Best Offshore Sportsbooks
Best Offshore Sports Betting Sites by Category
- Best Overall Offshore Sportsbook: BetUS
- Best Offshore Book for Payout Options: Bovada
- Best Recurring Bonuses for Returning Players: BetNow
- Offshore Sportsbook With Highest Number of Betting Markets: MyBookie
- Most Free Bet Options: Everygame
- Best Live Sports Betting Experience: XBet
1
Best Overall Offshore Sportsbook — BetUS
2
Best Offshore Book for Payout Options — Bovada
3
Best Recurring Bonuses for Returning Players — BetNow
4
Offshore Sportsbook With Highest Number of Betting Markets — MyBookie
5
Most Free Bet Promotions — Everygame
6
Best Live Sports Betting Experience — XBet
- Every NFL game of the season and postseason
- College football
- Every MLB game of the season and playoffs
- Every NBA game of the season and playoffs
- Every NHL game of the season and Stanley Cup
- MLS, Premier League, Champions League and international soccer
- PGA golf and all four majors
- ATP and WTA tennis, plus all four Grand Slams
- Boxing and UFC from around the world
- NASCAR and Formula One
Comparing Offshore vs Regulated Sportsbooks
There are clear pros and cons when comparing why sports bettors may choose to wager at an offshore international sportsbook versus an in-state regulated one.
The most obvious positive to using offshore sportsbooks is availability. With in-state sports betting not yet legal in all states, the ability to register and sign up for an offshore sportsbook from any location is a strong selling point. International sportsbooks often offer more betting markets when it comes to unique props and specialty markets like entertainment, current events and politics as well.
Of course, being located outside of the US and without oversight from local gaming authorities and commissions could present some challenges. Should disputes arise from payments or from being limited or banned, customers have little recourse to pursue as these sportsbooks are unregulated.
Offshore
- Available to a larger number of players in most US states and globally
- Many offshores have been in business for many years and have decades of experience
- Extensive betting markets on international sports like rugby, cricket and soccer
- Offer additional niche betting markets in smaller sports, plus wrestling, entertainment, politics
- Offer a great opportunity to line shop and compare betting lines
- Accept cryptocurrencies whereas regulated sportsbooks often do not
- No limitations on college sports betting
- No taxes on potential winnings
- Less legal recourse for disputes without domestic regulation
- Some offer less familiar banking options and high fees
- While rare and unlikely, potential for fines for betting offshore
Regulated
- Fully regulated and monitored by state gaming commissions
- Sometimes offer larger sign-up bonuses
- Offer downloadable mobile apps for simple access
- Not available in all US states
- Often need to be physically located inside a casino to bet
- Less unique props and fewer betting options for niche sports
What Is Offshore Sports Betting?
Offshore sports are international online sportsbooks based outside a bettor’s territory but are still available. Many US states lack regulated in-state betting options, meaning players must use these sites to bet on their favorite teams and sports.
Who Regulates Offshore Sportsbooks?
Offshore sportsbooks are often regulated by international licensing authorities rather than US lawmakers. These sportsbooks must agree to follow regulations set by licensing authorities.
These jurisdictions ensure player safety, transaction processes, and fair play.
Examples of these licenses include:
- Curaçao — Used by sportsbooks available internationally such as Bovada and BetUS
- Costa Rica — Used by sites available in the US like WagerWeb and High Country
- Malta — Used by sportsbooks available in Europe such as Betway
- Gibraltar — Used by a mix of sites available in Europe and the US
- Kahnawake — Used by sites available in Canada such as Ruby Fortune
- Comoros — Used by casinos and sportsbooks available in Asia
What Are the Benefits of Offshore Sports Betting?
Americans face many sports betting restrictions, such as tax complications and bans on specific sports wagers. These limitations are why online sports betting sites are a great alternative. Offshore betting sites deliver the large variety of betting options and payment methods that US bettors want. Here are just some of the benefits players get from offshore betting:
-
While some states have opened regulated sites, there are still only a handful of options. Meanwhile, there are plenty of offshore sportsbooks to choose from.
-
Some states prevent wagering on certain events, such as college sports, politics, and entertainment. This isn’t the case with offshore sites, which makes them perfect for players who want a wide variety of potential betting opportunities.
