US Friendly Online Blackjack Games at Bovada Casino
Bovada are one of the largest casino brands welcoming US players – in fact they are open exclusively to players from the US. This casino is part of the global Bodog brand, and has a solid reputation going back 10 years. You’ll find game titles from both Real Time Gaming and BetSoft at their casinos, including a selection of blackjack games.
This review covers the key aspects of Bovada Casino from the perspective of a blackjack fan. First of all below you will find the blackjack games covered in detail, these include some novel titles as well as the regular games. Next the other games at Bovada are summarizes, before I look at the software and device compatibility. At the end of this review you will find information on the financial benefits of playing blackjack at Bovada.
Blackjack Games at the Bovada Casino
You’ll have plenty of titles to choose from at this casino, with 9 different blackjack games. These include the American and European rules, plus several entertaining variations. In addition you can play the unique ‘Zappit’ Blackjack here.
Standard games are single deck, double deck, perfect pairs (a standard US game with the perfect pairs side-bet) and European rules. For most games the US rules are used, which means that the dealer takes a peek for blackjack before players act. In the European version there is no peek, with the dealer’s second card only being revealed after the players have acted. Insurance is available in all of the different games.
Some of the variations make an interesting change from the original games. These include Face-Up 21, where you can see the dealer’s cards before you act. Match Play 21 is a version of Spanish Blackjack, this game removes the 10’s from the deck. Pontoon is a British variation with extra payouts for getting multiple card 21’s.
Zappit Blackjack is a new innovation, you can ‘Zap’ (discard) hands with 14 through 17 before you see what the dealer has. This is a fast paced variation. Finally, you will find a mobile compatible mini-Blackjack game here.
These games are from Real Time Gaming, the main software provider for US casinos. The games are solid, professional and very smooth to play. Bet sizes start at just $1 in this game, with the maximum stake per hand at $500.
Other Games at Bovada Casino
With more than 150 games to choose from covering two different software houses, Bovada has a better selection than other US casinos. Table games include all the popular poker variations such as 3-Card Poker, Pai-Gow, Caribbean Stud and Let ‘em Ride. You can also play Baccarat, War, Rummy, Red Dog and Craps. Roulette fans have the choice of the European or American wheels.
Slots is where the biggest selection of games can be found. Here you will have the choice of the ‘Real Series’ (and others) from Real Time Gaming, and the amazing 3D graphics of the slots from BetSoft.
RTG slots include colorful 5 reel video slots, which have entertaining themes. These are a little retro looking compared with some of the latest slots from international software houses, though play great and have a loyal fan base. Examples include Shopping Spree, Jackpot Piñatas and Mid-Life Crisis. A noteworthy feature on these games is the randomly dropped jackpots. These are linked between many casinos sharing the same games, and do get into the 7-figure range. There are plenty of smaller jackpots too.
BetSoft slots are visually very rich. Their graphics have been likened to high end console games. These slots have to be seen, with amazing introduction videos, characters in front of the reels which act as your ‘host’ and some of the best bonus rounds out there. There are progressive jackpots with these games, albeit smaller than the RTG ones.
Rounding out an impressive games list are a big choice of Video Poker titles, keno games, bingo and also scratch-cards.
Software and Compatibility at Bovada Casino
There are 3 options for accessing Bovada. You can download their RTG client, either for PCs or Macs. This is the smoothest running game, since only minimal information is sent over the networks when you play the games. There is also an instant-play client, which gives you access to a selection of the RTG games, and also the 3D slots from BetSoft. Finally, many of the BetSoft slots have been made mobile-compatible and can be played on iPhones and other smartphone devices.
Financial Incentives at Bovada Casinos
Not only are Bovada one of the most generous casinos when it comes to offering bonuses, they have tailored this to their players very well too. You can get a matched bonus of up to $3000 when you first join this casino. This is split between 8 different deposits, which means you do not need to have $3k ready to use in order to benefit.
There are 4 welcome bonuses exclusive to slots players. These are 100% to $500 max, and have a 25x wager-through requirement of the bonus and deposit combined. There are also special table games bonuses, these are 100% to $250 and have a 40x wager-through. Note that 3 of the blackjack games (single deck, double deck and mini) are in the list of excluded games for this bonus.
What I like best about Bovada is how well then look after you after your initial bonuses have been cleared. There is a point collection scheme, which pays you in chips each Friday. As part of this there are weekly reload bonuses, again split between table games and slots. There are also regular promotions where different games are highlighted on different days of the week.
Best of all, the list of one-off and special promotions is huge at this casino. These can be anything from game-specific offers, special reload bonuses, offers themed on big sporting events or Holidays – or just fun offers designed to keep players at Bovada entertained and their bankroll’s topped up.
Bovada has become the most popular US casino brand by looking after player very well – make sure you check them out for yourself soon.