Is Bovada Blackjack Legit
19 Oct
A detailed report has appeared online which alleges serious security breaches at Bovada Poker, and claims that millions may have been siphoned from the site by some form of ‘super-user’ accounts coupled with the use of bots. This raises the question: is Bovada poker rigged?
The bottom line – Bovada is legit and we recommend them to everyone, but especially to first timers. You can’t go wrong getting an account here. You cannot clear the offer playing single deck blackjack, double deck blackjack, baccarat, sic bo, craps, roulette or any mini game. Everything else appears to.
- We can say unequivocally that Bovada is a legitimate operation and is safe to play at for US residents. Do a quick search on any forum or reddit and you’ll find that their overall reputation is very positive.
- These gaming rooms offer players a platform to share their experience at the online casino, from Bovada review payouts to how safe the games are. We conducted an independent review to check if Bovada is legitimate. Is Bovada Rigged? As one of the most famous casino sites in the US, Bovada remains a reputable gaming platform.
The fantastical claims have been made by an anonymous team whose members “span industries including gaming, advertising, data mining, open source software development, security, and database solutions,” according to the report from dataminepoker.
They claim that:
“Based on all of the separate tests completed by our contracting team, it is evident that there are massive issues at Bovada Poker. There are issues with the number of multi large hands, collusion teams, and bots.”
Factors which they also allege they were able to exploit themselves on Bovada in trials afterwards, stating:
All of these situations were proven through data collection, analysis, and then using the techniques ourselves to increase our ability to win over average players.”
Online poker has always had more than its fair share of ‘paranoia’ among its players, usually based on the ‘luck’ factor which can see players run bad, suffer multiple bad beats, lose to ‘ridiculous’ plays by their opponents and then use the online community forums as a ‘sounding-off board’ for their tale of ‘rigged’ online poker-rooms.
Indeed, the DataMinePoker team describe such ‘paranoia’ as one of their starting points, saying:
As part of the initial research for this project, multiple online forums and gambling related social networks were combed for stories based on the potential unfairness of the Bovada Poker room. Based on the data collection of public posts within the past year, 1,461 separate stories of single or multi hand suspicious activity at Bovada Poker were found, collected, and verified.”
However, such ‘paranoia’ is not always mis-placed. The Ultimate Bet scandal of 2007 became the biggest in poker’s history when it was discovered that a ‘super-user’ account was being used, enabling the user to play in ‘God-mode’ with the ability to view other players hole cards, and winning millions of dollars from unsuspecting victims.
More recently, PokerStars investigated an alleged ‘bot ring’ emanating from Eastern Europe which was apparently exploiting their low-to-mid stakes PLO games, with many players being recompensed by the industry leader following their probe.
Whether or not these most recent allegations involving Bovada have any truth to them, the scale of the report – which DataMinePoker claim is only an initial public report, with secondary, more detailed, reports to come – is impressive.
After analyzing the Bovada Poker Mac and Windows applications, it was decided that these software applications were fairly secure and would require an advanced visual recognition system to collect the data required.'
Although extremely detailed, with mathematical models, hand-history reading scripts and coding (which are beyond this writer’s ken , but will doubtless be subject to intense scrutiny by many online aficionados of the game and its perceived unfairness) the core results of the report allege that:
- There is a massive problem where users are being edge-cased in big hands that they tend to lose a large pot over.
- Our team can easily confirm that Bovada Poker is a haven for collusion activity.
- It was determined that there are zero counter measures against bots and no front end way to try and detect bots/injectable systems.
Report states that:
These problems could be linked to a rogue employee(s) or hacker group that may have compromised the random number generator and shuffling algorithms used by the poker room software. It is also possible that this is a coincidental mistake made by the initial programmers of the random number generator/shuffling algorithms.'
A third possibility does not seem to have found any real substance during their ‘research’, the team stating:
Another, less likely possibility, is that Bovada is knowingly using their own software loophole to steal large amounts of user money,” as they later reveal that “From our base analysis…what occurred at Absolute/Ultimate Bet is not occurring on Bovada Poker in a noticeable way.”
The report also states that one of the difficulties they faced in compiling the report was the fact that Bovada is a private poker room, and they also point out:
Since Bovada Poker is not located within the United States, it is confirmed that the software has not readily been verified by the Nevada Gaming Commission or related American gaming control boards.”
That's something which they claim led them to initial suspicions that the poker room “may have potential security risks not checked by adequate control boards,” a belief which they allege their report confirms as having led to serious cheating issues and which – somewhat confusingly it may seem to many, “show that Bovada Poker is operating an unfair poker room (even while passing modern gambling software verification tests).”
They also claim their team is creating security on other online sites including alongside Bovada including:
- America’s Card Room
- BetOnline
- Sports Betting.ag
- Black Chip
- Carbon
Following these separate public reports, a large centralized report with access to all open source software tools, collection data, and image/video evidence will be released at once.
Whether this report turns out to contain any real issues of substance or not, the timing is not particularly good for the online gaming industry in general, coming in the wake of investigations into, and restrictions on, DFS and at a time when the big poker sites are doggedly clawing their way back into the US markets state-by-state.