-
Most sites are located in tax-exempt countries, meaning players may not need to pay tax on their winnings. Check with a tax professional first.
-
Many sportsbooks based overseas are linked to casino and poker sites. This gives bettors the chance to play a hand of Texas Hold’em while waiting for the Patriots game to begin.
- Many gambling sites came about when online technology boomed in the early 2000s. These sites have built solid reputations over the years and deliver top-tier customer service.
-
The offshore betting industry is hugely competitive, but sportsbooks don’t need to pay big levies to states to operate. This means they can offer better odds to bettors since their overall costs are lower.
How We Select the Best Offshore Sportsbooks
Not all sites are safe to use, which is why you need to do your research. Try reading our independent reviews for the safest offshore betting experience. We only recommend international sites that fulfill the qualifying criteria below:
Banking Methods Available at Offshore Sports Betting Sites
The best offshore sites offer a wide variety of safe and secure payment options. They ensure this by adhering to regulations and using TLS software to encrypt sensitive information. This way, overseas sportsbooks can process thousands of banking transactions without interference.
Moreover, sports betting sites always compete to deliver the best services to players. This results in little to no transaction fees, instant deposit times, quick withdrawal speeds, and higher cap limits.
Here are some of the top banking methods available at international betting sites:
Debit Cards
You can use debit cards like Visa at offshore sites to process deposits instantly. However, only some sites accept debit cards as a withdrawal method.
Credit Cards
It’s possible to fund your sports betting account with a credit card, like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. However, like debit cards, it’s unusual for sites based outside the US to provide this as a withdrawal option.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin is one of the best cryptocurrency options for an out-of-country sportsbook due to its fast payment processing times. Reputable sportsbooks will help you set up a Bitcoin wallet, so transferring funds to and from your profile is easy.
Crypto
Cryptocurrency is available at most offshore sportsbooks. Popular currencies available at top sportsbooks include:
- Litecoin — Available at BetUS
- Ethereum — Available at BetNow
- USD Tether — Available at Bovada
You can also bet with Bitcoin Cash, Solana, Cardano, Tether, Shiba Inu, Dogecoin, and others.
Wire Transfer
Courier Check
What Offshore Sportsbooks Offer the Best Bonuses?
Once you deposit your funds, you can access various bonuses and promotions to boost your bankroll. We recommend checking out the latest sports bonuses before you choose your sportsbook. You might like the 125% welcome bonus from BetUS, or you may prefer Bovada’s excellent loyalty program.
Bonuses from government-regulated sites are often limited in some way. For example, you won’t find as many recurring bonuses at in-state sportsbooks as you would at international options. Meanwhile, many offshore sites offer extra bonuses for crypto users, making them ideal for Bitcoin or Ethereum fans.
Therefore, deciding whether to play at an offshore site versus a regulated site can come down to personal preference. There may be less oversight when playing internationally, but you’ll often score a much bigger welcome bonus, albeit with a higher rollover. Meanwhile, regulated sites often offer a smaller rollover but also a smaller up-front bonus.
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Best Recurring Bonus | Loyalty Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetUS | 125% up to $3,125 | 100% crypto re-up bonus | Yes |
| Bovada | 50% up to $500 | Earn Bovada Rewards every time you bet | Yes |
| BetNow | 200% up to $200 | 2% sportsbook rebate | No |
| MyBookie | 50% up to $1,000 | 25% reload bonus up to $1,000 | Yes |
| Everygame | 100% up to $250 (available three times) | 20x $50 parlay free bets | No |
| XBet | 50% up to $500 | 25% reload bonus up to $250 | No |
Wagering Requirements
Common Bets at Offshore Betting Sites
The most popular sports bet types include spreads, moneylines, totals, props, and parlays. While all online bookies will likely offer these, offshore sites tend to have more lines and better value. You also have more sites to choose from, so you can shop around for the best odds as part of your sports betting strategy.
Entertainment
Often, some of the most interesting bet types offered at international sportsbooks that aren’t offered at in-state sportsbooks come in the form of entertainment props. Some of the top international sites allow players to bet on the outcome of popular TV shows and movies like The Bachelor, Big Brother, Emily in Paris and James Bond.
