Most people are torn between choosing either Bovada or Ignition. At one point, I had the same dilemma. That’s because both platforms command a decent following and continue to grow at a rapid rate.
They also run off the same network using different skins, which is another word for slightly different designs. I’ve been using both of them for a long time, so my insight into some of the key differences should help.
However, you should be aware that the main difference with Bovada is that it has a full-blown sports book. They’ve also been around a bit longer, having been in business for over a decade.
One of the main reasons why Bovada and Ignition are normally compared is because they serve the same market. However, there is more to these platforms than just their target audiences.
This update will give you an overview of what it’s like to use either site. This guide digs into each casino’s history, sports betting availability, poker games, and bonuses. I hope you enjoy it, and let’s get started!
Bovada’s History
Not so many people know that Bovada started out as a software company. Its roots date back to 1997, under the operating name Cyberoad.
The company was responsible for creating software on which three of the Internet’s early casinos operated: granprixsports.com, thebigbook.com, and mayansports.com.
The earliest online gambling websites were unique in the sense that they had an established payment and payout system.
They used eBanx, a payment service with which they could deposit funds using a credit card and withdraw winnings using electronic checks. Cyberoad proceeded to buy eBanx in 1999, although the earlier assumption was that they owned the company.
Things did not turn out very successful for Cyberoad. Their failure ended up leaving the three gambling sites without software, and several shufflings happened, leading to the creation of another gaming company called Bodog.
Many Mayan Sports were shocked to get an email notification in 2001 that their login credentials could be used on Bodog. Bodog officially launched in 2004 after struggling with several accusations of customer theft.
They also stopped playing the role of the software provider and aggressively worked towards marketing their platform as a gambling site.
By 2009, Bodog had gone international, and they were bringing in a high amount of revenue. To achieve unique operations in certain markets, the company opted to create a brand based on the region they were in.
For instance, they created Bodog88.com to attract the Asian market and Bodog.ca to operate in Canada. Bovada emerged on December 14, 2011, as part of this branding process to serve the US market. It is owned by Mohawk Morris Gaming Group (MMGG). Let’s now go over some of the reasons to play here and the benefits to using them.
Bovada Sport Betting
Bovada is a household name as far as sports betting is concerned. The platform has established itself as a force to be reckoned with when looking for sports books in the US. It has a wide range of North American sports and sports across the world that you can bet on.
One thing that makes them a unique sports betting platform is the fact that a single game gives you numerous betting options. Additionally, players can explore specials, props, and amazing bonuses that enhance the overall gaming experience.
They don’t let you down when it comes to quality. That gives you the guarantee that you will receive amazing odds for professional sports, including the MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, and many more.
Furthermore, the mobile-friendly website is designed to ensure you can bet from your smartphone. You no longer have to be stuck on your laptop to place wagers. You can also bet on all kinds of parlays that have high limits that you won’t see in other sports books. It’s actually quite impressive.
Casino Games
They have a wide range of games that include:
- Slots with well over 150 plus games
- Hot Drop Jackpots which is a newer form of slot game
- Table games like craps, blackjack, American Roulette, Tri Card Poker
- Video poker
- Live dealer games that include Super 6, Baccarat, Blackjack, European Roulette, and American Roulette
Poker Games
Bovada has an exquisite poker room that stands out as the best in the industry. They have some of the highest traffic worldwide, huge multi-table tournaments, and an extensive list of cash games.
The cash game buy-ins range from $10 all the way up to $2000 plus. The tournaments range in the millions of dollars guaranteed, which also include specialty tournaments that run throughout the year. Some of the poker games that you can expect here include:
- No Limit Holdem
- Pot Limit Omaha
- Deuces Wild
- Jacks or Better 1 Hand
Bonus’s
Creating an account on Bovada earns you a 50% sportsbook bonus with a cap of $250. Please note that you become eligible for the welcome bonus when you register and make your first deposit.
The casino also has a Bitcoin bonus for players who make payments with the cryptocurrency. You can get as much as $750. Furthermore, they run promotions in between your games. We have a full list of bonuses you can check out here.
Ignition History
Ignition Casino has a solid reputation for the faster rate at which it processes transactions. As a relatively new platform that came into existence in 2016, the casino has done an impressive job of quickly capturing the market.
Even as we say that Ignition officially started operating in 2016, we should understand that a lot has happened in the background before this date.
The casino’s deep roots date back to 2004, when there was a poker boom. The casino has links to Bodog but serves specifically the US market. The purpose of doing this is to avoid any legal limitations, considering the strict controls that exist for online casinos.
Casino Games
The site boasts diverse game varieties and lists about 300 games. That gives players immense flexibility, as they no longer feel limited to just certain games. Furthermore, the game categories are well-balanced.
Slots take up a sizeable chunk of the following, but the other categories equally have a good number of players interested in them. Ignition Casino appears to have set out on a mission to continue increasing its list of games.
The available games can be summarised as follows:
- Slot machines – 213
- Special casino games – 22
- Table games – 28
- Live dealer games variants – 5
- Video poker games variants – 17
These games have impressive graphics and sounds that add enjoyment to the wagering process. One could argue that they are indeed above the industry standard.
Poker Games
They also have one of the most exciting poker rooms. Players with accounts on the platform have a chance to engage in various formats of live poker tournaments. It has different games that require various levels of skill. Additionally, it often has 1000–3000 players at any given time.
