Several gamblers continue to wager at reputable offshore betting sites even though several states are working to regulate local bookmakers. These websites will ensure that you have access to the most favorable odds in a secure gaming environment, regardless of whether you love playing NFL, NBA, boxing, golf, soccer, or any other sport. But why do gamblers with access to local sportsbooks continue using international betting sites?
The complete information in this extensive guide explains why offshore bookmakers have become so well-liked across the globe. We will examine their distinctive qualities as well as the benefits and drawbacks of using such websites for gaming.
Best Offshore Betting Sites
All sites are: Licensed & Certified and Expertly checked
What is Offshore Betting?
Generally, ‘offshore’ means ‘out-of-state.’ Offshore betting refers to participating in international betting sites licensed outside your residence. These can be online bookmakers in China, Latin America, the United States, or Asia. Such sites frequently allow players from all across the globe to enjoy their offerings and are subject to local gambling laws.
The top offshore betting sites provide gamers with a wide selection of sports to choose from, ranging from NBA, NHL, NFL, golf tournaments, MLB, tennis matches, college sports, UFC, NASCAR, esports, horse races, esports, virtual sports and many more. Additionally, they provide accessible banking alternatives and enticing bonus deals and promotions to new and returning players. The best websites also offer top-notch customer service and simple gameplay.
Is Online Offshore Sports Betting Legal?
Offshore sports betting sites have licenses in other jurisdictions other than the UK. A gaming website that is “offshore” does not imply that it is less legal or less safe than a local online betting platform. It only signifies that the bookmaker has its headquarters outside of the UK and that the UK Gambling Commission did not issue its license.
The best offshore sports betting sites are those with positive client testimonials and one that displays the “Seal of Approval” at the bottom of each website page to attest to its reliability. It is legal for UK bettors to place bets on these sites since they have valid licences from other gambling authorities other than the UKGC. These regulatory bodies have sufficient oversight to avoid irregularities and ensures that players’ rights are protected and guaranteed.
It is crucial to remember that the UK Gambling Act of 2005 emphasizes avoiding offenses, gambling addiction, and other related habits, and underage individuals accessing gambling websites. All online sportsbooks, offshore or not, should abide by these guidelines. Most UK-based websites must utilize the self-exclusion tool Gamstop to protect customers from compulsive gambling. But, the rules may not satisfy a bettor’s gambling needs, in which case he is free to wager at authorized offshore sportsbooks.
Thus, before placing wagers on such offshore sites, you must ensure that the site has a current license. Finding an ideal online bookie that meets your gambling demands and offers a secure and reliable gaming environment is not an easy feat, but you should at least try.
How We Pick and Review Offshore Betting Sites
Are you wondering how we find the best offshore betting sites? Well, we use a strict evaluation formula to thoroughly scour the internet and assess online bookmakers who claim to be the best. Among the factors we consider when rating these sites include:
- Licensing and Security
When reviewing any offshore bookmaker, we begin by assessing its licensing and security practices. The best international betting sites have robust security practices and proper licensing from reputable gambling authorities. We also look at past customer reviews to determine whether there are any complaints about their payout mechanisms, game selection, or overall website usage.
When you select an offshore bookie from our list of recommendations, you can be sure that you are accessing a safe and secure gaming environment. All sites on our list have a valid license from their home country and use up-to-date security protocols to ascertain data privacy and optimum player security.
- Welcome bonuses
Sites in the gambling market use bonuses and promotions to lure in new players. From generous welcome bonuses to exciting loyalty programs to cashback offers to reload bonuses, these sites offer new and loyal players exquisite offers to get them interested and entertained.
Our list of the best offshore betting sites offers new players fantastic welcome packages, including free bets, first deposit bonus offers, and even no deposit bonuses. We have also ensured that all our recommended bookies have reasonable bonus terms and conditions so bettors can easily cash out their bonus winnings.
- Betting Markets
Bettors enjoy playing on platforms with varied options. Thus, we ensure that all our recommendations feature all the popular betting markets, including college sports, MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, UFC, and many other global sporting events.
All our sites have various sports and markets to enjoy. Other than these betting markets, players can also place bets on events related to horse racing, boxing, auto racing, cricket, tennis, badminton, rugby, soccer, golf, and so much more. They also have special betting events, live in-game markets, pleasers, parlays, teasers, and many others.
- Attractive Betting Odds
Another critical aspect that helps us rate offshore betting sites is their betting odds. Online bookies with market-beating or market-average odds rate highly in our assessments. We discourage our readers from playing on sites that do not compare with market odds on big games.
Note that the odds provided by your preferred bookmaker determine your total payout amount. Nowadays, sportsbooks adopt odds supplied by expert firms, most of which are based in Las Vegas. Except for uncommon and obscure bets, bookmakers often have similar odds due to this homogeneity. Therefore, to boost a perceived edge and increase value, we highly urge all expert bettors to conduct comparisons before placing bets.
