Bovada Poker in Two Lines
Bovada is a well-known name in the online poker world, particularly for players in the United States. As a skin on the PaiWangLuo Network—previously known as Bodog Poker—Bovada is part of the largest US-facing poker network. With an average of 1,000 cash game players, it ranks sixth according to PokerScout.
Unlike some poker sites that focus heavily on attracting serious players, Bovada’s primary focus is on sports betting and casino games. Poker plays a secondary role here, which means you won’t find many promotions, rakeback deals, or VIP programs. The platform also discourages expert play by keeping all players anonymous and not displaying active tables, which limits seat selection.
Bovada’s approach creates a unique poker environment that caters more to casual players, making it an interesting choice for those who prefer a less competitive atmosphere.
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A Personal Opinion of Bovada Poker
What I like about Bovada Poker – The games at Bovada are very loose, thanks to the many recreational gamblers at the tables. Bovada also pays U.S. players faster than any other U.S.-facing site. Bitcoin withdrawals up to $9,500 are fee-free. For those who prefer checks or bank wires, Bovada offers one free withdrawal every four months.
What I don’t like about Bovada Poker – The tables at Bovada are anonymous, which helps maintain game quality but takes away from the social aspect of poker and makes it harder to spot potential unfair play. Additionally, Bovada no longer offers rakeback, VIP programs, or reload bonuses. Credit and debit card deposits come with a fee. Finally, there’s no option for game or seat selection; the software automatically places you at a table based on the game and limit you choose.
What Players Are Saying About Bovada Poker
The poker community has mixed feelings about Bovada Poker. Many players appreciate the loose games and fast cashouts, making it an attractive option for U.S. players, especially with the efficiency of Bitcoin withdrawals.
However, there are concerns about the fairness of the games, particularly regarding the randomness of the software. Some players are skeptical about the fairness of the games, questioning the randomness of the software and the potential for collusion.
Bovada also receives praise for its convenience and accessibility, especially from players who can’t easily access live tournaments.
While Bovada Poker remains popular for its quick cashouts and active player base, it’s not without its critics. The site’s anonymity and unregulated nature can raise concerns about game integrity, though many players continue to trust and enjoy the platform.
Bovada Poker Bonuses & Promotions
Bovada offers a range of promotions, though they primarily cater to casual players rather than high-stakes grinders.
- Welcome Bonus: New players can claim a 100% match bonus up to $500 on their first deposit. This bonus clears in six installments and must be fully unlocked within 30 days of your deposit, expiring after 60 days if not cleared.
- Bad Beat Bonus: If you lose with aces full of kings or better in a cash game, Bovada offers a “Bad Beat” bonus. You can claim 100 times the big blind, up to $1,000. To receive this bonus, you must use both hole cards and contact Bovada support with the hand number within 48 hours.
- Royal Flush Bonus: Hit a royal flush? Bovada will reward you with 50 times the big blind, up to $200. Like the Bad Beat Bonus, both hole cards must be used, and you’ll need to contact support within 48 hours to claim it.
- Tournament Guarantees: Bovada guarantees $2 million in tournament prizes each week, with satellites starting as low as a few pennies, making it accessible to all types of players.
- Refer-a-Friend Bonus: Refer a friend, and you’ll earn a bonus worth 200% of their first deposit, up to $100. If they deposit with cryptocurrency, you get an additional $75. There’s no limit to how many friends you can refer, making this a potentially lucrative offer.
Bovada Poker Games
Bovada offers a strong selection of poker games, catering to both casual players and those looking for a bit more action. Here’s what you can expect:
Cash Games
Bovada’s cash games are available around the clock, offering a variety of options to suit different player preferences.
The most popular variant is Texas Hold’em, where you’ll find No Limit Hold’em tables with stakes ranging from micro-limits up to $5/$10. Fixed Limit Hold’em is also available, typically up to $3/$6 during peak times.
For Omaha enthusiasts, Bovada provides Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) and Omaha Hi/Lo with stakes reaching as high as $5/$10. Fixed Limit Omaha Hi/Lo games are available up to $1/$2. The Quick Seat feature ensures you get into the action quickly, without the hassle of browsing through a long list of tables.
