Both Bovada and FanDuel offer a comprehensive range of betting options, competitive odds, and user-friendly interfaces that cater to both novice and experienced bettors. However, Bovada is our preferred online sportsbook for several reasons.
Firstly, Bovada has been a long-standing presence in the online gaming industry and is known for its more extensive sports coverage, generous bonus offers, and efficient payment methods. It is licensed and regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, ensuring a secure and fair betting environment. It also accepts crypto and has a low $5 minimum deposit—what’s not to like?
FanDuel has quickly risen to prominence in the US , offering one of the best mobile betting apps, a wide variety of sports, and innovative features. FanDuel is licensed and regulated by multiple state authorities in the US, reflecting its commitment to adhering to strict regulatory standards. It also has a strong focus on DFS, which appeals to some players. However, its nothing compared to Bovada’s offerings.
With a plethora of options available, it’s essential to find a sportsbook that offers not only competitive odds and a wide range of sports but also a user-friendly interface and a secure environment.
In this comprehensive article, we will compare two of the leading real-money sportsbooks in the US market, Bovada and FanDuel, to help you make an informed decision about which platform best suits your betting needs. We will delve into the features, offerings, and strengths of each sportsbook, analyzing aspects such as sports coverage, bonus offers, payment methods, and the overall user experience.
| Bovada Sportsbook | FanDuel Sportsbook | |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | 50% up to $250 | No-sweat first bet up to $2,500 in bonus bets back |
| Wagering requirement | 5x | N/A (only first bet counts) |
| Launch year | 2011 | 2018 |
| Rating | ||
| Best for | Best for those looking for extensive sports coverage and multiple bonuses and promotions | Great for those looking for a variety of niche sports and international leagues. |
| Minimum deposit | $5 (Tether) | $10 |
| 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, credit and debits cards, bank transfer, PayPal |
| Withdrawal methods | Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Litecoin, Ethereum, USD Tether, Check by Courier, Bank Wire, and Vouchers | Online Banking, Debit Card, Venmo, PayPal, FanDuel Prepaid Play+, Check, and Cash at Counter |
| Security | ||
| Odds | ||
| Customer service |
Below are the best USA online sportsbooks, as chosen by our experts. Register today or read our full online sportsbook reviews for more help deciding which is the best option for you.
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125% up to $3,125 475 21
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50% up to $250 112 15Bovada and FanDuel are two of the most popular options for US-based players, each providing unique features and benefits to enhance your betting experience.
Bovada, a well-known name in the sports betting industry, has been regarded as a top offshore sportsbook since its conception in 2011. Catering to both casual bettors and seasoned professionals, Bovada offers an extensive selection of sports and events for you to bet on. It also offers a diverse range of betting limits, from a minimum of $0.50 to a high maximum betting limit of up to $5,000.
FanDuel, on the other hand, is a US-based site that initially gained fame for its Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platform before launching its sportsbook in 2018. With a strong focus on the US market, FanDuel offers a diverse range of sports and betting options, ensuring that you have plenty of choices when placing your wagers. It is also known for being a sportsbook with low vig bets.
Starting with FanDuel, this sportsbook offers a welcome promotion that usually comes in the form of a risk-free bet. This means that after you sign up and make your first deposit, your initial bet will be risk-free up to a certain amount, typically around $500. If your first bet loses, FanDuel will refund the amount you wagered as site credit. This is an attractive offer for new bettors, as it allows you to test the waters without the fear of losing your initial investment.
On the other hand, Bovada’s welcome bonus is a bit different from FanDuel’s, as they offer a matched deposit bonus. This means that when you make your first deposit, Bovada will match it by a certain percentage, usually 50% up to $250. So, if you deposit $500, you’ll receive an additional $250 in bonus funds. Keep in mind that this bonus comes with a rollover requirement, typically around 5x, meaning you’ll need to wager your deposit and bonus amount five times before you can withdraw your winnings.
We much prefer Bovada’s welcome offer because you receive bonus credits on your first deposit, opposed to only getting rewarded if you have a losing bet. The low wagering requirements also make this highly appealing and ensure everyone can benefit from this promotion.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook, known for its wide variety of betting options and user-friendly platform, offers a range of promotions for existing players. One popular promotion is their “Odds Boost” feature, which provides enhanced odds on selected events, giving you the opportunity to win more than the regular odds would allow.
Additionally, FanDuel frequently offers parlay insurance, where you can get a refund if one leg of your parlay fails. However, it’s worth noting that some users have mentioned that FanDuel could improve by offering bigger promotions and bonuses for existing players.
