Bovada.LV Review

[RED]

I have been with bodog for a while now, nobody can really argue with there track record they always payout. They may not be as fast as other shops but you do get paid. Since the site has been ran by the new owners after Calvin Ayre sold it, they have continued the solid track record of always paying out. Now the name change and some big site changes. It's not bad, some improvements in my opinion.

1. Poker: At first I hated the fact that they got rid of screen names on the site, I admit I joined in the theory's of them trying to cheat the players, another UB/Absolute etc.. But if you really look at their new concept you will understand how it is better for the players then ever before.

For the Pro Poker Players The Change Offers:

1. Privacy: why should anyone know what you make $$$ wise.

2. Security: Hey if you get seen winning 6k it is less likely your account will be hacked because nobody knows who number 6 is who just won a lot.

3. The chance to play as a average Joe because nobody knows you or fears you. <--This alone makes you more $$$$$ every time you play.

For The Average Joe's The Change offers:

1. everything mentioned above plus.

2. The game is more real, you now are playing against other players rather then 2k of software that has been tracking you every time you sit, selling your playing style and information to the pro's through software etc..

3. The game is more fair without the software like poker tracker etc.. the stuff the radio shack grinders have but you do not. They now have to play poker and pay attention to the game. Instead of a program telling them what moves to make against you. It's more like real poker if you ask me.

That poker software was never fair, it allowed people to open like 20 tables, recommend to them how everyone was playing, and they were able to calculate making moves on the fly, sorry but that is not poker. Now they a forced to play real poker. Huge pluses for everyone.

The sportsbook

Still seems the same, not all lines posted and a lot of games circled, but if you want to get action down you can. I have hit parlays, teasers, and straight wagers before and got paid so not bad.

The deposit fee of just around 5%

It sucks but it is doable, I would rather see a small deposit fee then have big withdraw fees. So I can live with it.

Some Future changes I would like to see:

1. A points store with Bovada gear like hats shirts etc..
2. Possibly see them team up with a processor that offers DC withdrawal's
3. Seeing their sports book lines up a little earlier, By WED/Thursday all NFL/NCAAF game lines, totals, ML should be out with less games circled if possible.

Nice Job so far Bovada, keep it up.

[donjuan]

[prop]

[5mike5]

terrible...

WAY better options for U.S. players....and that was b4 this junk

[indio]

I have been with bodog for a while now, nobody can really argue with there track record they always payout. They may not be as fast as other shops but you do get paid. Since the site has been ran by the new owners after Calvin Ayre sold it, they have continued the solid track record of always paying out. Now the name change and some big site changes. It's not bad, some improvements in my opinion.

1. Poker: At first I hated the fact that they got rid of screen names on the site, I admit I joined in the theory's of them trying to cheat the players, another UB/Absolute etc.. But if you really look at their new concept you will understand how it is better for the players then ever before.

For the Pro Poker Players The Change Offers:

1. Privacy: why should anyone know what you make $$$ wise.

2. Security: Hey if you get seen winning 6k it is less likely your account will be hacked because nobody knows who number 6 is who just won a lot.

3. The chance to play as a average Joe because nobody knows you or fears you. <--This alone makes you more $$$$$ every time you play.

For The Average Joe's The Change offers:

1. everything mentioned above plus.

2. The game is more real, you now are playing against other players rather then 2k of software that has been tracking you every time you sit, selling your playing style and information to the pro's through software etc..

3. The game is more fair without the software like poker tracker etc.. the stuff the radio shack grinders have but you do not. They now have to play poker and pay attention to the game. Instead of a program telling them what moves to make against you. It's more like real poker if you ask me.

That poker software was never fair, it allowed people to open like 20 tables, recommend to them how everyone was playing, and they were able to calculate making moves on the fly, sorry but that is not poker. Now they a forced to play real poker. Huge pluses for everyone.

The sportsbook

Still seems the same, not all lines posted and a lot of games circled, but if you want to get action down you can. I have hit parlays, teasers, and straight wagers before and got paid so not bad.

The deposit fee of just around 5%

It sucks but it is doable, I would rather see a small deposit fee then have big withdraw fees. So I can live with it.

Some Future changes I would like to see:

1. A points store with Bovada gear like hats shirts etc..
2. Possibly see them team up with a processor that offers DC withdrawal's
3. Seeing their sports book lines up a little earlier, By WED/Thursday all NFL/NCAAF game lines, totals, ML should be out with less games circled if possible.

Nice Job so far Bovada, keep it up.