Additionally, you can wager on some of the top awards ceremonies like The Oscars, Academy Awards, The Razzies, BAFTAs and more. Offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline and Bovada are great choices for these types of bets.
Politics
Another popular type of wager that many international sportsbooks offer that legal regulated books cannot, are bets on American politics. These sportsbooks offer all kinds of odds for things like who will win the next election, to electoral college votes, governor races and a wide variety of Donald Trump-related props
Current Events
If it’s happening in the world, odds are, an international sportsbook somewhere has come up with odds for it. Whether it’s betting on the Time Person of the Year, Nobel Prize winners, space exploration or aliens being discovered, you can be sure to find a host of creative current events props when betting in the offshore markets. Sometimes even betting on the lottery and financial markets are offered.
Pro Wrestling
With the unpredictability of pro wrestling, most regulated sportsbooks won’t offer odds on leagues like WWE. But many sportsbooks like MyBookie, serve up odds on all of the top events like Raw, Smackdown, Wrestlemania, the NXT Championship and a host of other creative props.
College Sports
Regulated sportsbooks often place restrictions on betting on amateur sports. This can often mean limiting the ability to bet on in-state college teams in the NCAAB and NCAAF. That’s not the case when betting offshore, opening up more opportunities to bet on your favorite college teams and players.
Props
Prop bets let you wager on more outcomes during games and the season. All of the top betting sites whether offshore or in-state will offer basic player and game props as well as futures bets. However, international sites sometimes go a bit further with their props and inlcude things like:
- Prop builders
- Alternate lines and totals
- Next coach to be fired
- Destination of “X” player to be traded
- Team totals and finishing position in season standings
Live Betting
It’s worth noting that some US-regulated sportsbooks aren’t permitted to offer live betting odds on specific events, such as college football. Thankfully, offshore sites have no such restrictions. For example, XBet delivers fast, responsive live bets for their players. Follow the action, time bets to perfection, and get better odds.
Bet Types Available for Advanced Gamblers
International sites can help you provide the extra boost you need to make more intricate wagers. These sites have more freedom to deliver diverse betting options and better odds through boosters and bonuses.
Same Game Parlays
Same-game parlays are combination bets that focus on just one event. For example, you can wager on the Lakers beating the Bulls with a +15.5 point spread advantage, a lead at half-time, and scoring first in each quarter. Bovada’s sportsbook makes it easy to handle these types of in-game parlays.
Betting on Alternate Lines
Offshore sites like MyBookie grant bettors access to alternate lines. This means you can choose nearly any point spread possible on the over/under markets. For example, the total for the MLB All-Star Game is 7.5, with the Under favored at -123. However, an alternate total would be 7, with the Under offering better odds at +102.
Multi-Sports Lines
Round Robin Bets
Originating from the UK and Ireland, round-robin bets are ideal wager types for experienced sports bettors. They involve multiple parlays layered on top of each other.a
Here’s an example from Bovada containing three selections:
- Bills to beat Chiefs
- Vikings to beat Lions
- 49ers to beat Eagles
- Bills and Vikings to win
- Vikings and 49ers to win
- Bills and 49ers to win
Staying Safe With Offshore Betting Sites
Staying safe when betting online is essential. Our recommended sites must prove they adhere to safety and security standards. While betting sites do their best to protect players, it’s also down to the individual to bet smart and remain vigilant.
International betting sites are great options for many players and are generally available to in most countries. However, it’s important to be aware that they are not regulated by local governments and therefore limited resources are available to players should issues arise.
What Sports Can You Bet on at Offshore Betting Sites?
One of the biggest factors for the best offshore sites to consider is their betting variety. Here is just a fraction of the sports you can wager on at our favorite international offshore bookies:
- NFL: From rushing yards to Super Bowl winners, you can bet on the US’s most popular sport at our top offshore NFL betting sites.
- MLB: The best offshore MLB sportsbooks let you wager on run lines, dime lines, five-innings scores, and everything in between.
- NBA: The NBA is one of the US’s favorite betting pastimes. Our top offshore NBA sportsbooks have you covered.
- NHL: Rounding off the Big Four sports, you can bet from the pre-season to the Stanley Cup at the best offshore NHL betting sites.
- Golf: There are plenty of wagers at the best offshore golf betting sites, such as PGA majors, LIV breakaways, and world tours.
