For any poker player who is looking for an online site to call home there is a lot to like about Bodog Poker. They’ve been a prominent player in the online poker industry for over two decades.
The roots of when they first opened to doors actually go all the way back to the late 90’s. It is considered to be one of the biggest online gaming companies in the world led by the infamous Calvin Ayre. For anyone who is an online poker fanatic we think you will find a lot to like about playing here.
Our comprehensive review dives into the various aspects of Bodog Poker, including its history, software, games, tournaments, bonuses, and overall player experience. I hope you enjoy it and let’s begin.
History and Reputation
Established in 2004, Bodog Poker has consistently maintained a strong reputation in the online gaming world. It was founded by Calvin Ayre, a Canadian entrepreneur, and has been known for its focus on user-friendly platforms, security, and fair play.
For any skeptics you should know they provide 24 hour security and online chat support. Another important thing to note about playing on here is that it is a Canadian only platform. Meaning you will have to be physically located in Canada to use it.
Software and User Interface
Bodog Poker offers a fresh take on online poker software that is very user friendly. It’s unique to other sites with some of the key features we’ve listed below
- Compatibility with Windows and macOS, accessible via web browser or downloadable client
- Easy and clean navigation for cash games and tournaments
- Quick and responsive game play with customizable settings
- Multi-table support for players looking to play multiple games simultaneously
- Fast load times for quick seating
- Chat box features that allow for social interaction with other players
- The ability to change color of tables and card decks
Cash Games
This is one of our favorite sections to go over because they have a diverse range of cash games that cater to players of all skill levels and bankrolls. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the ropes or a seasoned pro seeking a challenge.
You can join games with buy ins as low as $.10 all the way up to $2000 per table. Below are all of the poker game types you can try out.
1. Texas Hold’em: This is the most widely played form of poker worldwide. In Texas Hold’em cash games on Bodog Poker, you receive two-hole cards and combine them with five community cards to make the best possible hand.
2. Omaha: Omaha is similar to Texas Hold’em but with a twist – you receive four-hole cards instead of two. You must use exactly two of your hole cards and three of the community cards to form your hand. The increased number of hole cards adds complexity and excitement to the game.
3. Omaha Hi-Lo: Also known as Omaha 8 or Better, this variant of Omaha awards the pot to the player with the best high hand and the player with the best low hand, provided it qualifies. It adds an extra layer of strategy to the game as players must consider both high and low possibilities.
4. Seven Card Stud: Seven Card Stud is a classic poker variant where players receive seven cards, three face-down and four face-up. The objective is to make the best five-card hand from the seven cards dealt. It’s a game that rewards careful observation and memory.
5. Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo: Similar to Seven Card Stud, this variant also features a split pot, with the best high hand and the best low hand (if it qualifies) each winning a portion of the pot.
Tournaments
They currently host a variety of tournaments that cater to weekday and weekend players. Obviously, the weekends will have some of the bigger juicier tournaments, however you can still find some big, guaranteed tournaments throughout the week as we.
Whether you’re a casual player looking for some fun or a serious grinder seeking bigger stakes, The site has a little bit of everything. Below we’ve highlighted some of what you can expect if you’re a tourney regular.
- The Sunday Major: The crown jewel of it’s tournament offerings, the Sunday Major features a generous guaranteed prize pool and attracts top players from around the world.
- Daily Tournaments: The platform offers daily tournaments with varying buy-ins, ensuring that players can compete at their preferred stakes and time slots. The weekdays have guaranteed tournaments that can go over for between $75-$150 thousand guaranteed. It’s a pretty big range but the money is still there for sure.
- Sit-and-Go Tournaments: For those who prefer a quick poker fix, they provide a wide range of sit-and-go tournaments with different formats and buy-ins.
