Bookmaker is the largest outfit based in Costa Rica. They have 25+ years in the business and were one of the first companies offshore. Bookmaker has a huge betting menu, offers racebooks rebates. Offshore Sportsbook Bonuses. In a country so enveloped with sporting events, it is no wonder that sports betting has taken off to the levels is has reached. Sports gambling is an industry worth billions, and the stream of money could ultimately be sent in your direction. One way that this will begin is through Offshore Sportsbook Bonuses. Offshore Sportsbooks 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 top rated offshore sportsbooks that exist today, bookmakers have changed drastically. But the change isn't necessarily a bad thing.
The focus of our Offshore Betting Sites guide is to provide accurate and up to date information about the legal status and reliable accessibility of betting entertainment for US players. Offshore sports betting is certainly an integral part of that focus and likely carries the most questions considering the dramatic changes that the US sports gambling market has undergone since 2017.
To provide a comprehensive and well-rounded view of this industry, we will provide information about relevant US gambling laws that impact sports betting, which legally licensed sportsbooks accept US players, and what the advantages are for going with offshore sportsbooks.
Best Offshore Sportsbooks For Americans
The following sports betting sites are located offshore and can legally accept wagers from players in the United States. We only list a couple as we are really only interested in the absolute upper echelon of trusted sports betting sites.
These top sportsbooks are legitimately licensed and regulated, offer a wide range of wagering options, odds and betting lines, and deliver a feature-rich, high-quality wagering experience that includes mobile betting and live betting. They have a secure banking suite with US friendly deposit methods, fast payouts, and substantial bonus offers and promotions.
| Site Name | Bonus Offer | Payout | U.S. | Join |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50% Bonus Max $250 | 24-48 Hours | |||
| 50% Bonus Max $1,000 | 24-48 Hours |
Are There Advantages to Offshore Online Sports Betting?
There are numerous advantages to placing bets at an offshore location versus dealing with local bookies. Here are just a few of the benefits you can experience by playing with an offshore sportsbook:
- Licensed and regulated online bookmakers operating outside of US borders are legally sanctioned and there is nothing illegal about Americans placing bets at these destinations. On the flip side, state-based bookies are illegal in most regions throughout the US. Though domestic sports wagering is currently on the rise, the industry is too young to have widespread access to local bookies just yet.
- Online sportsbooks offer 24/7 access through the convenience of your PC, laptop or mobile device.
- Offshore sportsbooks offer you attractive incentives, reduced juice, bonuses and promotions that Vegas and other state-regulated sports wagering markets cannot. Vegas bookies may offer you a free drink, but you can get lower juice options, free bonus money and free slot spins at online gambling sites.
- You never have to travel anywhere to place bets at online bookmakers; simply create an account and log in anytime you want. Domestic sportsbooks require you to be within a specific proximity to them or their servers.
- They provide mobile access from smartphones and tablets, allowing bettors action on the go from anywhere that they have an Intenet or cellular connection.
- Online banking options make it possible to fund your account or request a withdrawal from your PC, laptop or mobile device.
- Security measures are such that playing online is actually safer than walking around with money.
- No matter what the sport is, you can probably find it with an offshore site; they simply have a ton of US-based and international sports on which you can wager.
- You will find many more line options, prop bets, and live, in play betting opportunities with offshore sites via the Internet.
Why Domestic Sports Gambling Has Been Illegal In the US – the Big Three Betting Restrictions
Even though there are popular hotbeds for gambling entertainment within the United States such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Reno, and others, there have also been some very restrictive laws in play. Online sports betting is in its infancy in America due to these restrictive laws. They have changed recently, so here's a look at the three most prominent regulations which were largely responsible for the boom in offshore sportsbooks for US players in the first place.
The Federal Wire Act
Technically known as the Interstate Wire Act, this is a piece of government legislation passed in 1961 that made it illegal for anyone in America to knowingly accept wagers via a wire (which at the time only included telephones). The law has evolved over time to include Internet gambling, with its application evolving even more in recent years. Until 2011, the law prohibited all forms of domestic online wagering, including online sports wagers.
After the 2011 DOJ formal opinion was issued, the law only kept sports related wagering on the hook. However, after the 2018 repeal of PASPA, the law now only outlaws online interstate wagering.
Since the modification of the Wire Act's application, state-based online casino, poker, and sports gambling are now permitted within the states that allow gambling and have passed appropriate legislation to legalize and regulate it. The Federal Wire Act does not and never has prohibited offshore online sports betting.
