Bovada Review 2025: Still Worth It?
The 2025 NFL season is here, and U.S. sports bettors are eyeing the best place to place their wagers. With tax laws shifting in favor of crypto-friendly bettors and Bovada still thriving as a top offshore sportsbook, the big question is—is Bovada still worth using in 2025?
Short answer: Yes, especially if you’re betting smart, want fewer IRS headaches, and are looking for a flexible crypto-friendly platform.
NFL 2025: Offshore Odds, Better Value
Bovada remains a top sportsbook for betting on the NFL, offering:
- Competitive spreads, moneylines & totals
- Same-game parlays with increased payouts
- Unique prop bets—especially for QBs & wide receivers
- Futures markets for Super Bowl, MVP, and win totals
This year’s NFL season features emerging teams like the Lions, Jets, and Texans. Bovada’s offshore model gives it the edge in pricing—often beating U.S. books on juice and value.
Offshore + Trump Tax Reform = Hidden Betting Advantage
Donald Trump’s new 2025 tax proposal softens IRS reporting requirements for offshore gambling and crypto transactions. Here’s how it plays out for Bovada users:
- No W-2G reporting for most winnings
- Crypto withdrawals = increased privacy & tax flexibility
- Lower audit risk unless pulling six-figure annual profits
Offshore sportsbooks like Bovada aren’t required to report your winnings to the IRS—giving you more control over how and when you declare income.
U.S. Sports Betting Taxes (2025 Update): What Bettors Need to Know
Bottom line: Your sports-betting winnings are still taxable. A new federal change slated for 2026 could make taxes tougher for high-volume bettors. Here’s the no-spin version.
Key Takeaways for NFL & Sports Bettors
- Winnings are taxable income. You must report them on your federal return, even if you don’t receive a tax form.
- Forms you might see: A W-2G can be issued in limited sports-betting scenarios (e.g., payouts ≥ $600 and at least 300× your wager). Regardless of forms, income is still taxable.
- Withholding: Certain big/long-shot payouts can trigger federal withholding (commonly 24%).
- Operator excise tax stays: Sportsbooks owe a 0.25% federal excise tax on handle; this does not make your winnings tax-free.
- 2026 change to loss deductions: Starting with the 2026 tax year, you’ll only be able to deduct gambling losses up to 90% of winnings—creating potential “phantom income” for break-even or slim-edge bettors.
Old vs. New (At a Glance)
| Rule | Through 2025 | Starting 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Federal tax on your winnings | Taxable as ordinary income | Unchanged (still taxable) |
| Deducting gambling losses | Up to 100% of winnings (itemized) | Up to 90% of winnings (itemized) |
| W-2G / withholding triggers | Limited cases for sports bets (e.g., ≥$600 and ≥300× wager; certain big wins withheld at ~24%) | Same triggers (no change announced) |
| Federal excise tax on sports handle (paid by operators) | 0.25% of handle + $50 employee head tax | Still in effect (repeal has been proposed but not enacted) |
Does Using an Offshore Sportsbook Change Your Taxes?
No. U.S. federal law still treats your gambling winnings as taxable income whether you play onshore or offshore. Offshore books may not issue U.S. tax forms, but that doesn’t make winnings non-taxable. Report accurately and keep records.
Practical Tips to Stay Out of Trouble
- Track everything: Keep a ledger of wagers, deposits/withdrawals, and net results across books.
- Know your state rules: State taxes and deductibility of losses vary; check your state’s guidance.
- If you itemize: Losses are only deductible against gambling winnings (and from 2026, only up to 90%).
- Plan ahead: If you run close to break-even, the 2026 change can create taxable income—budget accordingly.
FAQ
Will the federal excise tax on sports betting go away?
There is active legislation to repeal it, but as of now it remains law. This tax is assessed on operators, not on your personal tax return.
Do I owe taxes if I didn’t get a W-2G?
Yes. You must report all gambling income whether or not a form was issued.
Can I net wins and losses across different sportsbooks?
For federal purposes, you report total gambling winnings as income; if you itemize, you can deduct gambling losses up to the allowable limit for that tax year.
Disclaimer: This is general information for bettors—not legal or tax advice. Talk to a qualified tax pro about your situation.
Security & Speed: Is Bovada Still Legit in 2025?
Absolutely. Bovada has been operational since 2011 and continues to thrive. Here’s what users still love:
- Fast crypto payouts (sometimes under 24 hours)
- Sharp NFL odds and massive player prop menus
- Live betting, casino, and poker all under one login
The revamped interface in 2025 makes it easier than ever to bet on the go, especially for crypto users. BTC, LTC, and ETH are supported with generous bonuses.
Final Verdict: Still Worth It?
Yes—Bovada is still one of the best offshore sportsbooks in 2025.
If you want more favorable odds, privacy with crypto, and less tax friction, Bovada remains a sharp bettor’s weapon of choice—especially during NFL season. Just be smart with bankroll tracking and make sure you use a VPN if needed.
Pro Tip: Crypto + offshore + NFL = maximum value. Just make sure you’re reporting earnings when necessary and use a tax-savvy wallet strategy.
FAQs
Is Bovada legal in the U.S. in 2025?
Bovada operates legally offshore and accepts most U.S. players. Some states may have restrictions, so use a VPN if needed.
Are Bovada winnings taxed in the U.S.?
Technically yes, but offshore books don’t issue tax forms. Crypto withdrawals also give you more flexibility. Consult a tax pro.
Does Bovada support crypto in 2025?
Yes, Bovada supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more. Crypto users often receive faster payouts and higher bonuses.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always follow your local laws and consult a financial professional about taxes.