As far as regarding the poker software changes, this might be the dumbest, most inane, and idiotic comments I've read yet, and that includes the tireless propaganda from Oldman and Ayre.

You shouldn't embarrass yourself trying to give reasons why professional players should embrace the changes when you are obviously not a winning player.

Fact is, this software has more bugs than the Kansas wheat fields had during the locust migrations. Players (winning, break even, and losing players among them) aren't leaving in droves because it was an improvement. This change was intended for the sole reason to keep losing sports bettors and casino players who like to play poker too, from giving most of their deposits to poker sharks who were constantly cashing out and burdening their processors. They wanted less poker traffic, because they want the money to stay in house, and not have to constantly pay poker players.

This software doesn't even allow you to see your opponents hand after he called you down after the river. Even a live game you are allowed that information. And in HU sit and go's, as the levels increase, the dealing is slowed down, and by the time you hit 50/100 blinds, it actually deals cards slower than a live dealer.

[BigDofBA]

Agreed. The poker software sucks.

Bodog hates paying people out. That's probably why the first check they send, which looks fake to begin with, usually bounces. The second check usually looks legit and it goes through with no problems.

So yeah, after 5 weeks of hastle and bounced check fees, you get paid.

It was a really dumb move to screw up the poker software even more than it already was. I would win money playing poker and then blow some of it in their sportsbook. Now that poker is ******, I'm just going to leave and blow money at some other sportsbook.

I feel like it's all just a scam. Winning poker players are probably the only people cashing out consistently and looks like they want to put a stop to that.

[nyplayer33]

winning poker is putting opponents on a range of hands and how you are perceived by opponents, What goes a check raise mean vs this and that player..now your guessing

[BigDofBA]

winning poker is putting opponents on a range of hands and how you are perceived by opponents, What goes a check raise mean vs this and that player..now your guessing

no kidding. It's like playing blindfolded.

[PharaohUB]

There really are a lot of d-bags on this site. Not everyone who posts has some ulterior motive. Kind of sad all the negativity around this place.

Thanks for the review. I don't play poker anymore, but you made some interesting points.

[prop]

They lied about the fix. Changed yes, fixed no.

[daneblazer]

As far as regarding the poker software changes, this might be the dumbest, most inane, and idiotic comments I've read yet, and that includes the tireless propaganda from Oldman and Ayre.

You shouldn't embarrass yourself trying to give reasons why professional players should embrace the changes when you are obviously not a winning player.

Fact is, this software has more bugs than the Kansas wheat fields had during the locust migrations. Players (winning, break even, and losing players among them) aren't leaving in droves because it was an improvement. This change was intended for the sole reason to keep losing sports bettors and casino players who like to play poker too, from giving most of their deposits to poker sharks who were constantly cashing out and burdening their processors. They wanted less poker traffic, because they want the money to stay in house, and not have to constantly pay poker players.

This software doesn't even allow you to see your opponents hand after he called you down after the river. Even a live game you are allowed that information. And in HU sit and go's, as the levels increase, the dealing is slowed down, and by the time you hit 50/100 blinds, it actually deals cards slower than a live dealer.

QFT, and if anyone can't see this, they're exactly the type of person Bodog or whatever the hell it is now wants on their site.

[Greetings]

review BOVADA.LV...poker

I highly suggest you watch your games on this site
seems employees of the company playing
seems cheat is prevalent
have 3 friends playing also mentioning strange plays and winnings
good luck
p.s. i am up at this point but i usually watch the action for 1 round and try to observe the game prior to playing

[Easy-Rider 66]

Bovada is a weak out imo. Their circled games, late lines, deposit fees, etc make them so. The best thing about them is that sometimes you can get good lines on dogs. But it isn't worth posting up there. I will say that when I used Bodog years ago had no problems cashing out the couple of times I did.

[Lazerface]

Bovada is complete bs when it comes to poker, and collusion is easily recognized even at the smallest stake tables. Every table seems to have its money dumper, who will quickly raise you until you fold, then fold on the turn or river if you fold. And then the 2 super aggro who seemingly raise you every hand and reraise you if you raise. Someone went all in on me with 23 - against AA, and the cards came 456AK. I could watch a real table for hours and never see that happen. Maybe on the river, but not like that. I can deal with a bad beat but come on now. Anonymous playing at multiple table sounds nice until you probably realize your going against an entire table that probably knows each other. That said, its funnier when you know your up against more than just the imaginary dealer(and bovada employees probably) and take a pot. Its not worth it though. Apologies is this comes across as a long winded rant, but I can't stand cheating on any level.

