When choosing between Bovada and DraftKings, Bovada stands out at the preferred operator. We came to this conclusion after carrying out our sportsbook reviews and considering factors such as legality, safety, sports offerings, and bonuses. DraftKings is the ideal choice for players who prioritize a regulated and US-licensed betting environment, but Bovada trumps the platform in almost all other categories.
Indeed, Bovada is perfect for those who value a broader range of sports offerings and generous deposit bonuses. Unlike it’s DFS-focused counterpart, Bovada also supports cryptocurrencies and even offers crypto-exclusive bonuses. Despite not holding a US license, Bovada also scores well in terms of safety and prioritizes your online security to give you a safe and enjoyable betting experience.
With numerous options available, it can be challenging to determine which sportsbook best suits your needs. In this comprehensive sportsbook comparison, we will explore two of the industry’s leading real money sportsbooks—Bovada and DraftKings. We’ll delve into their key features, including sports coverage, bonus offers, payment methods, and overall user experience, as summarized below:
| Bovada Sportsbook | DraftKings Sportsbook | |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | 50% up to $250 | Up to $200 in bonus bets |
| Wagering requirement | 5x | N/A (no rollover) |
| Launch year | 2011 | 2012 |
| Rating | ||
| Best for | Best for those looking for extensive sports coverage and multiple bonuses and promotions | Great for those looking for daily fantasy sports and competitive odds on various sports |
| Minimum deposit | $5 (Tether) | $5 |
| Mobile betting | Yes | Yes |
| Live streaming | Yes | Yes |
| eSports betting | Yes | Yes |
| Sports available | 30+ | 20+ |
| Deposit methods | Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum, American Express, Mastercard, and Visa | e-wallets, bank transfers, paper checks, prepaid cards, VIP Preferred, Venmo |
| Withdrawal methods | Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Litecoin, Ethereum, USD Tether, Check by Courier, Bank Wire, and Vouchers | Online banking, VIP Preferred, PayPal, Venmo, Play + prepaid card, check |
| Security | ||
| Odds | ||
| Customer service |
Place wagers at the best online sportsbooks in the United States. These three operators have stood out in all our sportsbook comparisons, promising the best betting experience possible.
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50% up to $250 112 15Bovada Sportsbook is a well-established sportsbook known for its extensive sports coverage, bonus offers, and user-friendly interface. As a sports bettor, you can enjoy a diverse selection of sports and events, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and more.
On the other hand, DraftKings stands out as a top choice for US-based players looking for a reliable, user-friendly, and feature-rich betting platform. As one of the best reduced juice sportsbooks, DraftKings offers competitive odds on a vast selection of sports and events. DraftKings is a legal sports betting site in the US, with its availability varying due to differing legal age requirements for betting and inconsistent gambling laws in the US. In some states, DraftKings operates as a licensed and regulated sportsbook, while in others, it may only offer DFS contests.
Bovada offers attractive deposit bonuses for new players. Upon signing up and making your first deposit, you can receive a 50% deposit match bonus of up to $250, with a 5x wagering requirement. This means that if you deposit $500, you’ll receive an additional $250 as a bonus.
For those using cryptocurrencies, Bovada alternatively offers a 75% Bitcoin bonus of up to $750, with a 5x rollover requirement. Exclusive crypto bonuses are a feature of all top cryptocurrency sportsbooks, giving you more money than you receive from standard offers. These bonuses are a great way to kickstart your sports betting journey on Bovada’s platform.
DraftKings also provides a competitive welcome bonus for new players: a deposit match bonus of up to $1,000. However, don’t let the higher maximum bonus fool you. At DraftKings, your deposit is matched by just 20% rather than up to 75% at Bovada. Unless you’re a high-roller planning to claim the maximum bonus amount (which requires a $5,000 deposit), Bovada’s is the better offer.
The wagering requirement for the DraftKings bonus is 25x. This is much higher than Bovada’s playthrough requirement and makes their offer less attractive. DraftKings tried to remedy this by sometimes offerings a free bet for new players, which can range from $25 to $100. However, while the free bet is certainly beneficial, it’s not always available.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada is known for its ongoing promotions and rewards for existing players. For instance, Bovada offers a 100% sports reload bonus of up to $250 for existing players who deposit using Bitcoin. This bonus has a 5x rollover requirement. Additionally, their refer-a-friend program allows you to earn up to $100 for each friend you refer, with no limit on the number of referrals.
DraftKings also provides a few promotions for existing players. These promotions include odds boosts, free bets, parlay insurance, and more. For example, DraftKings often runs “Odds Boost” promotions, where they increase the odds for specific events, providing you with better potential payouts. However, they mainly reward players through their loyalty program (see below) as opposed to ongoing offers.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada’s loyalty program, known as Bovada Rewards, is designed to reward you for your continued patronage. Built around a tiered points system, you’ll earn Rewards Points as you place bets and participate in casino games. These points can be accumulated and later redeemed for cash bonuses, free bets, and other exclusive rewards.