PASPA
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, also called the Bradley Act, was supposedly the government's way to protect athletes from the influence of things like points shaving and undue pressure to make spreads. Oregon, Delaware, Nevada, and Montana were exempt from PASPA, but in every other state sports betting was expressly illegal.
Roulette wheel free online game. This all changed when New Jersey decided they were indeed going to offer state-regulated sports gambling entertainment. Lawsuits were filed by the major sports leagues and court cases made it all the way to the Supreme Court, where eventually they ruled in NJ's favor.
In May of 2018, SCOTUS determined that PASPA was indeed unconstitutional and the law was effectively struck down. There are no longer any federal laws that tell individual states that they cannot allow bookmakers to be regulated within their borders. PASPA has never had any relevance to offshore sports betting and did not ever make it a crime to bet on sports online.
UIGEA
Signed by President George W. Bush, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, known as the UIGEA, is that big piece of legislation that almost killed the poker boom by itself and brought the entire online gambling industry to its knees. This act basically placed heavy regulations on how gambling related transactions were to be processed by banks and/or credit card companies, or rather how they were to be rejected by the financial powers that be.
While debilitating to the industry at first, reputable and legitimate sportsbook operators and payment processors have learned to operate within the confines of this law, and the top offshore sportsbooks have returned to the US gambling market. The UIGEA bill has always been directed solely to financial institutions and does not directly impact the act of placing bets online in any way.
Is Offshore Sports Betting Legal?
Yes, they are, as long as they possess legitimate credentials verifying their licensing and good standing with the regulatory agencies within the jurisdiction in which they operate. This is something we verify for every gambling site we recommend or that we personally place wagers at. We are not just analysts, we also possess extensive experience as bettors.
All of the above mentioned federal laws have one common thread: they all specifically target the actual business operations, not gamblers. None of them has ever criminalized or made placing bets at offshore gambling sites illegal. The application of these laws is often misrepresented by gambling opponents.
All you really need to remember and/or focus on is that any sports-related bets you place must always be done through a legally licensed destination that is subject to regulatory oversight and that is operating within the industry legally. The same holds true for the following types of online gambling venues:
Types of Sports Covered by Offshore Bookmakers
Roulette wheel free online game. This all changed when New Jersey decided they were indeed going to offer state-regulated sports gambling entertainment. Lawsuits were filed by the major sports leagues and court cases made it all the way to the Supreme Court, where eventually they ruled in NJ's favor.
In May of 2018, SCOTUS determined that PASPA was indeed unconstitutional and the law was effectively struck down. There are no longer any federal laws that tell individual states that they cannot allow bookmakers to be regulated within their borders. PASPA has never had any relevance to offshore sports betting and did not ever make it a crime to bet on sports online.
UIGEA
Signed by President George W. Bush, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, known as the UIGEA, is that big piece of legislation that almost killed the poker boom by itself and brought the entire online gambling industry to its knees. This act basically placed heavy regulations on how gambling related transactions were to be processed by banks and/or credit card companies, or rather how they were to be rejected by the financial powers that be.
While debilitating to the industry at first, reputable and legitimate sportsbook operators and payment processors have learned to operate within the confines of this law, and the top offshore sportsbooks have returned to the US gambling market. The UIGEA bill has always been directed solely to financial institutions and does not directly impact the act of placing bets online in any way.
Is Offshore Sports Betting Legal?
Yes, they are, as long as they possess legitimate credentials verifying their licensing and good standing with the regulatory agencies within the jurisdiction in which they operate. This is something we verify for every gambling site we recommend or that we personally place wagers at. We are not just analysts, we also possess extensive experience as bettors.
All of the above mentioned federal laws have one common thread: they all specifically target the actual business operations, not gamblers. None of them has ever criminalized or made placing bets at offshore gambling sites illegal. The application of these laws is often misrepresented by gambling opponents.