On the other hand, our Bovada review revealed a more diverse set of promotions for its existing players. Their Refer-a-Friend program allows you to earn a bonus for each friend you refer to the platform, with a 200% bonus of up to $100 for each successful referral. Bovada also offers various seasonal promotions and sport-specific bonuses, such as cashback offers and reload bonuses.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada’s loyalty program, known as “Bovada Rewards,” is built around a tiered points system. As you place bets and participate in casino games, you will earn loyalty points, also called Rewards Points. 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. One of the most appealing aspects of the Bovada loyalty program is its versatility, allowing you to earn points across sports betting, casino games, and poker.
FanDuel, on the other hand, offers a VIP program called “FanDuel Players Club.” This program is designed for its most dedicated players and offers exclusive perks such as access to special promotions, expedited withdrawals, and invitations to VIP events. However, the FanDuel Players Club is an invitation-only program, making it less accessible than Bovada’s tiered rewards system. Additionally, it primarily focuses on daily fantasy sports rather than sports betting.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada Sportsbook offers a wide range of sports to bet on, including popular American sports—it’s a fantastic football, basketball, baseball, and hockey sportsbook. They cover major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as college sports like NCAA football and basketball. Fans of international sports are also catered to, with top betting options for soccer, tennis, golf, cricket, and more. Additionally, they offer niche sports like darts, snooker, and eSports, giving you a diverse selection to choose from.
Similarly, FanDuel Sportsbook covers a broad range of sports, with a strong focus on popular American leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. College sports are also well-represented, ensuring you can bet on your favorite NCAA football and basketball teams. FanDuel’s international sports offerings include soccer, tennis, golf, rugby, and Australian rules football, among others. While they also cover niche sports, their selection is not as extensive as Bovada’s.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada’s live betting platform is user-friendly and offers a wide range of in-play betting options across various sports. With live betting, you can place wagers on events as they unfold, taking advantage of shifting odds and game dynamics. Bovada covers popular American leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as international sports like soccer, tennis, and golf.
It is also one of the best cash out sportsbooks, with a special feature that you can use to settle your bets before the game has finished. This is a fantastic way to secure wins or minimize your losses. However, Bovada does not offer live streaming of events, which means you’ll need to follow the games through other sources to stay informed.
FanDuel, on the other hand, provides an extensive live betting platform with numerous in-play betting options for popular sports like football, basketball, baseball, and hockey, as well as international events. Their live betting interface is easy to navigate and includes real-time statistics, helping you make informed decisions while placing your bets.
One advantage FanDuel has over Bovada is its live-streaming feature. Through FanDuel’s partnership with Sportradar, you can watch selected events directly within the platform, allowing you to track your bets and the action simultaneously. This is a much appreciated feature and gives FanDuel the edge on its in-play betting. We hope to see Bovada add live streaming to its platform in the near future.
Winner: FanDuel Sportsbook
Bovada has built a reputation for offering competitive odds on various sports, including popular American leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as international sports like soccer, tennis, and golf. They consistently provide attractive odds for both pre-match and live betting markets, allowing you to maximize your potential returns. Additionally, Bovada offers a variety of prop bets and futures, giving you more opportunities to find value in the odds.
FanDuel is also known for its competitive odds across a wide range of sports. They offer extensive betting options for popular US leagues and international events, ensuring that you have access to numerous betting markets. FanDuel’s odds are particularly appealing for favorites in moneyline markets, often providing better value than their competitors.
Nevertheless, Bovada seems to offer better odds on a wide range of betting types, not solely their moneyline bets. This is crucial for profitable and exciting wagering, so it takes the top spot in this comparison category.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada’s user interface is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. The website’s layout is clean and straightforward, allowing you to find your desired sports and betting markets with ease. The left-hand menu provides quick access to popular leagues and events, while the central section displays current live games and upcoming matches.
Bovada’s bet slip is conveniently placed on the right side of the screen, making it easy to keep track of your bets. Overall, Bovada’s interface is user-friendly, suitable for both beginners and experienced bettors. Plus, the web-based mobile app is highly intuitive and allows your to place any wagers you want on the go with no download requirements.
FanDuel also boasts a modern and visually appealing user interface. The platform’s layout is well-organized, featuring a top navigation bar that allows you to switch between different sports and betting options quickly. FanDuel’s interface is designed to provide a seamless betting experience across various devices, including desktop, tablet, and mobile. In fact, it’s hard to choose between the two sportsbooks.
Winner: It’s a Tie
Bovada has been in the online gaming industry for many years, earning a solid reputation for its commitment to safety and fair play. The platform utilizes advanced encryption technology to protect your personal and financial data, ensuring that your transactions and sensitive information are kept secure.
It’s worth noting that Bovada operates within the confines of the gambling laws in the US, making it a safe and legal option for online sports betting and gaming. Additionally, Bovada is licensed and regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, a reputable gaming authority that ensures the sportsbook adheres to strict guidelines and operates fairly and transparently.