[cblanchard86]

Bovada is BOGUS

Bovada.lv is by far the worst poker site on the internet. I signed up and deposited within the past week. BAD move. I was playing a tournament, and somehow lost connection to the site for about 10 mintes. Also the site "stopped responding" about 5 times, so i pretty much got burned on that tourney. Then I was playing a heads up sit 'n go, and somehow lost connection again, and the program froze about 3 times; there goes another 20 bucks. I emailed them to say I wanted a refund on my 20 buy and they told me that I had "Timed Out" because my internet connection wasnt strong enough. That is also bullshiit because I have played at baout 10 different poker sites and this has not happened to me once (and my internet connection was 100%).

I would advise ANYONE who plays online poker to NEVER USE BOVADA. The software setup alone is absolutely horrible; you dont even have a poker name to refer to anyone (or yourself). No customer service number, only contact through email which is also bogus. STAY AWAY. (Nevermind the "fee" they chrage you to deposit, they also rake, and charge tourney fees).

ABSOLUTE JOKE AND WASTE OF TIME. Thank you Bovada for making me less compitent by putting money onto your garbage site.

[Bovada Service]

Hey cblanchard86,

We are sorry to hear that you have been experiencing some technical issues recently. The best thing to do when this happens is to contact our Poker Customer Service Team toll-free at 1-866-909-ACES (2237) and an agent will be more than happy to go over any troubleshooting steps with you right away. Our Customer Service Team is available 24/7 via email and phone. If you'd like to discuss the specific issues you experienced recently, we kindly ask that you PM us your account details and we will have a member of our Player Advocacy Team contact you today.

Best Regards,

Bovada Service

[Paul Kemp]

This is the best place for this post:

Bovada Service - I just received my last payout via check on 10/05. Today, I received a letter from my bank that whomever processed this check for you would not honor it. It has been returned to me, with Item Dishonored on it. I've already read of this issue occurring. I've already started the process of sending you copies of everything and waiting for god knows how long for this to be fixed. We'll see if this actually DOES get resolved.

Unbelievable and unacceptable - 35 days to receive my payout - 20 days for it to be returned as bogus. I assure you that this post will go on this board in under other topics that it pertains to. The customers who do not know of the issues must be informed.

Thanks!

[Monte]

The deposit fee of just around 5%

They would have to pay me some smart money, not the other way round...feels stupid enough to deposit there without fees, but with them it's just a big laugh.

[sr949900kr]

Hey, did Bovada service every get you the funds they owed you? Now I am concern about their check clearing. Thanks!

[sr949900kr]

This is the best place for this post:

Bovada Service - I just received my last payout via check on 10/05. Today, I received a letter from my bank that whomever processed this check for you would not honor it. It has been returned to me, with Item Dishonored on it. I've already read of this issue occurring. I've already started the process of sending you copies of everything and waiting for god knows how long for this to be fixed. We'll see if this actually DOES get resolved.

Unbelievable and unacceptable - 35 days to receive my payout - 20 days for it to be returned as bogus. I assure you that this post will go on this board in under other topics that it pertains to. The customers who do not know of the issues must be informed.

Thanks!

Hey, did Bovada service every get you the funds they owed you? Now I am concern about their check clearing. Thanks!

[howdypal]

Bovada review - long time customer

Hello, my name is Taylor (screen name: Howdypal), I have been a member of Bodog for 7-8 years and have deposited between 5k-10k over the years that have been played on sportsbook, casino, and poker. I used to be an advocate for the former Bodog stating that despite the slow payouts, they were a good company with decent customer service. I can no longer advocate for this company and am letting everyone know my experience.

About 4 months ago I invested a mere $4.40 to win a $33 ticket to any future tournament of my choice. After spending the last couple months in the hospital with my newborn daughter, I finally had time to sit down for several hours in a row and play some poker. When I went to search for a good $33 tourney and discovered my ticket had vanished. After some further research I discovered that my ticket (not a promotion, won with my own deposit), had "expired". Apparently my winnings are only good for 90 days and then they become property of Bovada...but of course, because of my long term, deep deposit relationship they would be considerate of the circumstances and give me some more time to play...

I called and spoke with a Ron. Ron informed me that he couldn't promise that he could get me my ticket but he would try. After a couple minutes on hold he came back on the line and informed me that he couldn't offer me a $33 ticket, he would typically be able to get me a $5.50 ticket but that he pulled some strings and could give me a $11 ticket.

