen you’ll be asked if you want to run or save the file. Choose run.
  4. The next screen is the setup wizard. Click next, and choose where you want to download the files to. Then click install.

From here you’ll be asked to create an account. You’ll need to enter your name, address, phone number, email, user name and password. Once completed you’ll be asked to verify your email address. From this point forward you should be able to log-in.

How to Play Poker on Your Mac

Bovada also has a download for Macs. The process is the same as outlined above. Here are the system requirements.

  1. Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard or later
  2. 800 MHz G4 processor or faster
  3. 1 GB memory (RAM) or greater
  4. 70 MB of available disk space

Bovada Poker on the Go

Does Bovada Poker have a mobile app? Absolutely! Although relatively new, the mobile poker app is smooth, clear and provides the necessary functions without any lags or delays.

Sportsbook – There is nothing that you need to download for their sportsbook. Their website is compatible with iPhone / iPad & Android. All you need to do is visit Bovada on your phone, log-in and you’ll be set.

Casino – With their casino you can add the app to your home screen. That’s just to avoid having to use your browser each time you want to play. From your phone you can play games like blackjack, roulette and more than 5 different slot games.

Bovada Poker Download / Software / Features

Bovada has a couple of software features worth pointing out.

Zone Poker – Zone Poker is Bovada’s response to the fast-fold craze that Full Tilt started with Rush Poker and PokerStars with their Zoom Poker. The idea is that you can fold your hand before the action gets to you. Once you do you’re taken to another table where everyone is dealt a new hand. This enables players to get 3-4x the number of hands in per hour. The game is a huge draw to fish players that enjoy constant action.

Anonymous Tables – Anonymous tables are just how they sound – no one knows who you are when you sit down. Each player is labeled a number (1-9). Your notes only last for one session too. The idea is to make it so that grinders don’t have an edge through 3rd party programs, datamining, lobby stats and so on.

Results

Bovada Poker Review 2018 Review

Rabbit Cam – This shows you what cards would’ve been dealt had you continued with the hand.

In-Client Blackjack – You will have access to play blackjack from the lobby / table of the poker download.

Bovada’s software also includes standard stuff like 4-color decks, table layout options, note taking and chatting.

Bovada Poker Review 2018 2019

Are 3rd Party Programs Supported?

No. The following programs are not supported:

  1. Hand trackers / HUDs
  2. Data mining
  3. Auto-Hotkey programs

Bovada doesn’t allow you to use this software because it would give grinders an edge, for one thing. Two, it’s not possible to use these programs anyway because they don’t label the players other than with a (temporary) number. You have no idea who your opponents are once you (or they) leave the table. You’re not even able to save notes longer than your current session.

You are able to download your own hand histories though, so that you can review your own play. But you’re not able to track or label other players. This is inline with Bovada’s attempt to create a safe atmosphere for recreational players, and to improve the poker economy as a whole.

Play now at Bovada Poker

Bovada Poker Review 2018 Results

  • Website:www.bovada.lv
  • Bonus:$500
  • Licenced:Antigua
  • Banned States:NY, MD, and WA
  • Payment Options:Bitcoin, Visa, Bank Wire
  • Support:Click Here
  • Legal Info:Click Here