It should be noted however that Bovada is, according to their own website, operated by Salmon River Technologies Ltd ('Salmon River Technologies Ltd', pursuant to a gaming license issued by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, located in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake, Canada).
PokerTube will bring you responses from Bovada and any other interested parties as soon as they become available.
- Accepts Most USA Players
- Backed By The Dependable Bodog Brand
- Bitcoin + Cryptocurrency Friendly
- Industry Leading Cybersecurity And Encryption
- Full Casino, Sportsbook, Poker Room, Racebook
- Best Bonuses + Lowest Playthrough Terms
- Only Accepts Members From The USA
- Not Available In MD, NJ, DE, and NV
- Limited Deposit Options Compared To Other Sites
About Bovada Casino
Launched in 2011, Bovada has a long track record in the gaming industry and is backed by the Bodog brand, one of the most well-known global gambling operators. Blackjack is a featured game at Bovada, with a variety of 21 games available that is sure to entice gamblers to belly up to the felt and anticipate the deal of the cards.
Bovada only accepts players from the United States, though Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese language options are available. While that may exclude a large majority of potential online gamblers, it does allow Bovada to focus on the US market and offer games and betting lines that are geared to stateside expectations. That said, Bovada does not accept members from Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, and Maryland.
Is Bovada Blackjack Legal For USA Players
Because there is no mention of gambling with an offshore casino via online means in federal gaming laws, there are no laws being broken by playing blackjack with a reputable overseas gambling site. Bovada falls under that category and allows for legal betting and wagering at their online casino and blackjack tables (and all other offered gambling markets).
Connecticut and Washington have passed legislation that forbids online gambling in all forms. However, these laws are unenforced (we’ve never heard of anyone being fined or arrested or otherwise hassled for using Bovada from CT or WA), though we recommending adhering to all local mandates.
Is Bovada Safe For Blackjack Players?
Bovada utilizes the latest cybersecurity protocols and data encryption methodologies to provide a secure blackjack environment. Their electronic BJ games operate using RTG software (random number generation), the industry standard that is also used in Las Vegas casinos and other brick-and-mortar venues around the world. Bovada is a first-class operation across the board and offers the safest blackjack on the web. Unless, of course, you hit on 20, which isn’t safe no matter where you play!
Blackjack Games Offered At Bovada
- Single Deck Blackjack
- Double Deck Blackjack
- Multi-Deck Blackjack
- Perfect Pair
- European Blackjack
- Zappit Blackjack
Bovada Live Dealer Blackjack Options
Bovada has a robust offering of live dealer table games, including live dealer blackjack viewable via an internet camera feed. Play alongside other real online players and communicate with the dealer with a text function if needed. We’re impressed by the real-time 21 play, as there is no delay between the flip of the cards and the excitement that the player experiences from the reveal. It’s the closest thing to actually playing BJ at a real casino.
Mobile Blackjack App
If you’re looking for a Bovada mobile app, you won’t find one on the App Store or Google Play. You might find a bunch of free casino games for iPhone or Android, but these aren’t real gambling apps. To get a real money blackjack experience online via mobile, you’ll need to sign up with an offshore casino site like Bovada.
Is Bovada Poker Legit
Mobile blackjack at Bovada doesn’t require a download and instead operates via a web app portal. Just direct your mobile browser to your favorite blackjack game at Bovada’s casino site, and the graphics will conform to the size you’re your device’s screen, while the tap-and-swipe UI rivals that of any native app. Bovada’s web app offers blackjack on the go so you can play your hand in the palm of your hand.
Free Blackjack Options
Practice makes perfect, and free blackjack is a useful tool in any player’s arsenal. Unfortunately, Bovada practice blackjack is not available at this time. Novice players are not out of luck, though. Visitors to Bovada’s website are able to access live blackjack dealer feeds just by creating an account. There is no deposit required to view live dealer blackjack and learn the best strategies for real money play.
Also, with low limit tables and video blackjack options, you can make a minimal investment and play low-stakes 21 to learn the game.
Tournaments
Routinely scheduled tournaments of 21 occur throughout the day, and you can climb to the top of the leaderboards to win bonus cash and big payouts. These short tournaments last ten minutes and feature a gaming interface that is identical to Bovada’s standard electronic blackjack games.
Is Bovada A Scam
Unlike poker tournaments, because blackjack tournaments are so quick, they’re the perfect thing for when you’re out and about, in line at the store, waiting on service at the diner, and more.
