Bovada recently expanded its horse racing betting service through the release of a mobile racebook for U.S. citizens, and there is much to like about the initiative. Available across numerous mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy and Windows Phone, the racebook features a host of betting options on horse racing action from America and around the world. That includes anything from a daily race meet at Santa Anita Park, to world-renowned events such as the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, featuring horses such as Empire Classic Empire, Always Dreaming and Wood Memorial. Internationally, the UK and Ireland are covered in full, including high-calibre races such as the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, and there are also daily meetings across the rest of Europe, Australia and Asia to bet on.
The depth of wagering options is equally impressive. From traditional win/ place and show bets, to exotics such as exactas, daily doubles and boxes, there are a variety of ways to spread your stakes. Futures wagers on major races such as the Belmont Stakes and Breeders’ Cup can also be placed well ahead of the event, giving bettors access to the highest odds. For those that are eager to place on races as and when they take place, the “Next 5 Races” feature allows bettors to quickly find a wager on the race that is scheduled to jump next. Mobile customers are also treated to weekly racing rebates, with rewards of up to 5% cash back offered on specific racebook plays. This offer provides additional value to various wagers, while there are minimal rollover requirements on the rebates issued.
While there is lots to like about Bovada’s mobile betting app and racebook, there remain some areas for improvement. Most of these relate to limitations of mobile devices, resulting in several features being scaled back from the desktop version. An example is the need to place a boxed wager through the betting slip on the mobile app, as opposed to an automatic box feature that appears on the website, which makes it much easier to choose a group of horses to finish in any order. These shortcomings are minimal, however, and Bovada is promising improvements that will help the mobile racebook more closely resemble the website’s functionality in the near future.
Regardless, Bovada’s racebook and mobile betting app remains a compelling product for horse racing and sports bettors alike, complementing other features of the betting service well. This includes a comprehensive sportsbook, as well as the ability to play real money poker in the United States on various mobile devices through the Bovada app. The ability to wager in Bitcoin, with deposits and withdrawals conducted for free, is another strong point that is sure to impress bettors.