The program consists of multiple tiers, starting with the Starter level and progressing to Pro, All-Star, Legend, and ultimately, the Hall of Fame. As you climb the ranks, the rewards and perks you receive become more valuable, such as increased cashback rates, faster withdrawals, and dedicated customer support.
On the other hand, DraftKings offers a loyalty program called DraftKings Crowns. As a member of this program, you’ll earn points, known as Crowns, for every bet you place, regardless of whether it’s on sports, casino games, or poker. You can redeem these Crowns for contest entries or exclusive rewards in the DraftKings Store. While DraftKings doesn’t have a tiered system like Bovada, your dedication and commitment to the platform are recognized and rewarded accordingly.
In terms of versatility, both loyalty programs cater to different types of players. DraftKings takes a straightforward approach, with a focus on earning points that can be redeemed for various rewards and contest entries. However, Bovada’s program is more appealing for most players, particularly if you’re interested in tiered rewards and a wider range of benefits, such as cashback and faster withdrawals.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
At Bovada, you’ll find an extensive selection of sports to choose from, covering both popular and niche markets. It is among the best sportsbooks for baseball and other major American sports. In fact, you can bet on major sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as college sports, tennis, golf, soccer, and more. Bovada also offers betting options on less mainstream sports like rugby, darts, and snooker, giving you a diverse range of options to satisfy your betting desires.
DraftKings is also well-known for its wide range of sports offerings. It caters well to US-based players with a strong focus on American sports leagues and events. For example, you can bet on NFL games, including futures, props, and live betting, or at predicting the winners of NBA, MLB, and NHL matchups. College sports fans are also well-served, with extensive coverage of NCAA football and basketball events.
More niche sports such as cricket, Aussie rules football, and even eSports are available at DraftKings, too. Additionally, DraftKings provides numerous betting options on international sports events, allowing you to bet on competitions and leagues from around the world. However, there are slightly fewer markets available compared to Bovada.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada is well-known for its extensive live betting options, allowing you to place wagers on games and matches as they unfold in real-time. You can bet on a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. Bovada’s live betting interface is user-friendly, making it easy to navigate and find the bets you want to place.
DraftKings also offers a robust live betting experience, with numerous in-play markets across various sports. You can wager on events as they happen, adjusting your bets based on the game’s progress. DraftKings also provides an innovative feature called “Flash Bet,” which allows you to bet on specific moments in a game, such as the next point in a tennis match or the outcome of a single play in football. This feature enhances the excitement of live betting and keeps you engaged throughout the event.
When it comes to live streaming, Bovada currently doesn’t offer this feature for US-based players. You’ll need to rely on other sources to watch the games while placing your live bets. On the converse, DraftKings does offer live streaming for some events, giving it the edge. However, the availability varies and may not cover all the sports or games you’re interested in.
Winner: DraftKings Sportsbook
Bovada is renowned for offering competitive odds across a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. This platform often provides attractive underdog lines, giving you an opportunity to find value bets and potentially maximize your returns. For instance, in an NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs, Bovada might offer the Patriots at +200, while other sportsbooks may only have them at +190.
On the other hand, DraftKings is recognized for its comprehensive selection of sports and betting markets, with odds that are generally in line with industry standards. DraftKings occasionally offers boosted odds or promotions that can enhance the value of specific bets, but these promotions are often available only for a limited time. Using the same NFL game example, DraftKings might offer the Patriots at +190, which is still a competitive line but slightly less attractive than Bovada’s odds.
It’s important to note that the odds offered by each sportsbook can vary depending on the specific event, market, and other factors. As a savvy sports bettor, you should always compare odds across multiple platforms before placing your bets to ensure you’re getting the best value.
Winner: It’s a Tie
DraftKings is a legal sports betting site in the US, with its availability varying due to differing gambling laws by state. In some states, DraftKings operates as a licensed and regulated sportsbook, offering sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS) services.
However, in other states, it may only offer DFS contests, while in a few states, DraftKings may be entirely restricted. This regulated status ensures that DraftKings adheres to strict guidelines and regulations, which in turn guarantees a safe and secure betting platform for you to use with confidence.
On the other hand, Bovada is considered one of the highest-rated offshore sportsbooks for US-based players, although it is not regulated in the same manner as DraftKings. It operates in a legal “grey area” or the law. However, Bovada has built a strong reputation for its security measures and responsible gambling practices.
The platform utilizes advanced encryption technology to protect your personal and financial information, ensuring that your transactions remain secure. Additionally, Bovada is committed to promoting responsible gambling and provides resources and tools to help you maintain control over your betting activities. However, nothing can beat a US gaming license.
Winner: DraftKings Sportsbook
Bovada offers a seamless experience on its sports betting app for mobile, ensuring you can place bets, check odds, and access your account effortlessly. The app is a browser-based application, meaning there is no download requirement. It also maintains the same clean and straightforward design found on the website, making it easy to navigate and find the sports and events you’re interested in.