All you really need to remember and/or focus on is that any sports-related bets you place must always be done through a legally licensed destination that is subject to regulatory oversight and that is operating within the industry legally. The same holds true for the following types of online gambling venues:
Types of Sports Covered by Offshore Bookmakers
One big benefit of offshore sportsbooks that we mentioned is that you get to gamble on an incredibly wide variety of sports. Not only can you find all of the popular US-based sports that you love, like football, hockey, etc, but there are also tons of international sports on which you can bet as well. Here are just a few of the many different types of sports you can find to bet on via a reputable sportsbook:
- Football (NFL, amateur, College NCAAF, Canadian, etc)
- Basketball (NBA, College NCAAB, D-league, Euro, etc)
- Golf (all tournaments and rounds)
- Hockey (multiple leagues, pro, and amateur)
- Baseball
- Boxing (all weight classes)
- UFC (most every ultimate fighting league and match)
- Martial arts (local and international competition)
- Soccer (Champions League, FIFA, MLS, etc)
- Tennis (every major tournament)
- Lacrosse (multiple leagues)
- Softball (local and international)
- Olympic Games
- Racing (NASCAR, trucks, bikes, etc)
- Esports
- And much more
Do Offshore Betting Sites Offer Mobile Apps?
According to most reputable reports and statistics from technology analysts out there, it's clear that we are already to the point that mobile computing is very close to being the number-one way the web is accessed. This means that most people in the USA who gamble are already looking for mobile-friendly sportsbooks so they can play from their iPads, tablets, and smartphones. Are these offshore bookies remaining technologically relevant when it comes to mobile applications? This is definitely an area we check out.
When we review and recommend a sportsbook to you, that site needs to have good mobile technology integrated into their framework. This means a responsive mobile interface that is compatible with any device, and a great software platform that is quick-loading and reliable. We also prefer that no downloads are required and that account management processes, such as banking functions, profile edits, claiming bonuses and talking to customer support are accessible through a sportsbook's mobile app as well.
Our Process for Selecting The Best Legal Offshore Sports Betting Sites
Our offshore betting site review process is intense and covers hundreds of elements pertaining to an online gambling operation. Here is a list of just a few of the components we examine and evaluate during this process.
- Documentation of legitimate licensing and regulatory oversight
- A record of fair-play and documented compliance certifications from third-party agencies that support legitimacy and trustworthiness.
- Well designed, reliable and glitch-free user interface for PC, laptop and mobile devices.
- Lag-free, quick-loading site and/or mobile application
- Multiple lucrative bonuses, promotions, incentives, and rewards
- Strong security profile with a successful record for ensuring player safety with financial transactions and identity information
- Reliable payment structures; e.g. sportsbooks that operate like a bank
- Multiple separate banking options for deposits and withdrawals, processing of transactions efficiently and quickly, we want to see lightning-fast payouts
- Great customer support that is knowledgeable and responsive
- Ironclad account security to protect your account transactions and funds
- A wide range of sports categories, betting lines, odds and wagering options
- A site that accepts Americans with open arms
- A site that deals in USD so you don't have to deal with currency conversions.
- And so so much more
How To Sign Up with an Offshore Sportsbook
To ensure you're properly signing up for a sportsbook, as book A and B may be different, make sure you're following precisely the instructions given to you by the site. But here are a couple of universal things that can help you with the process.
- Make sure you have an email address to use that you know well and can access easily
- Make sure you check out the payment options at the site you are considering and that they are viable for you to fund your account with
- Sign up with multiple sportsbooks so that you can shop the betting lines for the best odds on a particular game, match or event.
- Never sign up and deposit unless you're actually going to bet. You don't want to leave money just hanging out in your account if you're not truly interested in wagering.
Hopefully, you will leave this page more informed than when you arrived, and that you walk away with information that benefits you as you determine whether or not online sports betting is a good fit for you. If it is, then our recommended bookmakers are a great place to start. If not, then you've still found what you were looking for, answers.
Sources:
Due to US federal law, sports betting is illegal in all but four states. Because of this ban, American bettors interested in sports gambling have turned to offshore gambling sites. These legal offshore gambling sites present a viable, convenient and legal sportsbook option for Americans. This page is dedicated to providing information concerning the laws relevant to sports gambling in the US, the legality of these offshore sportsbooks, how these sportsbooks function (including financial aspects) and what types of wagering options and betting lines are available. You will find that there are multiple venues available to US players when it comes to legally sanctioned gambling sites located outside of the United States.
Is Offshore Sports Betting Legal For USA Residents?
As long as the bets are placed through legally sanctioned sportsbooks that are legitimately licensed and subject to regulatory oversight from a respected government, then yes, offshore sports betting is indeed legal for players in the United Sates. Any sportsbook that doesn't meet these qualifications would be considered illegal. While there are US federal laws in place that prohibit US based sports betting across most of the nation, there are none that restrict US bettors from placing wagers with legal offshore sportsbooks. Neither PASPA nor the Federal Wire Act prevent US players from legally enjoying offshore poker gaming for real money. There are no state laws that restrict betting with legal offshore gambling sites except for Washington, where they have deemed all types of online gambling are strictly prohibited. You can find more information on the laws surrounding sports betting in our guide to understanding offshore gambling laws.
