Is Bovada Legal in the United States?

Updated: January 7th, 2021

Following the publication of our exclusive report on MyBookie legality, a steady stream of questions about a few other places accepting U.S. players arrived. Specifically, one of the oldest iGaming operators in America, formerly known as Bodog and founded by web pioneer Calvin Ayre. Folks refer to their new name of “Bovada” in many different ways such as Bravada, Bovado, Brovado, and our personal favorite, Bravado, however, it makes sense there would be some confusion considering such a crazy moniker was chosen.

No matter how it’s said, you can make real money wagers from within the United States and expect to get paid because they’re absolutely legal, explained in full detail below. Launching in 1994, they’ve famously never missed a payout so it’s hard to see why anything would change now that regulations are relaxing, not tightening.

Evaluating an offshore site requires a lot of time and research, so curious readers may want to scrutinize this objective review of Bovada Sportsbook & Casino listing important attributes and information. They of course passed all tests with flying colors or they wouldn’t be promoted here on this respected iPublication, but some particular points concerning bonuses and rules might be of interest to professional high rollers.

Is Bovada Legal in New York?

No one in Empire State should be perplexed about this as news broke a while ago that it’s possible to bet at Bovada from New York (as well as every other state nationwide except New Jersey), all of it perfectly legal. This is due to numerous factors, although the Supreme Court striking down unconstitutional federal laws certainly had a lot to do with it. Once decision-making ability was rightfully handed back to states, each was free to attempt regulation, this power eventually rendered moot by global authorities.

The SCOTUS decision was regarded as unnecessary by most industry experts as it’s always been sanctioned here thanks to two adjudications by international courts. Primarily, the World Trade Organization decision in favor of Antigua in 2013 determining that under rules of fair trade, the U.S. government had to allow outside counties an opportunity to dispense similar services to its citizens. Equal access to market is an established WTO principle, so deviating from that wasn’t going to be tolerated by members.

In any event, since returning to the Big Apple, countless people are ecstatic with being able to play internet poker from Plattsburgh to Long Island. It’s no secret New York City never sleeps, so Bovada mobile apps can conveniently be downloaded directly onto phones to facilitate action anytime day or night, guaranteeing tournament starts aren’t missed. Obviously, software also accommodates sports betting and casino games as well, whether on iPhone or Android devices.

Where is Bovada Located?

Well not to split hairs, but Bovada isn’t technically based in any country because it’s inherently a website providing services. However, the organization that manages it is based in the sovereign Mohawk nation of Kahnawake, just outside Montréal, Canada. Offices are located there for two reasons: 1) Mohawk territories aren’t under Canadian federal jurisdiction, and 2) Their license was issued here.

Most analysts agree current Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, won’t contravene his mandate of identity politics and Native reconciliation, so it’s highly unlikely Canada would ever pressure Kahnawake to change how business is conducted on their land. Consequently, it looks like they’ll be happily taking American action for several years to come.

Who Owns Bovada?

Bovada is owned by Morris Mohawk Gaming Group (MMGG) and run by its small council of affluent executives. This has been the case since 2010 when Alwyn Morris first licensed rights to the Bodog brand from original owner Calvin Ayre. Although bureaus exist around the world in various locations, the two main centers of operation are Montréal and London, England.

Their license was issued by Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) over a decade ago and is the official body they must answer to in disputes. The KGC is also responsible for regularly auditing products to ensure random number generators (RNGs) are calibrated correctly and pay out as advertised.

Is Bovada Safe?

Rest assured Bovada is 100% safe and can be trusted with your money because identical encryption technology as banks is used to protect clients from fraud. Therefore, when executing transactions in their cashier, it’s essentially tantamount to visiting a financial institution.

Furthermore, they always pay winnings and don’t withhold balances or make up excuses. Nevertheless, anyone not utilizing Bitcoin deposits to gamble online will incur longer wait times due to funds being sent via check by mail. That said, if sticking to cryptocurrency the process is consistently lightning fast.

Fundamentally, Bovada is legit and secure and millions of satisfied customers simply can’t be wrong. So check them out now to appreciate why they’re a top recommended partner, easily one of the best destinations found today.