Bovada Blackjack Financial Options
Deposit Methods Accepted
- Bitcoin
- Min. $10, Max $5,000
- Fees: None
- Bitcoin Cash
- Min. $10. Max $5,000
- Fees: None
- Visa
- Min. $20, Max. $1,000
- 4.9% (first lifetime deposit free)
- American Express
- Min. $20, Max. $1,000
- Fees: 8.9% (first lifetime deposit free)
- MasterCard
- Min. $20, Max. $1,000
- Fees: 6.9% (first lifetime deposit free)
- Zelle
- Min. $10, Max $5,000
- Fees: None
Payout Options
- Bitcoin
- Min. $10, Max. $9,500 per transaction
- Frequency: Once Every 3 Days
- Fees: None
- Bitcoin Cash
- Min. $10, Max. $9,500 per transaction
- Frequency: Once Every 3 Days
- Fees: None
- Check By Courier
- Min. $100, Max. $3,000
- Frequency: Once Every 7 Days
- Fees: $100 (One Free Per 90 Days)
- Voucher
- Min. $10, Max. $3,000
- Frequency: No Limit
- Fees: None
Current Blackjack Bonuses And Promotions At Bovada Casino
Bovada offers a generous casino welcome bonus that matches 100% of your initial deposit, up to $3000 (redeemable three times at $1000 each). A higher bonus of $3,750 ($1,250 x3) can be had by using Bitcoin for depositing. The Bitcoin bonus Bovada blackjack provides is due to it being their preferred method of currency.
If you know of anyone who is interested in online blackjack for real money, you can refer them to Bovada and collect their refer-a-friend bonus promotion. When you refer a friend to Bovada, you can earn a 200% match bonus of your referral’s first deposit, up to $100. You’ll get another $25 on top if your friend uses Bitcoin.
These bonuses include extended play requirements (aka rollover/playthrough) and may not be to the advantage of all players, so be sure to familiarize yourself with all terms and conditions before accepting. Players are under no obligation to accept a bonus offer from Bovada.
Not all games contribute equally toward completion of bonus requirements, and since blackjack offers such a slim margin of take for the house, it counts less than most. For instance, only 10% of funds used on 21 will count toward any welcome bonus rollover requirements.
Bovada’s Rewards Points
Members that frequently visit Bovada have the opportunity to rack up Rewards Points that can be redeemed for bonus free plays. Points can be earned by playing casino games like blackjack, poker, or placing a wager with Bovada’s sportsbook. As you collect points and gain experience, you’ll move up to new tiers that offer additional perks such as higher levels of cash-back for gambling losses.
As with any bonus offer, there are terms and conditions attached that may affect your decision to participate. A thorough readthrough of these requirements is suggested because your normal wagering activities may not fulfill these obligations.
Customer Support
Bovada support is the best in the business, providing a multi-faceted selection of options for players. The help center and FAQ section is robust, with sub topics and fine print that give clear detail to guide your Bovada betting experience. Live 24/7 assistance is available via an on-site chat function, and live help center operators are able to assist by phone and email, as well.
Phone: 888-263-0000
Email: service@bovada.lv
Summarizing How We Feel About Bovada Casino
Our team of experts gives Bovada the highest recommendation for online blackjack for real money. Operating under the Bodog license provides players the confidence they need for peace of mind when participating in online gambling. Bovada’s history of timely payouts offers assurances to their customers that when they risk their money, they are doing so with an honorable entity.
Their variety of blackjack games and live dealer tables at Bovada provides players with a variety of options for a complete online gaming experience. Their mobile options offer the same security and quality of play that the best domestic online casinos can offer, and their variety of payment and withdrawal options are a nice touch. Regardless of what type of online BJ you are looking for, Bovada provides a premium opportunity.
Bovada is determined to provide the most secure gaming environment on the web, with cybersecurity and data encryption standards that exceed the banking and finance industry standards. The safety of the user is paramount to Bovada, because they know that unsatisfied players aren’t likely to return. And Bovada players return in droves!
The electronic blackjack games offered at Bovada operate using Realtime Gaming (RTG) software which is the same platform that is used by many Las Vegas casinos. The same fair play standard can be attributed to their live dealer games. The game of BJ awards the house a slight advantage by design, so online 21 sites don’t need to adjust anything to create an advantageous situation. The flip of the cards is dictated by the odds inherent in a properly shuffled deck, as it should be.
Bovada blackjack is indeed legit and is held to the same standards as top-level casinos located within the United States. When it comes to gambling online, Bovada is the unquestioned industry leader. Their RTG software supplies provably fair iGaming results for a proper gaming experience that gamblers can trust.
When accepting Bovada’s welcome bonus, the first thing to consider is how often you intend to participate in online blackjack. Before you opt in to any bonus, be sure to read the terms and conditions attached.
Most of these bonuses have rollover requirements attached, demanding extended amounts of play before a payout can be collected. If you’re just looking to play a few blackjack hands for a session, then choosing to not take the bonus is probably the best decision.
Bovada provides mobile blackjack app services through web apps accessible via any major mobile web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Once you have navigated to your blackjack game of choice, the visuals automatically adjust to your mobile device screen and feature all the buttons and sounds that you’d expect from a downloadable app. So forget downloads and just worry about doubling down!
Not really. Bovada typically uses a multi-deck shoe which combines 6-8 decks depending on the game type and shuffles them all together between each new game. Card counting won’t get you very far in modern blackjack, though a very sharp player may be able to increase their chances to win by a fraction of a percent if there are enough players at the table.
Even for the single- and double-deck 21 games offered, card counting is basically a waste of time.