Legal Offshore Sportsbooks for US Gamblers
With the number of offshore sportsbooks, it can be daunting to try and figure out which ones are legitimate. Our team of industry professionals have sorted through lots of these offshore sportsbooks to put together a list of the best options for American bettors in terms of legality and safety. The sportsbooks listed in the table below all have the proper legal licensing, premium betting options, high-quality security profiles, additional features and more. Click the links provided to begin browsing the sportsbooks for yourself.
| Logo | Site Name | Bonus | Rating | USA | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offshore Sportsbooks | |||||
| Bovada Sportsbook | 50% Max $250 | Visit Site |
Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Online Sports Betting For American Residents
Are US Friendly Offshore Betting Sites Legitimate?
These offshore betting sites are only legitimate if they are legally licensed and regulated by their presiding government. These laws operate outside the jurisdiction of US federal law, but they also need to operate within a country that permits legal online gambling. With legal licensing comes an expectation of quality. The same can be said about regulation, especially from a respected government. In alignment with legal licensing and regulation, these sportsbooks maintain high ethical standards and practices because they are held accountable by their regulators. US bettors can be confident in wagering with one of the legal offshore sportsbooks we've recommended.
What Kinds of Sports Are Covered in the Betting Lines At Offshore Sportsbooks?
You will find betting lines for all kinds of sports on these legal offshore sportsbooks. For American bettors, you can place bets on games in the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and even the NCAA. Special events like the NCAA March Madness tournament bring a whole slew of betting lines with it. There are betting lines for international leagues and sports, including soccer, cricket and more. You can even bet on boxing/MMA matches and horse and stock car racing. These sportsbooks constantly update their betting lines according to which sports are in season and with domestic and international sporting tournaments.
What Types of Wagering Options Are Available at Offshore Sports Betting Sites?
There are several different wagering types available to bettors on these offshore sportsbooks. This includes point spread bets, money line bets, over/under bets, parlays, prop bets, future bets and more. The number of wagering options gives bettors plenty of options when it comes to sports gambling. They give American bettors a glimpse into the Las Vegas sportsbooks who otherwise wouldn't get the opportunity due to US federal law.
Do Offshore Sportsbooks Offer Any Bonuses or Promotions?
Yes. These legal offshore sportsbooks have bonuses for their customers. Bonuses are essentially 'free money' in the form of percentages that are added to your sportsbook account. There are bonuses offered throughout the year, giving bettors plenty of chances to take advantage of the additional funds. For example, most sportsbooks have a Welcome Bonus that is most often structured as a match deposit bonus. This means that the sportsbook will match a specific percentage of your deposit up to a maximum amount. There are often seasonal bonuses when major sports events take place, such as the NCAA's March Madness tournament, that incentivize bettors to keep placing wagers.
How Do I Deposit and Withdraw Money if a Sportsbook is Located Outside of the United States?
All of our recommended sportsbook brands offer US friendly banking options. Some of these options include credit cards, debit cards, Bitcoin and money transfers. Each sportsbook has different banking options depending on the county you're betting from, so be sure to check with their Terms of Service.
Do I Have to Worry About Currency Conversion at Offshore Sports Betting Sites?
Offshore Sportsbook Review
No. All of the legal offshore sportsbooks we recommend will process transactions in USD. The US Dollar is one of the most common currencies circulating around the globe and hence is honored at most premium online sports betting sites.
Offshore Sportsbooks Legal
Will I Find Live Betting Options at Online Sportsbooks Operating Offshore?
Yes. Our premium legal offshore gambling site options have live betting as one of their offered features. Live betting is an exciting way of getting more engaged with your favorite sport, as betting lines and wagering types are offered in real time throughout the game. Sportsbooks have their own policies regarding live betting, including different rules for different sports, and you can find that information in the Live Betting section of their site.
Best Offshore Sportsbooks For Us Players
Can I Place Sports Bets From My Mobile Phone at Offshore Sportsbooks?
Offshore Wagering
Yes. These offshore gambling options have mobile betting as another feature. All you have to do is type in the site's URL into your mobile phone or tablet and you will be taken to their mobile version—you don't need to download an app. The mobile sites offer all the same betting lines, wagering types, security features and bonuses that come with the web version. The mobile version is also designed to work across a variety of carriers and devices.
