Is Bodog Back For Aussies With Bodog88?

The Bodog brand may be making a big comeback to the Australian online poker and casino market with Bodog88. The Asian-focused Bodog88 is available in several countries and may now be open to Australian players.

Bodog88 Brand a Version of Bodog

Bodog88 is an offshoot of the Bodog brand that has been taking shape in the Asia-Pacific market. It is currently open to players in Japan, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, India, and Indonesia. And Australia is next on the list.

The company was launched as a part of Bodog in the same way Ignition Poker and Ignition Casino did years ago. All of the sites are connected on the PaiWangLuo Network.

While networks don’t matter as much for online casino games, they do matter for online poker. When poker sites connect on a network, it means that players from various parts of the world – and on the different sites on the network – play together in cash games and poker tournaments. When more people are at the tables, it means that cash games will have more buy-in levels and game variations, as with tournaments. And in addition, tournaments are then able to offer bigger prize pool guarantees.

As with live poker, online poker thrives when more players compete at the same tables. There is more money to win and more options for players.

It is unclear at this point if Bodog88 will be connected to other Bodog and Ignition sites. However, Aussies will be certainly be able to play poker against competitors in the eight Asian countries currently serviced by Bodog88.

What Players Can Expect

As Aussie poker players begin to find Bodog88, they will find an array of cash games available. These include No Limit Hold’em, Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha and PLO-8. Tournaments are also available from low buy-ins of $1 up to several hundred dollars.

Another version of poker available on Bodog88 is Zone Poker, the fast-fold variant that allows players to compete faster. A quick fold of a hand moves the player to another table so as to avoid waiting for blinds and other players to act.

At this time, there are no rakeback programs or loyalty-type VIP programs, as Bodog88 is awaiting growth and a wider array of players before implementing rewards and more promotions.

Non-poker players will find a wide array of table games, including blackjack, sic bo, baccarat, and roulette, as well as table-game versions of poker like Caribbean Stud.

There are slow games on Bodog88’s casino as well.

Anonymous Player Phenomenon

The concept of anonymous players at online poker players was made popular by Bodog and its sister sites in 2011. It has since been copied by numerous other online poker operators.

Essentially, this model caters to recreational poker players.

Anonymous poker tables mean that players cannot see other players’ screen names and hand histories. It keeps professional players from analysing new players’ styles and habits to exploit them and take their money. Recreational players therefore do not need to worry about professionals learning their secrets.

Many sites have realised that new and inexperienced players prefer the anonymous tables. In fact, they tend to play at poker sites that offer this option. And experienced semi-pro or pro players try to stay away from the tables when possible.

New Network Software

All of the sites on the PaiWangLuo Network are beneficiaries of new software that was implemented earlier in 2019. This includes Ignition and Bodog88,

New players will only notice that the site looks modern. However, returning players might see that there are more table themes and customisation options for tables. There is an improved hand replayer, easier navigation on all pages, a better poker lobby, and even a better and faster mobile app.

Poker for Aussies?

Most poker operators have veered away from the Australian market since the implementation of the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill (IGA) in 2017. When PokerStars, PartyPoker, and 888poker departed the market, it left a massive void for online poker players.

The return of Bodog in the form of the Bodog88 brand means that poker players will again have the option to play online on a licensed and trusted site.

Bodog originally launched globally in 2001 and has always been a reliable and honest poker operator. Of course, sports betting  and online casino games are also available on most of the Bodog sites. Still, the company is well-known for its poker innovations and willingness to offer games in places where other sites have abandoned the players.