- The Monthly Milly: Sort of a newer entry is the monthly milly. Yes, the title is exactly what it means as there is a million dollars up for grabs. The top payout is over $100 thousand dollars with the rest being split up between the top 100 players. You can expect there to be quite a lot of players in this one, usually in the thousands. So be sure to set some time aside if you plan on joining this one. Just remember it only happens once a month!
Mobile
An area which most poker sites seem to lack is simply not the case with Bodog’s mobile offerings. Every year they’ve seem to of upped the standards for what to expect in a top-notch poker app.
After numerous updates they continue to build upon what might actually be the best app experience currently in the market. You can play on both IOS and Android smoothly no matter the screen size.
The ability to play up to 4 tables at a time is something that can be done seamlessly without missing a hand. You can also change the color of tables, card decks, auto muck, and use a built-in chat box feature to talk with other players.
I feel like I’m still just scratching the surface here, but just be aware the mobile experience is just as good as playing on an actual computer if not better.
Bodog Bonus’s
- $3k Welcome Bonus – Claim Here
- $3k Crypto Bonus – Claim Here
- $600 Reload Bonus – Claim Here
- $500 Poker Bonus – Claim Here
Player Traffic
Bodog Poker is part of the PaiWangLuo Network which ranks as one of the highest traffic poker sites in Canada. At regular times you can expect there to be over 2000 players active.
The weekends are where you’re going to see the most traffic with player peak traffic anywhere from 3500-6000 players active. Meaning you won’t have a hard time getting into a cash game, sit n go, or big multi table tournament.
Rakeback Offerings
The loyalty program is how you typically collect points which can be converted into tournament tickets. At this time they don’t have an option to turn points into straight cash, but that could change in the future.
So, points can be exchanged for tournament tickets. As an example 200 points =$1, which you can get while your in your player cashier. Just remember that any tickets you receive are only valid for 90 days. They also have a couple of bad beat options we’ve listed for you below.
Bad Beat Bonus
After losing with aces full kings, you will trigger a bad beat bonus rewarding 100 big blinds up to $1k. Which is very nice.
Royal Flush Bonus
If you are lucky enough to get a royal flush at the hold’em cash tables, Bodog will reward you with 50 big blinds up to $200.
Security and Fair Play
One of the most critical aspects of online poker is trust and security, and they take this seriously. 24-hour customer support is available for all players as well as direct phone number to call if you have any issues.
Since the software has a no screen name policy this makes the security of each player even more secure as no other information is posted for other players to see. They also use the highest standards for encryption technology to protect each player personal and financial information.
You will also notice when playing switching tables can occur after sitting at one for longer than an hour and a half. This is to ensure your always up against fresh opponents making player tracking literally impossible.
Bonuses and Promos
They definitely value all of there players and give them a range of bonuses and promotions to keep you engaged and rewarded. New players are welcomed with a generous sign-up bonus, and regular players can take advantage of loyalty rewards and ongoing promotions through their current VIP program.
- Welcome Bonus: Bodog offers a lucrative welcome bonus to new players, which includes a match bonus on your initial deposit. This is currently set at around $3000 plus as a one-time offer you should take advantage of.
- Refer-a-Friend Program: Players can earn additional rewards by referring friends by adding a social element to the platform. They also have active social media pages where you can check for up to date information on what’s available.
- Loyalty Points: They have a loyalty program that rewards players with points for playing real-money games. These points can be converted into cash rewards or tournament tickets. It’s set on a tier basis meaning the more you play the more you earn. They currently have around 6-8 tiers including the coveted hall of fame status.
- Special Promotions: The platform frequently runs special promotions, such as leader-board competitions and free-roll tournaments, giving players more opportunities to win.
Customer Support
They have beefed up the customer support in recent years to suit player needs. The 24 hour online chat support is some of the best in the industry as far as handling any problems quickly, or responding to any concerns you might have.
You can also call them directly as they list there phone number in the contact section of their website. Lastly you can also send them an email which is usually responded and answered within 6-8 hours.
