Bodog Poker

Summary (7.1)

Bodog Poker has been around since what seems to be forever. The company was founded in 1994, and has since then added its poker section. Unfortunately, growth isn't the strong side of this poker room. Some would call this bad luck, others would say that there is a lack of quality promotions. An upgraded sign up bonus worth 110% up to $500 is a great improvement over the old 10% bonus. The very low traffic rate brings down the score quite a bit and most of the competition is in the micro and low stakes. There are some upsides, however. For example, you are very likely to face soft competition, and a comprehensive list of tournaments is probably what's most attractive in this package.

Software (6)

Bodog Poker offers adequate software, somewhat above the average. Its lobby interface is very solid and one of the most simplistic, yet functional. You can easily sort between game types, game modes and stakes. The table uses the same concept, although not quite successfully. The layout is superb and very simple, however, the graphics are about as dull as your granny's outdoor clothes. For example, there is no bevel effect on the table whatsoever. As for functionality and options, there's nothing to it that will make you cheer (except for the avatars). Standard statistics and very basic settings provide for a regular table. All in all, not bad but could be a lot better with just a little re-work.

Traffic (2)

In terms of user traffic, Bodog stays behind most of the poker networks with its low connections, which is typically at 2,000 during peak times and as low as 1,300 on a slow day. Most of the traffic is concentrated to Texas Hold'em No Limit, unfortunately mostly micro and low limit.

Tournaments (7)

The most developed part of Bodog Poker is the tournament section. It holds approximately 70 % of the real money players. Regular sit 'N' goes are obviously available, ranging from $5 to $200. The scheduled events range from free buy-ins to $100 with prizes sometimes as high as $100,000. For some reason, there is a menu button with "special" tournaments, although this is almost exactly the same as the list of scheduled tournaments. World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker qualifiers are included as well. The buy-in sums range from $1,5 to $27.

Game Variety (5)

Bodog Poker bundles Texas Hold'em with No Limit, Pot Limit and Limit. Omaha is included as well and features Pot Limit as well as Limit. Last but not least, 7 Card Stud, 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo and 5 Card Stud, although finding opponents at these tables may prove to be difficult. The games range from $0.05/$0.1, all the way up to $30/$60.

Soft Competition (8)

The poker players at Bodog Poker are usually very new to poker and play at Hold'em ring game tables as well as tournaments. Unfortunately, most of the action is in micro and low stakes, usually No Limit. The competition is incredibly loose, sometimes with an average of seen flops at 90 %. Even games at $5/$10 offer loose games with 40 % of seen flops.

Sign Up Bonus (7)

Bodog Poker previously offered a 10% bonus. This has been upgraded to a far more attractive bonus worth 110% up to $500. It is fairly easy to claim, too.

Loyalty Rewards (3)

Bodog Poker provides a regular loyalty system, also called Bodog Poker Points. As a new member, you are awarded a total of 50 points. These points will grow after each hand is raked. You need to rake a minimum of $1 to accumulate one Bodog Poker Point, although point shares of 0.1 are possible too. Additionally, every entry fee dollar is worth six points. The points can be used for special tournaments with guaranteed cash prizes.

Promotions (4)

Bodog Poker offer regular tournaments with guaranteed cash prizes, World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour qualifiers. There's also a wealthy refer a friend bonus ranging up to $200, where you receive 40 % of what your friend has deposited. Your friend must acquire enough rake points to accumulate yours and his bonus.

Support (7)

Bodog's support is available by e-mail and telephone. We usually get response within 12 hours by mail. Telephone support wait times are quite long during peak times and therefore not recommended.

Deposit & Cashout Methods (4)

Deposits: Virtual Pin, Credit Card, NETeller, FirePay, Citadel, CentralCoin, check and bank draft.

Cash-outs: check and e-check.