Zone Poker
If you prefer fast-paced action, Bovada’s Zone Poker is your go-to option. This fast-fold variant moves you to a new table immediately after you fold, allowing you to play up to 200 hands per hour—far more than a standard cash game.
Zone Poker is available for both Hold’em and Omaha, with stakes up to $1/$2 for Hold’em and $0.10/$0.25 for Omaha. It’s perfect for players who want non-stop action and minimal downtime.
Sit & Gos
Bovada offers a wide range of Sit & Gos to cater to different play styles and bankrolls. You can choose from various formats, including Turbo, Heads-Up, and Regular Sit & Gos, with buy-ins starting as low as $1 and going up to $200. While No Limit Hold’em dominates the Sit & Go offerings, Omaha options are also available, though less frequently.
Additionally, Bovada features Jackpot Sit & Gos, a three-player format where the prize pool is determined by a random multiplier, offering the potential for massive payouts, sometimes up to $120,000.
Bovada Poker Tournaments
Bovada offers some of the best poker tournaments for U.S. players, with over $2 million guaranteed every week. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a tournament that fits your style and bankroll.
Weekly and Daily Tournaments
Bovada runs hundreds of tournaments each week, with deep prize pools and plenty of action.
The highlight is the $200K Guaranteed tournament every Sunday at 4 PM ET, offering a $200,000 prize pool and at least $20K for first place.
For high rollers, the $100K Guaranteed High Roller Tournament on Sunday at 6 PM ET is your shot at serious cash, with a $300 + $25 buy-in.
You don’t need a big bankroll to get in on the action. Entry fees start as low as $1, and you can qualify for major events through satellites. The lobby is packed with tournaments every day, so you’ll always find something that suits you.
Tournament Types
Bovada doesn’t just offer standard tournaments; they mix things up with different formats:
- Knockout Tournaments: Earn cash every time you knock out another player. Bovada has regular Knockout tournaments, Sit & Go Knockouts, and Progressive Knockouts, where the bounties grow with each elimination.
- Jackpot Sit & Gos: These three-player tournaments offer quick action with randomly determined prize pools. Buy-ins start at $0.50, and you could win up to 1,000 times your buy-in. The hyper-turbo structure means these games are fast and furious.
- Re-Entry Tournaments: If you bust out during the late registration period, you can buy back in and keep playing. Re-entries are available in most daily tournaments and special events like the Crazy Eights and Lucky Sevens.
Annual Series
Bovada’s tournament schedule is headlined by two major series:
- Black Diamond Poker Open (BDPO): Held in early spring, featuring over 150 events with buy-ins from $5 to $1,055. The main events offer prize pools of $150,000 and $400,000.
- Golden Spade Poker Open (GSPO): This fall series mirrors the BDPO, with millions in guaranteed prizes and high-stakes action.
Banking Options Available at Bovada
Bovada has streamlined its deposit and withdrawal processes, making it easy for players to manage their funds. Here’s what you need to know:
Bovada Poker Deposit Options
Bovada offers several deposit methods, with the most popular being Bitcoin and Visa.
- Bitcoin: No fees and a deposit limit of $10 to $5,000. It’s fast, reliable, and the preferred method for many players.
- Visa: There’s a 15.9% fee, and deposits range from $20 to $1,500. Ensure your card can handle international transactions, as you might need a prepaid international debit card.
Bovada Poker Withdrawal Options
provides a few options, each with its own timeline and fees.
- Bitcoin: The go-to method for most players. No fees, and transactions are processed in under 24 hours. The maximum withdrawal is $9,500 per transaction, with no overall limit.
- Check: If you prefer a check, expect a $50 fee and a one-week wait. The maximum amount is $3,000, but Bovada will waive the fee once every 120 days.
- Bank Wire: This method is slower, taking 2-3 weeks, with fees that can add up. The limit is $9,500 per transaction.
Bitcoin is by far the best option for both deposits and withdrawals at Bovada. It’s fast, fee-free, and straightforward. Visa is a solid alternative for deposits, but be mindful of the fees. If you need to withdraw via check or bank wire, plan ahead due to the longer processing times and additional costs.