- Banking options
Top offshore betting sites should ensure that their players have secure and varied payment options for depositing and withdrawing from their accounts. Our gambling experts assess the sites’ banking methods to ensure they are fast, safe, and convenient for players. Some of the most popular banking options we rate highly include credit/debit cards, cryptocurrencies, e-wallets, and bank transfers.
We also check these bookies’ limits, fees, and payout times. Most recommended offshore sports betting sites complete their payouts within 48 hours and charge little to no transaction fees. They also guarantee player security and data privacy to all customers on their platform.
- Customer Service Options
Are you experiencing an issue while signing up for a player account on an online sportsbook? Is your payout taking longer than it should? If so, you are in luck! If you are using our list of recommended bookies, you can rest assured that you can easily contact customer support in a variety of ways. All the sites have experienced and responsive customer service agents you can reach via live chat, email, or phone.
Our highest-ranked bookies also have a dedicated FAQ page with an extensive list of commonly asked questions by punters on the platform over the years. They also have an active following and forums on social media platforms, allowing those with queries to pose questions on these platforms and get answers in real-time from other gamblers.
- Mobile Usability
We consider your mobile gaming experience when proposing a top-tier offshore bookmaker for you to join. Whether there is a mobile site or a downloadable mobile app, the gambling experience on mobile devices is flawless. You should not have any problem utilizing your mobile devices to access the site if it has a mobile version.
Features of Offshore Bookies
Numerous international betting sites claim to be the best. But what features distinguish the best offshore betting sites from mediocre ones. Below is a list of key features of the best online bookmakers.
- They have a valid license from a well-known gambling authority
- A user-friendly interface
- Attractive bonus deals and promotions, such as no deposit offers, free bets, and several welcome packages
- Fair odds
- Varied betting markets and a wide array of sports
- 24/7 responsive customer support options
- Availability of mobile platforms
Offshore vs. Regular Sports Betting Odds
In the 1970s, Las Vegas invested significantly in the gambling industry. In this period, Vegas rose to prominence as a sports betting hub, which greatly impacted the emergence of the label “Sin City.” Everything began when a wave of tiny and independent bookmakers swept the industry. They gave a bit more consistency but were very similar to the preceding bookies.
However, Big Brother ultimately seized control even as businesses like hotels and casinos started to take over. They prepared the path for the famed Vegas bookmakers of today by purchasing most of their minor rivals. As a result, they provided regular odds on the betting market.
But, this was disrupted by the emergence of offshore betting sites in the 1990s. In the UK, international betting sites came about when Gary Bowman launched an American Football Pool where he sold parlays to American gamblers. Gary became very successful due to the UK’s lax sports betting regulations. Soon, other people and gambling firms replicated this business model, giving rise to offshore odds.
Note that offshore odds originate from specialized oddsmaking firms, many of which are based in Las Vegas. Since these odds come from the same companies, it is common to find that they are similar in several bookmakers, except for obscure and exotic wagers. However, you should still compare offshore odds as it will increase any perceived edge and gain value.
Depositing Money Offshore
Top offshore betting sites offer their users a wide range of deposit options. The most common options include:
- Traditional Payment Options
Offshore bookies allow bettors to fund their accounts using debit/credit cards and bank transfers. However, each bookie has specific deposit limits, meaning you should carefully read the terms and conditions. Note any transaction fees applied to your preferred deposit method.
- E-Wallets and Pre-paid Cards
The most popular deposit method on offshore sports betting sites is e-wallets. From PayPal to Skrill to Neteller to Stripe to Google Pay, there are tons of e-wallets that you can use to make deposits on these international sites.
- Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrency payments are also becoming very popular on offshore betting sites because of their security, convenience, speed, and ease of use. Some of the most common digital coins used on these platforms include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and many others.
Withdrawing Money Offshore
Just as simple as depositing on an offshore site, cash out is also very easy. Using the same deposit method is advisable to cash out your winnings, but some sites allow you to select another payout option. Most sites charge a transaction fee for withdrawals. Some of the most common withdrawal options include:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Neteller
- Skrill
- Google Pay
- PayPal
- Click2Pay
- Ukash
Live Betting at Offshore Sportsbooks
Also referred to as in-running or in-play betting, live betting is when you place bets while a sporting event has already begun. It eliminates the need to research data and places you in the center of the action, allowing you to adjust or make a new wager throughout the event.
Many offshore sports betting sites allow their users to participate in live betting. Generally, they already have set odds on a game or event before it begins. But when the event starts, the odds will fluctuate several times depending on the occurrences in the game.
Likewise, you will also have a chance to alter your wager in any way you deem fit. Live betting on offshore sites is an immersive and thrilling experience as it enables them to participate live in their favorite sporting events.
Popular Questions about Offshore Bookies
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in the UK?
Yes. The top offshore betting sites have legitimate authorization from respected gaming organizations, despite the UKGC not regulating them. As a result, UK gamblers can legally sign up and participate on these sites.
What is the max bet you can make on an offshore sportsbook?
It depends on the bookies’ terms and conditions.