Bovada’s app also includes live betting options, so you can place wagers on events as they unfold. Moreover, the app is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, allowing you to enjoy a smooth betting experience regardless of your device.
On the other hand, the DraftKings mobile app stands out for its sleek and modern design, providing a user-friendly experience tailored for sports bettors. The app’s main navigation bar allows you to quickly access different sections such as sports, contests, and promotions, ensuring that you can easily find and place bets on your desired events.
With a wide range of sports and betting markets available, including high-limit sports betting, the DraftKings app caters to both casual and seasoned bettors. Additionally, the app offers features like live betting, early cash-out sports betting options, and the ability to create personalized bets. DraftKings’ app is also available for both Android and iOS devices, ensuring compatibility and convenience.
Winner: It’s a Tie
Bovada boasts a clean and straightforward user interface, allowing you to navigate through various sports, events, and betting options with ease. The platform features a dark background with white text, making it easy on the eyes and reducing visual fatigue during extended browsing sessions.
On the homepage, you’ll find popular sports and events, as well as quick access to live betting options. Additionally, Bovada’s mobile app offers a seamless experience, ensuring you can place bets on the go without any hassle.
DraftKings, on the other hand, presents a sleek and modern user interface, with a focus on providing an intuitive and user-friendly experience. The platform’s main navigation bar at the top of the screen allows you to quickly access different sections such as sports, contests, and promotions. This ensures that you can easily find the events and bets you’re interested in without having to spend too much time searching.
Furthermore, the DraftKings mobile app and website are designed to make it easy for you to navigate through various sports and events, as well as place your bets with just a few clicks. As far as we are concerned, the two sportsbooks are neck and neck in this category; it’s all down to personal preference.
Winner: It’s a Tie
Bovada offers a range of payment methods for deposits, including credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express), Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, other cryptos and vouchers. It is recognized as being a low-deposit sports betting platform with a $5 minimum for Tether. Their processing times for deposits are generally fast, with cryptocurrencies offering the quickest transactions.
For withdrawals, Bovada offers Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, checks by courier, and vouchers. While cryptocurrencies allow for faster withdrawals, the other methods can take a bit longer to process. Nevertheless, we appreciate the diverse range of payment options to cater to all players.
On the other hand, DraftKings offers various payment options to cater to diverse preferences. You can use credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and Discover), e-wallets (PayPal and Skrill), cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin), and prepaid cards (Play+ and Vanilla Visa). These methods typically have instant or near-instant processing times, allowing you to access your funds quickly.
When it comes to withdrawals, DraftKings also supports several methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. To ensure secure and compliant transactions, DraftKings requires you to verify your payment method by submitting appropriate documents. But despite all this, the lack of cryptocurrencies means DraftKings loses in this category.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada prides itself on its responsive and helpful customer service team, which can be reached through various channels. You can contact them via live chat, email, or telephone, allowing you to choose the method that suits you best. Their support team is available 24/7 and we found all agents to be incredibly friendly and helpful in asnwering our queries.
In addition to these direct communication options, Bovada also offers a comprehensive help center and FAQ section. This resource covers a wide range of topics, from account registration and verification to deposit and withdrawal methods, bonus terms, and betting rules. By consulting the help center, you may be able to find the information you need without having to contact customer support directly.
DraftKings also offers excellent customer support through multiple channels, including live chat, email, and social media platforms like Twitter. The live chat option is particularly convenient as it allows you to connect with a representative in real-time, ensuring that your issues are resolved promptly. DraftKings’ customer support team is known for its professionalism, friendliness, and in-depth knowledge of the platform, making them well-equipped to handle any concerns you may have.
However, due to the popularity of DraftKings in the US, we experienced longer wait times on their platform. For this reason alone, Bovada stands out as offering better customer service.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Yes, Bovada is a trustworthy sportsbook for online betting enthusiasts. The platform employs advanced encryption technology, such as SSL, to protect users’ personal and financial information from potential cyber threats. Additionally, Bovada offers secure payment options, including cryptocurrencies, and is licensed and regulated by Curacao eGaming, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices.
Yes, it is safe to bet with DraftKings, as they operate under strict regulations and licensing in various jurisdictions across the United States, ensuring a secure environment for players. DraftKings also promotes responsible gambling, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining a safe and reliable platform. You can discover more about this site in our full DraftKings Sportsbook review.
Bovada and DraftKings are not the same. They are two distinct sportsbooks with unique features and offerings. While both platforms provide a wide range of sports and betting options, DraftKings is primarily known for its DFS contests, allowing users to create their own fantasy teams and compete for cash prizes. On the other hand, Bovada is a more traditional online sportsbook, without a focus on DFS.
While both provide a wide range of sports betting options, Bovada is known for its user-friendly sportsbook and attractive deposit bonuses, whereas DraftKings is a pioneer in the Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) industry and offers a unique way to participate in sports betting through its DFS contests. The choice between Bovada and DraftKings ultimately depends on your personal preferences, betting needs, and whether you are interested in participating in DFS.
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