For years, online gambling has been somewhat of a taboo activity for US residents. In 2013, New Jersey became the first US state to allow internet casino games for real money, and following the repeal of PASPA in 2018, mobile sports betting started to become a thing across the US. However, some territories only allow retail sports wagering or none at all. For citizens of these regions, the only option for enjoying casino games and betting on sporting events is utilizing platforms operating outside the borders of the US. These are internationally-regulated hubs that accept American gamblers.
Offshore betting For Americans has been a possibility since the inception of this sector, with the first sets of online sportsbooks launching in 1994. Thus, these platforms have gotten used by millions of US residents for the past two decades. Despite this, newcomers to partaking in sports betting over the internet question their legitimacy and security. That gets explained below.
Are Offshore Betting Platforms Illegal?
It depends on each state’s law. Most make no mention of these platforms, making their use legal in principle. Others outright prohibit every form of online gambling, leaving those living on their soil no other choice than to seek foreign sites to use to curb their betting urges. Even in instances where local regulation speaks out against offshore wagering apps, authorities never bother even thinking about prosecuting those who use them. That particularly holds today, when gambling is a widespread hobby, and more countries around the globe legalize it each year. Picking offshore sites get seen as nothing more than a consumer choice, freedom of selection.
It is vital to point out that many of these foreign brands available to Americans have North American owners who run them from other countries. They do this due to the tax breaks these territories offer and the global user net their regulator’s licenses allow them to cast.
Criteria to Consider Before Picking an Offshore Sportsbook
Reputation is the number one factor that gamblers must look at when choosing an internet sportsbook operator. Reading bettor reviews is paramount, as such assessments supply first-hand information regarding how a site treats its users and if it follows through with promises.
A gambling license is also something to pay attention to always. Most offshore bookies have one from a Curacao regulator or Panama’s Gaming Control Board. Though, it is not uncommon for these apps to function from countries in South America, like Costa Rica, operating as registered businesses there.
Implementing high-end encryption, following modern data protection legal documents, and clearly outlining privacy rules are other aspects that every bettor must analyze about the website they are considering joining.
Pros/Cons of Using Offshore Betting Sites
One of the primary benefits of utilizing offshore sportsbooks is that these are betting sites that don’t require an SSN upon registration. US-based ones ask for at least four digits. Moreover, foreign platforms’ appeal gets boosted by the fact that they have extra leeway in offering lucrative bonuses. Many do this as bait to get players to create an account with them, further enticing them with varied betting markets, including super niche ones.
The chief drawbacks of these sportsbooks are that disputes get handled via foreign laws, and there is seldom any third-party arbitration available. If disputes arise, gamblers have few recourses to plead their case.
Reputable Offshore Gambling Platforms
According to most bettors experienced with the offshore sphere, the best choice from the hundreds of trustworthy foreign sites is BetUS, a hub running successfully in this sector since it became active in 1994. It supplies a generous 125% up to $3,125 welcome package and allows credit card deposits. Legendary NBA record-setter Gary Payton and former NFL superstar Warren Sapp have acted as its spokesperson.
Bovada is another worthy pick, giving away $250 on sign-up through a 50% deposit match. It offers a range of sports leagues gamblers can bet on, permitting unique in-game props and boasting a creative bet-builder function.
Other options from the offshore market everyone should explore are MyBookie, BetOnline, and SportsBetting.AG. The latter two choices are essentially skins of each other. So, it should be no surprise that they can deliver up to $1,000 on registration.
To Sum Up
In short, offshore sportsbooks are as safe as those based and regulated in the US. The top brands from this landscape have been around for years, decades even, building userbases comprised of gamblers from dozens of countries. Foreign regulators or governments monitor their activities and practices. And they also incorporate the latest security measures, in addition to using novel data ciphering tech. They also differ from US sites by facilitating no-SSN betting and permitting crypto payments. Ones that go through in seconds, anonymously.
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