Using an offshore poker site like CoinPoker or Bovada has advantages you won’t get on the regulated sites in the US. These sites tend to be more crypto friendly and have higher limits you won’t usually see on the regulated options either.
I’ve been using both sites for quite some time, so I can give you the insight on which one is the better option long term. This is coming from a real player who enjoys grinding the mid stake tables every week. Let’s start things off with Bovada since they’ve been around longer.
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Overview of Bovada
Bovada Poker has been around since 2011-2012 making it over a decade plus old. Since that time, they’ve built one of the highest traffic poker sites for USA players. At peak times during the week, it’s not uncommon to see over 5,000 to 10,000 players logged in. On the weekends traffic almost always eclipses 10,000 plus players.
They are also mainly crypto focused on payments and withdrawals. They made this switch years ago since it’s more efficient and easier for players to move money quickly into wallets and checking accounts. More on that later. For now, let’s look at the software and game selection.
Software & Game Selection
This is where I prefer Bovada over Coin. Now, Bovada uses something called anonymous tables which means that players are given numbers instead of screen names. This makes tracking software and player collusion a lot harder. Some people might not like this feature, but I’ve really grown to like it.
The software also runs great on both mobile and desktop and gives you the ability to change the color of card tables, card decks, and use a nifty chat box feature. But the way the software looks and runs is just very smooth overall, which is why I also lean towards Bovada. However, you will be limited to playing 4 tables at a time when you are playing. This could be a drawback if you are looking to playing 8-10 or more tables at a time. But to me that’s honestly overkill so I don’t mind being maxed at 4 at all.
Bonuses
When you get signed up at Bovada they offer a one time $500 match bonus for poker. This is a one-time offer so I would recommend maxing it out to get the full benefit. Bovada does also do reload offers from time to time, but initially if you want to play poker here and build a bankroll from the ground floor then you should max this out.
It does have some wagering requirements attached to it, meaning you must play a certain number of hands before the money becomes available to withdraw but even so it will only add to growing your initial starting roll. It’s a win win situation so go big on this one.
Payment Methods
Bovada is mainly a cryptocurrency friendly poker site. They have credit cards as an option to make deposits, but the fees are high. For example, you would have to pay between 8-15% to make a credit card deposit. That’s nuts. Cryptocurrency has no fees for when you make a deposit.
Now, cryptocurrency is also the main option for withdrawals. You can use Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and a few other cryptos as well. The payment times after requesting a withdrawal via crypto take less than 15 minutes. It’s honestly that fast and I’ve never had to wait any longer than that. They do also provide check, wires, and matchpay, but if you want the fastest and most reliable option just stick with cryptocurrency.
Overview of CoinPoker
CoinPoker is a cryptocurrency based online poker site that launched in 2017. Built on blockchain ideas, it uses its native CHP token alongside popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum for deposits, withdrawals, and rewards.
Traffic on Coin is a little bit lower than Bovada with around 3,000 to 5,000 players logged in during the week and close to double on the weekends. CoinPoker also operates without traditional HUD tracking tools, creating a more level playing field for all users. This makes it particularly attractive to experienced players who value fairness and reduced data tracking.
Software & Game Selection
CoinPoker offers a clean, modern software experience that is designed with crypto users in mind. The site runs smoothly on desktop and mobile, with a clean interface that makes it easy to navigate between tables, tournaments, and account features. I’ve actually enjoyed using the poker software.
Gameplay is fast, and multi-tabling is supported, although the overall feel can still be less polished than larger, more established poker networks. Updates are rolled out regularly, but occasional bugs or minor glitches can still occur. I have dealt with the occasional table freezing up when I’ve multi tabled.
In terms of game selection, CoinPoker spreads a mix of cash games and tournaments, including Texas Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha. Stakes range from micro to high, but the number of active tables can vary depending on the time of day. Tournament offerings include daily events and occasional larger series, though they are smaller compared to major sites. Overall, the selection is solid but limited by player traffic as I mentioned earlier.
Bonuses
CoinPoker offers a rewards system that is more focused on long-term value rather than large upfront bonuses. This is a big drawback since Bovada does give new players the $500 match bonus. However, instead of traditional deposit matches, players benefit from rakeback-style rewards and incentives tied to the platform’s CHP token. This allows active players to earn consistent returns based on their volume. There are also occasional promotions, leaderboard races, and special events that add extra value, especially for regular grinders.
Payment Methods
When it comes to payment methods, CoinPoker is entirely crypto based. Players can deposit and withdraw using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and the native CHP token. Transactions are typically fast, with withdrawals processed much quicker than traditional poker sites. Because there are no fiat options like credit cards or bank transfers, the platform is best suited for users who are already comfortable using crypto wallets.
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Final Thoughts
Bovada Poker is my personal favorite out of the two for more than a few reasons. I feel Bovada has been the more reliable site for me in terms of being able to beat weaker competition at most stakes, and I’ve never had a problem getting my money off the site. Those 2 reasons alone should be enough for most people.
But they also have more player traffic which means that more new players are consistently joining the site, and the player base overall is strong. More traffic means bigger tournaments and more opportunities to play certain stakes against weaker opponents. This is why for me Bovada is the better option long term. Nothing against CoinPoker but the juggernaut that Bovada is, isn’t beaten easily. I don’t see things changing anytime soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CoinPoker better than Bovada?
It depends on your goals. CoinPoker offers lower rake and a crypto-native experience, making it appealing for experienced players and grinders. However, Bovada is generally better for most players—especially in the U.S.—because it has higher traffic, softer games, and more consistent action.
Can you play CoinPoker in the United States?
CoinPoker is technically accessible via crypto wallets, but it operates in a gray area for U.S. players. Bovada, on the other hand, is widely used in the U.S. and is considered one of the safest offshore options. It’s always best to check each website for any location restrictions based on the state you live.
Which site has softer poker games?
Bovada consistently has softer games due to its large recreational player base. CoinPoker tends to have more regulars and experienced players, which can make games tougher.
Which poker site has faster withdrawals?
CoinPoker withdrawals are typically faster since they are crypto-only and processed quickly. Bovada also offers fast crypto payouts, but processing times can vary slightly depending on demand. In terms of speed Bovada usually processes payments in under 15 minutes which is very fast.
Does CoinPoker allow HUDs and tracking software?
No, CoinPoker does not allow HUDs, which helps create a more level playing field. Bovada also uses anonymous tables, so traditional tracking tools are limited there as well.
Which is better for beginners?
Bovada is the better choice for beginners due to its softer competition, simple interface, and variety of low-stakes games. They also have more player traffic which means more new players are joining the network more often than on CoinPoker.