Sportsbook Review: Bodog
Our sportsbook reviews continue with another online juggernaut: The big-name book Bodog.
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Offerings
USA Player Friendly! Until December 31st 2011
What many sports fans will like about Bodog is that it’s one of the “sportiest” sportsbooks out there. It features poker and its casino less prominently and really trumpets its sports coverage.
It’s understandable –as Bodog really covers its bases in the sportsbook department. It features lines on virtually every sport imaginable, from the biggies to obscure stuff like cricket to really obscure stuff like snooker and darts. Bodog seems to be one of the only books these days that claims to have exotics like political props – and actually posts them.
Another thing that separates Bodog from other major books is that its various lines go deeper per sport. Bodog has solid futures offerings everywhere , including odds for future championships or major individual awards. Keeping with its really “sporty” identity, Bodog offers plenty of articles with breakdowns and tips for major sporting events.
Just because Bodog doesn’t advertise poker prominently doesn’t mean it doesn’t have it. The site actually has plenty of poker offerings, with special live events, including multi-table tournaments, and articles with tips to help the newbies.
The casino offers a free download and dozens of different games to play. Bodog also covers its bases for horse racing – while also offering a special “toolkit” with analysis, schedules and other articles.
In terms of its pure betting offerings, Bodog hits a grand slam. It has everything.
Grade: A+
Ease of Use
Bodog isn’t the prettiest book on the block. Its print isn’t very big and it requires several clicks to reach the bet you want. However, though it looks cluttered, it’s much easier to use than meets the eye.
I’d call Bodog “organized chaos.” Almost all its betting options are controlled via drop-down menu on the left side of the screen and its additional content commonly appears in the middle.
A particular plus is a comprehensive, easy-to-click list of all its casino games.
You’d be amazed at how many books don’t offer easy access to its home base for when you make a wrong click and want to return to the overall sportsbook or racebook page.
Bodog features all its major divisions prominently above its masthead at the top of the page and it’s much appreciated.
Grade: A
Intangibles/Promos
Bodog doesn’t absolutely knock my socks off with its promotions but it certainly isn’t bad. It rewards you with bonuses for referring friends; it also lets you use one account for sports betting, horses, casino games and poker. Bodog’s rep for payouts isn’t the best nor the worst; it is, however, known for being a great credit-card book.
The rest of its bonuses – bad beat, $50 signup, $200 royal flush, and so on – are solid but unspectacular. A minor knock on the bonuses: compared to everything else on Bodog, this section is tiny and a bit tough to find.
Grade: A-
Overall
It’s pretty hard to say anything bad about Bodog. Its overall betting offerings are as detailed and enjoyable as any other book can offer. It’s a relatively easy-to-use site even if it looks a little ugly. And its bonuses are more than satisfactory even if they don’t blow you away.
FINAL GRADE: A