The introduction to using mobile poker is quite impressive. You can play up to four tables at a time on your phone, change the color of tables and card decks, and even use auto-mucking.
You can also try your luck or skill, depending on how you look at it, at some of the biggest tournaments online. They offer prize pool guarantees that now range in the millions of dollars. Best of all, you could always try free-rolling into some of these bigger tournaments.
- No Limit Holdem
- Pot Limit Omaha
- Deuces Wild
- Jacks or Better 1 Hand
Bonus’s
Ignition Casino ranks as one of the casinos with the most decent bonuses. For starters, there is a welcome bonus for any player who uses Bitcoin. It currently offers a deposit match to the tune of 200%, with a cap of $2,000.
Additionally, new players who make their first payment on the platform using Bitcoin receive a 100% poker match. The generous match gives you a chance to earn up to $1,000 in the poker room. Which is awesome for Ignition players.
The casino makes things more interesting by providing a weekly boost bonus. The bonus is meant for reloads, and it gives you a chance to get as much as $100 per week. It has a 100% reload match. Players who utilise the bonus every week eventually have an increase of more than $5,000 after one year.
There is a referral bonus at the casino whose purpose is to encourage an increase in the number of casino clients. You will receive $100 for every person who signs up using your referral link. The casino does not have a limit on the number of people you can refer.
Rewards Programs Comparison
Rewards programs are a solid way to keep players engaged and excited while using either site. However, these programs can vary quite a bit. While some keep things simple, others like to go with a very intricate approach that doesn’t always go down well.
So let’s take a look at the approach that these two gaming sites have taken with regard to their loyalty schemes.
Bovada
Using Bovada is a great way for players to earn reward points. The number of points you earn depends on the type of betting you engage in. For example, betting on sports singles can earn you 2 Rewards points for every $1 you spend, while betting on race book multiples can earn you 60 Rewards points for every $1 you spend.
The rewards program offers several tiers that you can progress through, including Starter, Rookie, Pro, All-Star, Legend, and Hall of Fame.
Each tier has three levels to work through, making for a straightforward progression system. Here’s a breakdown of what it takes to advance through each level:
- Starter: lifetime points required = 0, rewards points redemption rate = 2,500/$1
- Rookie: Level 3 lifetime points required = 10,000, rewards points redemption rate = 2,500/$1
- Pro: Level 3 lifetime points required = 60,000, rewards points redemption rate = 1,666/$1
- All-Star: Level 3 lifetime points required = 500,000, rewards points redemption rate = 1,250/$1
- Legend: Level 3 lifetime points required = 2,5 million, rewards points redemption rate = 2500/$1
- Hall of Fame: Level 3 lifetime points required = 5 million, rewards points redemption rate = 1,000/$1
Ignition
Ignition currently offers rewards programs themselves, and it’s not all that different from Bovada in that you will need to climb a number of tiers. Each tier brings with it bigger and better rewards.
Thanks to Tier miles earned while playing at Ignition, players can progress through a total of 8 levels, each offering unique benefits. Once you reach a certain level, you’ll maintain that status for the duration of your casino experience or until you level up.
The first level, Steel, is accessible as soon as you start playing with real money and offers 6% cashback on your losses. After accumulating 2,500 Tier Miles, you’ll be upgraded to the Chrome level. Bronze is attainable at 10,000 Tier Miles, followed by Silver at 60,000 and Gold at 150,000.
Reaching 500,000 Tier Miles unlocks the prestigious Platinum tier, while amassing a remarkable 1,000,000 Tier Miles elevates you to the Titanium level. Finally, the ultimate level, Diamond, is reserved for those who have earned 2,500,000 Tier Miles while playing at Ignition.
Looking at both of these reward programs, it’s impossible to separate them. They both offer you a great way to claim additional rewards simply by betting on the sites.
It makes your time on these platforms that much more exciting, as you always have something to work towards. So, when it comes to loyalty programs, we’ll have to call it a tie.
Safety & Security
One of the most important things to consider when playing on either of them is security. Both use the latest SSL (Secure Locket Layer) to keep players safe while online. They both also provide 24-hour chat support and a direct phone number you can call if you have any issues or concerns.
Where To Play?
You can play on either of them from anywhere, as long as you have an Internet connection. The two online-based platforms reduce the limitations associated with brick-and-mortar casinos.
The platforms are designed to be mobile-friendly. Thus, you can easily access them from your smartphone, tablet, desktop computer, or laptop. Since they are web-based, you are not limited by the device operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS).
Ignition and Bovada are powered by the world’s biggest software provider, Real Time Gaming (RTG). That explains why both casinos run smoothly and have not had bug incidents.
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Final Thoughts
Both of these gaming juggernauts are top betting destinations. The truth is, you can’t go wrong with either one of them. But the biggest difference is that Bovada hosts a sports book, which makes it unique in that regard. Other than that, you can also take advantage of different bonus offerings on both sites.
I hope you enjoyed this in-depth comparison. Choosing the casino where you can enjoy your gambling session is an important consideration. Both have proven to be worth your time.
You can create an account on both sites without requiring a lot of details. Once ready, you stand to get great bonuses and rewards as you enjoy your favorite games. Whichever you choose, remember to have some fun!