I spent the next 30-40 minutes discussing policies with Ron.
I asked Ron to show me where in the policies/terms of service I could see that the ticket would eventually expire, he directed me to the TOS. I asked him where in the TOS it discussed tickets. Ron placed me on hold for about 10 minutes to research. When he came back on the line, he apologized but he had directed me to the wrong location...I actually had to look under the "Poker FAQs." and it was my responsibility to know how the ticket worked. When I asked him if he thought it was ridiculous that I was expected to know all these policies so well when he, as an employee, would take 15 minutes to find them, he said that his answer didn't matter.
When I asked Ron for explanation as to why tickets expired, considering most (if not all) other online poker sites offer these tickets/tokens that don't expire, he told me that he didn't know why the rule was what it was. He said (and I quote), "We don't know why rules are rules. Look at Singapore. It's illegal to chew gum in Singapore. Why is it illegal? Why would you get arrested. No one knows...it's just the rules." Really???? Bovada- THAT is your defense for this policy. Because people in Singapore can't chew gum?
I asked to speak with his supervisor who was apparently in a meeting for the next two hours. Ron then informed me that I was no longer eligible for the $11 ticket since I didn't accept it initially. I told him that while I was upset about them robbing me of the $33, the retraction of the $11 may be their biggest infraction. I told him they were losing a customer who had invested a fair amount of money into the company over a $33 ticket which was mine in the first place. He told me, "We are a business, not a charity." I don't know where they get there talking points but it's unbelievable.

After hanging up with Ron, I e-mailed and called again. Any attempt to reach a supervisor is in vain as they just say they're unavailable. I can't make Bovada give me my $33 but I can spread the word across the internet that there are much better places to invest your money be in casino, poker, or sportsbook than in the terrible customer service site of Bovada....please, I urge you - spend your money elsewhere!

[Hankwins]

I have a good bovada story, tonight i see they have place $40 in casino opr sports book wager ans get a free $10 wager,$10 casino chip and $10 poker ticket credited on the 14th. so I throw $100 in there and place a $40 losing wager on the thursday night game and proceed to blow the other $60 i thought on $5 blackjack hands. well any i log back in and apparently i still haD $5,I ran that upto $450 playing blackjack. I typically get smoked and this is my first miricle comeback story for bovada but apparently hot and cold streaks do go both ways, my largeest wager weas $15 but it is fast and furious pace ofr course.

[Kindred]

They have hands down the best customer service and bonuses and the poker room is fishy. Free payouts but not as fast as BI or 5dimes, as long as you're not a brokedikfuckk shouldn't be an issue.

Software is also a big +, and considering their size can't see any reason to sweat payouts like some smaller/newer shops

[Kindred]

Hello, my name is Taylor (screen name: Howdypal), I have been a member of Bodog for 7-8 years and have deposited between 5k-10k over the years that have been played on sportsbook, casino, and poker. I used to be an advocate for the former Bodog stating that despite the slow payouts, they were a good company with decent customer service. I can no longer advocate for this company and am letting everyone know my experience.

The guy that just signed up today has been at Bodog for 7 or 8 years..unreal

Guy it's $33, life is too short, I promise bovada doesn't care about your $33. If they had player transfers I'd ship you $33. Also it's bovada now not bodog, but I interchange the names still too.

[HeDidDisToHim]

I personally dislike that Bovada permits a maximum of one p2p cashout per 7 days. That's too long. Of course, I'm sure if you are depositing p2p you could do 100 transactions per day.

[Hankwins]

They should hire more people I read 5-10 business days to process a withdrawl.(simply put it in motion) that is complete BS! it also says this may vary due to volume. this is basically scam behaviour to entice players to cancel withdrawls and bet and lose. While a reported my remarkable casino story of turning $5 into $450, i will add i went back playing $15/hand peaked at $1700, when I got down to $50. I attempted to regroup and reduced my bet to a whopping $2(NEVER ONCE INCREASING) lost nearly every hand and and I could slap myself for practically being the equivalent of a powerball winner in regards to turning pennies into a a couple g's on a RTG casino. Sorry for the rambling guys,. I think the little blackjack icon in the corner by the lobby is predatory behavior becuase i can tell the odds are worse than the download casino.

[daneblazer]

1. Poker: At first I hated the fact that they got rid of screen names on the site, I admit I joined in the theory's of them trying to cheat the players, another UB/Absolute etc.. But if you really look at their new concept you will understand how it is better for the players then ever before.


For The Average Joe's The Change offers:

1. everything mentioned above plus.