FanDuel, on the other hand, has quickly emerged as one of the leading sportsbooks in the US, thanks to its robust security measures and strict adherence to regulations. FanDuel is licensed and regulated by various state authorities in the US, such as the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. These are more stringent than the Kahnawake license.
This means that the platform must comply with stringent rules and regulations set forth by these governing bodies, including adhering to legal age requirements in the US and limitations on bet types. Furthermore, FanDuel uses state-of-the-art encryption technology to safeguard your personal and financial information, providing you with peace of mind as you place your bets.
Winner: FanDuel Sportsbook
Bovada’s mobile app provides a simple and user-friendly betting experience, mirroring the clean design of its website. The app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, ensuring that you can access your favorite sports and betting markets with ease.
With the Bovada app, you can also enjoy live betting, manage your account, and process deposits and withdrawals. However, some users have reported occasional lags and performance issues, which may impact your overall betting experience.
On the other hand, FanDuel’s mobile app is widely regarded as one of the best sports betting apps in the US. It offers a sleek, modern design and an intuitive interface, allowing you to navigate effortlessly between different sports and betting options. The FanDuel app is available for both iOS and Android devices and delivers a seamless betting experience across all platforms.
The app includes live streaming and in-play betting options, giving you the opportunity to stay engaged and make real-time bets during live events. Additionally, the FanDuel app provides access to attractive promotions, account management features, and various deposit and withdrawal options, making it a comprehensive and user-friendly platform for all your sports betting needs.
Winner: FanDuel Sportsbook
Bovada provides a variety of secure and user-friendly deposit options. For traditional banking methods, they accept credit cards such as American Express, Mastercard, and Visa, allowing you to transfer funds directly from your bank account to your sportsbook account with ease.
Additionally, Bovada embraces the use of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum, offering an added layer of security and faster processing times. The minimum deposit depends on what cryptocurrency you’re using, but they start at $5 for Tether. This makes is a great option for casual gamers looking for a small deposit sportsbook.
When it comes to withdrawals, Bovada allows you to withdraw up to $9,500 worth of Bitcoin every fifteen minutes, with a maximum weekly limit of $180,500 for cryptocurrency payouts.
On the other hand, FanDuel offers a more diverse range of payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. For deposits, they accept credit and debit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, as well as popular e-wallets like PayPal and prepaid options like Play+ and PayNearMe.
FanDuel also supports bank transfers and wire transfers for added convenience. When it comes to withdrawals, FanDuel provides multiple options, including PayPal, online bank transfers, and physical checks. However, it’s worth noting that FanDuel currently does not support cryptocurrencies for deposits or withdrawals—Bovada is the best crypto sportsbook out of the two options.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada takes pride in offering prompt and reliable customer service. They provide a comprehensive help center and FAQ section that covers a wide range of topics, from account registration and verification to deposit and withdrawal methods, bonus terms, and betting rules. This resource can be invaluable in addressing common questions and concerns without having to contact customer support directly.
If you require further assistance, Bovada offers direct communication channels, including 24/7 live chat, email, and telephone support, ensuring that your queries are addressed efficiently and professionally.
On the other hand, FanDuel also strives to provide excellent customer service to its users. They have an extensive FAQ section that covers various topics, allowing you to find answers to common questions quickly. However, it is worth noting that FanDuel’s customer support is not always as fast as Bovada’s. While they do offer a live chat feature and email support, their response times may vary depending on the volume of inquiries.
Despite this, FanDuel remains a trustworthy and reliable sportsbook that continually works on improving its customer support services. However, as it stands, Bovada provides quicker, more reliable, and more easily accessible customer support.
Winner: Bovada Sportsbook
Yes, it is safe to bet with Bovada. The platform prioritizes user security by employing advanced encryption technology, such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL), to protect personal and financial information. Bovada also offers two-factor authentication (2FA) for added account security and supports secure payment options, including credit cards and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, Bovada’s licensing and regulation by Curacao EGaming demonstrate its operation as a safe and reliable sportsbook.
Bovada is better than FanDuel Sportsbook, according to our experts. Bovada offers attractive welcome bonuses and covers a wide range of sports, making it appealing to bettors seeking variety and promotions. Meanwhile, FanDuel excels in offering competitive odds, a user-friendly interface, and a strong presence in the US sports betting market.
While Bovada and FanDuel are both popular online sportsbooks, they are not the same. Each platform has its unique features and offerings. Bovada is known for its extensive sports coverage, user-friendly interface, and attractive welcome bonuses, catering to both casual and seasoned bettors. On the other hand, FanDuel, initially famous for its DFS offerings, expanded into the sports betting market, providing competitive odds, a wide range of betting options, and a strong presence in various states across the US.
Yes, FanDuel is a trustworthy and reliable sportsbook. It is committed to responsible gambling practices by employing high-level security measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable betting experience for its users. To learn more about this top-rated site, read our FanDuel Sportsbook review.
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