Bovada Poker Software
Bovada’s poker software might not be flashy, but it’s built for purpose—delivering a solid, no-nonsense experience that keeps the focus where it should be: on the game. Developed by the PaiWangLuo Network, the software is proprietary, meaning it’s exclusive to this platform. It’s straightforward, functional, and does exactly what it needs to do without getting in the way.
Anonymous Tables
One of the key features of Bovada’s software is player anonymity. Instead of usernames, each player is assigned a number that stays the same throughout a session. This anonymity prevents experienced players from targeting weaker opponents, creating a more balanced and welcoming environment for everyone.
Automatic Seating
At Bovada, there’s no option to choose your seat. The software automatically places you at a table based on the game and limit you select. This feature helps eliminate seat selection strategies that could give more seasoned players an edge, leveling the playing field for everyone.
Note Taking
Despite the anonymous setup, you can still take notes on other players during a session. While these notes won’t carry over to new tables, they can be valuable during longer sessions, helping you keep track of opponents’ tendencies and strategies.
Simple Yet Effective Design
The design of Bovada’s software is clean and modern, featuring a neutral color scheme that’s easy on the eyes. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done, ensuring you can focus on your game without distractions.
Rabbit Hunting
For those curious about what might have been, Bovada offers a “Rabbit Hunting” feature. This lets you see the next card that would have been dealt if the hand had continued. If you prefer not to know, you can easily turn this feature off in the settings.
Is Bovada Poker Safe?
Bovada is an extremely safe online poker site. It has been in business since the late 90’s as a sportsbook known as Bodog, a brand that still operates in countries outside the U.S. The poker site opened in 2004. There has never been a complaint for nonpayment. Bovada and Bodog are financially strong companies.
Is Bovada Poker Legit?
Bovada is one of the safest poker sites. It has more than two decades of online gaming experience dating back to its days as Bodog. The company has survived an indictment from the US Justice Department. Those charges were settled. The site never missed a beat. The site has always paid players on time.
Bovada Contact Information
Bovada Poker offers above average support. Players can contact Bovada Poker by email, phone or live chat. Each Bovada product has its own support department. Email support starts with a form on the website.
- Bovada email contact: service@bovada.lv
- Bovada phone number: 1-800-263-0000
- Live chat: Yes
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Conclusion
Overall, Bovada Poker delivers a solid and dependable option that prioritizes convenience and accessibility. It is a good choice for those who value fast payouts, a less competitive environment, and a more user-friendly setting.
However, if you’re looking for more robust features or a more community-driven experience might need to consider these factors before choosing Bovada as your go-to platform.
Bovada Poker FAQ
Is there rakeback at Bovada?
Bovada no longer offers rakeback to new players. Existing rakeback deals were honored when the decision was made.
How long does it take to verify my account?
Account verification typically takes no longer than 48 hours.
Does Bovada accept U.S. players?
Yes, Bovada exclusively accepts U.S. players.
Which states are restricted from playing at Bovada?
Players from Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Michigan, Colorado, West Virginia, Connecticut, Washington D.C., and Ohio are not allowed to play at Bovada.
What poker games are available at Bovada?
Bovada offers Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo. Additionally, it features Zone Poker, a fast-fold variant that rotates players to different tables immediately after folding.
Where is Bovada licensed?
Bovada is licensed in Costa Rica.
Does tracking software work at Bovada?
While tracking software like PokerTracker can be used, it’s not very effective due to the anonymous nature of Bovada’s tables. Once a player leaves the table, any data collected becomes irrelevant.
Why are Bodog and Bovada tables anonymous?
Bodog and Bovada introduced anonymous tables to protect recreational players from being targeted by professionals. This change prevents stronger players from tracking and exploiting weaker opponents, helping to maintain a balanced playing environment.
Why are there no waitlists at Bovada?
Bovada hides full tables to encourage players to join existing games, promoting more activity and reducing the practice of “bumhunting,” where stronger players seek out weaker ones.
Does Bovada offer casino games?
Yes, Bovada features a comprehensive online casino in addition to its poker rooms.
How many tables can I play at Bovada?
Players can have up to four cash game tables open simultaneously and participate in up to 20 tournaments at one time.