Start with the sportsbook if you already follow sports

If you watch games anyway, the sportsbook is the most natural place to begin. You can bet on the result of a game, the point spread or totals, and as you get comfortable, props, futures and live in-game lines. Your sports knowledge actually matters here, which makes it engaging.

Watch out for: parlays. They are fun and pay well when they hit, but every extra leg makes them harder to win. I keep my parlays small and my single bets as the main event.

Start with the casino if you want simple, at-your-own-pace fun

Slots and table games are the easiest to pick up. There is no schedule, so you play when you want for as long as you want. Slots are pure chance with lots of themes and features. Table games like blackjack reward learning basic strategy.

Watch out for: speed. Slots move fast, so a session can burn through a budget quickly. I set a stop amount before I start. If you plan to use a bonus here, read my crypto bonus explainer first.

Try live dealers if you want the real-table feel

Live dealer games stream a real dealer dealing real cards or spinning a real wheel. It is slower and more social than regular online table games, and it is the closest thing to sitting in a casino without leaving the couch.

Watch out for: table limits. Check the minimum bet before you sit down so it fits your budget.

Try the racebook if you love the horses

The racebook lets you bet on horse races. Bets range from simple win, place and show to exotics like exactas and trifectas. If you enjoy studying form, it is one of the most rewarding sections. If you do not, it can feel like guesswork.

Watch out for: exotic bets. They pay big but are much harder to hit. Start with straight bets while you learn.

Play peer-to-peer poker if you want skill to matter most

In the poker room you play against other players, not the house. That means skill really counts over time. You will find cash games, sit-and-gos and tournaments. Bovada uses anonymous tables, so other players cannot easily track your play history.

Watch out for: moving up in stakes too fast. Start low, learn the pace, and only move up when your results and bankroll support it.

My honest recommendation

If you are brand new, pick the one that matches something you already enjoy. Sports fans should start with the sportsbook, card players with poker, and anyone who just wants to relax with slots. Stick with that one section for a few weeks before you branch out, so you learn how it works and how it fits your budget.

Whatever you choose, track it. Seeing your results by section is the fastest way to find out what you are actually good at. My bankroll guide and free tracker make that easy.

Bovada is not available in every US state, so check that you can play where you live. For more, read Is Bovada legit?, how withdrawals work and my full Bovada review, or head back to the homepage.