2. The game is more real, you now are playing against other players rather then 2k of software that has been tracking you every time you sit, selling your playing style and information to the pro's through software etc..

3. The game is more fair without the software like poker tracker etc.. the stuff the radio shack grinders have but you do not. They now have to play poker and pay attention to the game. Instead of a program telling them what moves to make against you. It's more like real poker if you ask me.

That poker software was never fair, it allowed people to open like 20 tables, recommend to them how everyone was playing, and they were able to calculate making moves on the fly, sorry but that is not poker. Now they a forced to play real poker. Huge pluses for everyone.

Be careful what you think is true about anonymous tables

[howdypal]

The guy that just signed up today has been at Bodog for 7 or 8 years..unreal

Guy it's $33, life is too short, I promise bovada doesn't care about your $33. If they had player transfers I'd ship you $33. Also it's bovada now not bodog, but I interchange the names still too.

Yes....I signed up to make the post. I've played on bodog/bovada since 2005. Why is it unreal that I'd just sign up on this forum? I used to post on BLUFF magazine all the time but they recently closed the forum down after the change in ownership. Yes, it is only $33 which is a GREAT point. If they hose their customers over for a $33 issue, what will they do if I ever have a customer service issue for a large dollar amount?

[Hankwins]

Yes....I signed up to make the post. I've played on bodog/bovada since 2005. Why is it unreal that I'd just sign up on this forum? I used to post on BLUFF magazine all the time but they recently closed the forum down after the change in ownership. Yes, it is only $33 which is a GREAT point. If they hose their customers over for a $33 issue, what will they do if I ever have a customer service issue for a large dollar amount?

if you lost muh money there they would plug your account periodially with $25-200, this has happened to me many times but the crazy think i only get when someone like dudley or rawbillyice make post on here check your bovada account, never get an email.

[twisty8]

I've played on Bovada almost every day for over a year. I've tried Merge as well as Revolution networks such as Lock, Cake, and 5-Dimes, and have also tried some Merge sites such as Carbon. I'll admit that I have not played a TON on these other sites. Honestly, Bovada has been fantastic to me and I've had better luck on their site. I kind of feel pampered actually. I made over $10k on the site playing mainly for fun and participated in almost all of the bonuses and even casino games that they offer. I've had a great experience and Bovada is a very fun site with a lot of people looking to gamble on the poker games (I had a guy come into a $2/4 NL cash game and go all in with 10,6 AFTER I was already all in for $300....just yesterday dude called me with I think 9,7 AFTER I was all in for I think $90 or something on a $1/2 game) The one and only time I had a bank issue with a check, they sent me a new check within ONE WEEK without me officially requesting the new check....that is pretty impressive in this day and age for a USA player.....I don't know how they even knew the first check had bounced. One time I got a phone call from this really assertive woman in their Securities department...she impressed me. Although their 24-7 customer support phone service is I think in India or something, the people are still solid. No communication problems whatsoever and I've probably called 30 times. I really have no problems with the site. If you want a site that takes care of its players, this is the one. You might go on a big downswing from time to time, but trust me, it will pay off in the long run if you become a regular. Someone I met in a $20 heads up like 5 months ago told me he won $80k playing 10/20...not sure if I believed it but why would he lie? Anyway, this site is pretty cool and I even have won a bit or am close to breaking even playing in the casino for fun once in a while. I haven't done their sportsbook much but I did bet like $100 on a hockey game and lost...I had bet on the Rangers.

[twisty8]

where is my message....
ETA: nvm..i see it.

[daneblazer]

Nice...so twisty you work for bovada or trying to get referral bonuses?

[bostonboss]

whatever happened to blowdog becky?

[reni]

They should hire more people I read 5-10 business days to process a withdrawl.(simply put it in motion) that is complete BS! it also says this may vary due to volume. this is basically scam behaviour to entice players to cancel withdrawls and bet and lose. While a reported my remarkable casino story of turning $5 into $450, i will add i went back playing $15/hand peaked at $1700, when I got down to $50. I attempted to regroup and reduced my bet to a whopping $2(NEVER ONCE INCREASING) lost nearly every hand and and I could slap myself for practically being the equivalent of a powerball winner in regards to turning pennies into a a couple g's on a RTG casino. Sorry for the rambling guys,. I think the little blackjack icon in the corner by the lobby is predatory behavior becuase i can tell the odds are worse than the download casino.

Took 10 days for me slow but got paid.

[Mikica28]

it is stupid that they don't accept players outside N. America...