The world of sports betting has changed quite a bit throughout time. From some of the first bets placed at the Roman Coliseum, to the innumerable amount of offshore sportsbooks that exist today, bookmakers have changed drastically. But the change isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Rather, it’s the complete opposite.
In years past, gambling wasn’t always a sure thing. Without any internet, bettors had no option but to find a local bookie. More often than not, these were run by the mafia, which made cashing in on winnings more precarious than it needed to be. Forcing bettors to visit a local bookie made sports betting a massive hassle. Instead of simply logging in to check the lines, gamblers had no way of monitoring what the odds were at other than getting up and walking to the bookmaker.
Accounting for how demanding everyday life is, not everyone was able to use a bookmaker sportsbook.
Many gamblers bet their money at top offshore sportsbooks. Bets can be made on a wide array of events like sports, poker, casino games. And more so long as the sportsbook offers it, which it will if it is one of the top rated sportsbooks.
It’s crucial to choose with care a safe offshore sportsbook. There are many betting websites you had best avoid. We highlight all there is to know about offshore sporta gambling, and the sportsbooks we have assessed and deemed worthy.
List of the Best Offshore Sportsbooks
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Is Offshore Betting Illegal?
Whether top offshore sportsbooks are legal or illegal depends because betting legality varies from one jurisdiction to the next. In many countries, there is thorough regulation. In others, it’s downright illegal.
You should ask yourself whether placing a bet as an individual may be an issue for you in your country or region. If the answer is negative, offshore betting is safe. In the majority of Western countries, betting on sports is either legal and regulated, or illegal but the penalty is a slap on the wrist.
Is Online Offshore Sports Betting Legal?
Top offshore sportsbooks operate by accepting bets from American residents. The authorities released a memo in 2007 stating that online gambling was illegal.
However, individuals can place bets online (check your jurisdiction). In 2011, the Obama administration backtracked the view that the Wire Act applied to all manners of gambling.
Casino gambling, for example, online casino games and poker was now legal, as long as a government-licensed operator offered it. Sports betting remained under the Wire Act. Offshore sportsbooks and offshore betting were, and remain, the focus of law enforcement.
IS IT LEGAL TO PLACE ONLINE OFFSHORE SPORTS BETS FROM THE US?
Yes, it is. Despite what the authorities have stated in prior memos, no law Federal law criminalizes an individual from placing an offshore bet from the US. Some states have laws outlawing online gambling and/or online sports betting. The legality of US offshore gambling varies from state to state.
But even then, these laws are seldom enforced. Utah and several other states such as Washington State have outlawed all forms of online gambling. This includes placing offshore sports bets from the US. Washington State, the law is rather harsh in that gambling online is considered a felony.
However, they have never arrested anyone, much less charged them with the crime. As a matter of fact, they have never charged anyone with the simple act of placing offshore sports bets from the US.
The overall legality of offshore betting is a gray area for gamblers in many jurisdictions, but enforcement is nominal. *Disclaimer: We are not legal experts. Confirm the wagering and/or gambling regulations that are applicable in your local jurisdiction.
What Is Online Offshore Sports Betting?
Offshore sports betting makes reference to the location of the sportsbook’s operators and servers. Many offshore gambling websites are in the Caribbean or Central America. Many offshore betting websites are in Canada or Asia. The term is like an umbrella for sites that offer online betting to American residents.
Pros of Offshore Betting
Bonuses at Top US Offshore Sportsbooks
Bonuses are a lot better for U.S. sports bettors than for international gamblers. Even in regulated jurisdictions. Offshore betting websites operate in countries known as tax havens. Overhead is very cheap. There are no bonuses when you gamble with local bookies. Bonuses are one of the main perks of offshore betting. Online offshore sports betting bonuses give your bankroll an immediate shot in the arm ranging from several hundred to several thousand.
Offshore Sportsbooks Reliability
There are some pretty good local bookies out there, but they are nowhere near as trustworthy as most offshore betting websites. Moreover, there are usually more betting markets, bonuses and other benefits when it comes to offshore gambling. Crypto-Revolution.
Payment processors were a big issue for offshore sportsbooks. That has changed in recent years thanks to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Litecoin.
Sportsbooks take other cryptos and keep adding more regularly. This has brought stability to the offshore business and allowed sportsbooks and players to benefit from it.
Best Offshore Sportsbooks For US Players
- BetAnySports – Best Offshore Sportsbook
- MyBookie – Trusted Offshore Sportsbook
- BetOnline – Top Offshore Sportsbook Bonuses
- BetUS – Reputable Offshore Sportsbook
- XBet – Offshore Gambling Experience
Offshore Sportsbooks with Vegas Betting Lines
Las Vegas became heavily involved in the sportsbook business in the 70’s. During this time, Vegas became the place to bet on sports, which heavily influenced the creation of its ‘Sin City’ nickname. It all started when small, independent sportsbooks began sweeping the scene. These were much like the aforementioned bookies, but offered a little more dependability.
However, eventually, Big Brother took over as corporations, including casinos and hotels, began taking over. They bought out much of their low-level competition and paved the way to today’s infamous Vegas sportsbooks.
Giant sportsbooks, with massive screens on the walls, buzzing to the brim with bettors, became the face of the sportsbook industry. Sweat and an atmosphere shivering with the latest lines was what had become of the sports betting world, until the breakout of offshore sportsbooks in the 90’s.
A new King
Offshore sports betting sank its roots in the UK, where a gentleman named Gary Bowman opened up American Football Pools. Bowman’s goal was simple: sell parlays to American bettors. While this might sound complicated at first, the UK’s lenient sports betting laws allowed Bowman‘s business to thrive.
Soon enough, others caught on to his winning formula. Bowman found so much success that soon he had no option but to expand his business.
American Football Pools began offering action on all sports, not just American Football. Soon enough, the enterprise adopted the name Bowman International. Eventually, a sportsbook in the US decided to open a location in the Dominican Republic. There, workers would accept bets from US clientele, far away from the meddling eye of the US government.
This was just the beginning of offshore sportsbooks, however. This all took place around the late 80’s and soon enough, the creation of the internet would accelerate the rate at which the most reputable online sportsbooks found success.
Cons of Offshore Betting
No regulation. There are plenty of pros about offshore betting markets, but the absence of regulation makes getting paid an issue. In countries like the United Kingdom, bookie bets are guaranteed to be paid, otherwise, the government would not allow them to operate in the country and would revoke their licenses. The bright side of lacking regulation is bigger bonuses and better deals, but they don’t offer the same security as legal, regulated jurisdictions.
Funds Must Be Deposited to Bet
It’s hard to call this one a drawback of offshore sports betting, but when you bet with locals you’re betting on credit. That means you don’t have to put up the money before you can place bets. This is how people get their legs broken by hired goons, so all in all it is also again.
Lower Betting Limits for Key Markets.
The best part about local bookies and offline betting options is larger limits on prop bets or smaller markets. Most offshore sportsbooks don’t allow more than $500 (and some limits are as low as $50) or thereabouts on prop bets and smaller markets.
Many locals will take much more money on props and obscure markets compared to online offshore sportsbooks. This is a meaningful advantage because of the extra amount you can get down on weaker or softer odds before hitting a limit.
Paying Taxes on Offshore Sports Betting Wins
Offshore betting may fall outside of the legal U.S. banking system, but that doesn’t mean your gains are tax-free. The IRS cares little about how you got your money, as long as they get their share. There is less paper trail when betting online, but your offshore betting tax liability is unchanged, whether you bet with a ticket in Vegas or at an offshore sportsbook. Paying taxes on sports bets is unavoidable.