Withdrawals
- Bitcoin: Bitcoin is the most popular choice among users for cashing out their winnings. It offers speed and security, with transactions typically processed within 15 minutes. Bitcoin is also known for its low fees, making it an attractive option for all players.
- Bitcoin Cash: Like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash provides a fast and cost-effective way to cash out. Transactions are processed quickly, and users enjoy the benefits of a decentralized cryptocurrency.
- Check by Courier: For players who prefer a traditional approach, they offer the option to receive their winnings via a check sent by courier. While this method takes longer compared to cryptocurrency options, it remains a secure and reliable choice.
- Direct Bank Transfer: They also provides the option for players to receive their winnings directly into their bank accounts. This method is ideal for those who prefer a direct transfer of funds to their personal bank.
- Player Transfer: A cool feature to take advantage of us that Bodog Poker allows players to transfer funds directly to other players, making it a convenient way to send winnings to friends or associates.
Cash Out Process
Cashing out your winnings on is very straight forward and fast. Below we have a quick overview on how to make it happen.
- Log In: Begin by logging into your account using your username and password.
- Visit the Cashier: Once logged in, go to the Cashier section of the website.
- Select Your Cash Out Method: Choose the cash out method that suits your preferences from the available options.
- Enter the Amount: Specify the amount you wish to cash out. Be sure to consider any minimum and maximum limits associated with your chosen method.
- Confirm Your Request: Review your cash out details to ensure accuracy. Once you are satisfied, confirm your request.
- Await Processing: Bodog will process your cash out request in accordance with its policies and the selected method. Processing times may vary depending on your chosen option.
- Receive Your Funds: Once your cash out request is approved and processed, you will receive your winnings through the selected method.
Bodog Poker Tips
Now that we’ve gone through some of the different types of poker games that can be played on Bodog we would like to give you some tips as well.
- All About the Basics: Regardless of the game you choose, it’s important to have a solid understanding of that game, including hand rankings, position, and betting strategy. It’s all about the fundamentals.
- Bankroll Management: Proper bankroll management is super important to ensure you can take any downswings which will eventually happen. Usually having around 10-20 buy ins for the level your playing is enough. For example, if you’re playing $200 cash games make sure to have at least $2000-$4000 in your roll.
- Learn Your Opponents: Pay attention to your opponents’ playing styles and tendencies. Are they tight or loose? Aggressive or passive? Adjust your strategy accordingly to exploit their weaknesses.
- Be Patient: Cash games can sometimes be slow, and it’s important to use patience. Wait for good hands and favorable situations to maximize your winnings. Typically bluffing, especially at lower stake games, doesn’t make a lot of sense.
- Use Position to Your Advantage: In poker, your position at the table can significantly impact your decision-making. Play more aggressively when you’re in a late position, as you have more information about your opponents’ actions.
- Avoid Tilt: Tilt is a state of emotional frustration that can lead to poor decision-making. If you experience a bad beat or a losing streak, take a break and regain your composure before returning to the tables.
- Review Sessions: If you want to take your game more seriously consider reviewing each session you play. The platform actually has a hand re-player that allows you to go through each hand you played in any given session. This can help you figure out if you did something correct or possibly made a mistake during a particular hand.
- Continuously Improve: Poker is a game of constant learning and adaptation. Study strategy articles, watch videos, and discuss hands with fellow players to enhance your skills.
Final Thoughts
Bodog Poker has been around for many years and has stood the test of time. They’ve proven that to be in business for over 20 years you must provide an experience unparalleled.
With unique features you simply won’t find on other poker software, and a commitment to recreational players, they’ve more than proven to be a top online poker destination.
Bottom line is that whether you’re the occasional guy or gal who likes to play a cash game or tournament on the weekend everything is here. With fast cash-out options, great customer service, and a somewhat endless amount of player traffic during the week and peak times we strongly recommend giving them a try. You can check out even more great resources for Bodog here.