- Horse Racing: Horse racing might be legal in many US states, but the top offshore racebooks are a more convenient option for bettors.
- Tennis: There are hundreds of tennis tournaments a year. The best offshore tennis betting sites provide ample wagering opportunities.
- UFC: Join in the explosion in MMA wagering popularity by visiting the best offshore UFC betting sites.
Offshore Betting Sites To Avoid
The online gaming space has endless sportsbook and casino options competing customers. It’s crucial to know which sites are safe and which to avoid. To do this, look out for sites that glitch, send phishing emails, and suddenly go silent when you request withdrawals. Our reviewers have blacklisted the following sites:
- Payment issues
- Poor customer service
- High minimum withdrawal amounts
- Slow payouts
- Payout refusals
- Poor customer service
- Designated as “rogue status”
- Has since shut down
- Predatory terms
- Site lags and crashes
- Payment refusals
- Endless complaints and reviews of rigged games
- Payment issues
- Log in issues
- Poor customer support
- Sister sites refuse payouts
- High maximum withdrawal limits
Signing Up at an Offshore Sportsbook
Signing up at an overseas-based sportsbook is straightforward. Once you’ve done some research, you can access a sportsbook and start betting in minutes.
Here’s our step-by-step guide for signing up:
-
Begin by researching offshore sportsbooks that cater to US players. Our list of recommended sites is a great start and includes some top-rated international sites like BetUS, Bovada, BetNow, MyBookie, Everygame and XBet.
Read through the reviews to understand the pros and cons of each sportsbook. Pay attention to details like the range of bets, payout reliability, customer support, and live betting options.
-
Select the site that aligns best with your betting preferences. This could be big promos sometimes for up to a few thousand dollars, boosted odds, or live-streaming of the top games. Make sure the sportsbook accepts US players, as all our recommended sites do and click the “Join” or “Register” button on your favorite one.
- Each of the top offshore sportsbooks require some similar basic personal information for you to sign up and register your new account. You must provide info such as your name, date of birth, email address, phone number, and residential address. Some sites may also ask for a social security number to verify your identity when you process a withdrawal.
-
You also need to choose a username and a secure password. Some sites may need extra security measures, like security questions or two-factor authentication. Remember only to use your home internet or phone data when inputting sensitive information.
- Most of the top international sportsbooks offer exciting promos for new sportsbook and casino players. Whether you’re signing up to bet on sports, play your favorite slots game or to play a popular live table game, there should be a bonus for you. Be sure to enter the required promo code if provided to be sure to claim your bonus.
-
Once your account is set up, navigate to the cashier or banking section of the site. Choose your preferred deposit method, such as bank card, Bitcoin, or wire transfer. Follow the instructions to add funds to your account and be sure to deposit the minimum amount required (often $10-20) in order to activate your welcome bonus.
-
Now that you’re set up with your initial deposit and boosted bankroll from your welcome bonus, the fun can start. Scroll over to your favorite sport and start checking out the latest betting lines for moneylines, spreads, totals, props and futures and make your first wager with your new offshore sportsbook account.
Responsible Gambling Resources
Responsible gambling is crucial to enjoying your time in a sportsbook and winning a profit. Don’t chase promises of big rewards that are unlikely to pay out. Instead, set reasonable limits on how much you bet and know how to play the odds to your benefit.
Yet even smart gamblers sometimes get into trouble. Gambling always has a risk attached. That’s why the best offshore betting sites provide resources to help their communities gamble safely. These include:
Below is a collection of responsible gambling resources that players in the US can access at any time. Here, you can find each state’s resources for sports betting:
- Gamblers Anonymous — Attend a meeting anywhere in the US and speak over the phone at (909) 931-9056.
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Find help by state, access live chat, or call 1-800-GAMBLER.
- North American Foundation for Gambling Help — Learn how to gamble responsibly.
- Gambling Therapy — Access fast help via live chat and phone contact.
Offshore Sportsbooks Key Takeaways
Offshore betting sites offer an exciting range of sports, entertainment, and political events to wager on. Their betting options, payment terms, and bonuses often exceed the limitations of in-state options.
We recommend the best offshore sites based on safety, payout speed, betting variety, and more. BetUS is our top overall recommendation. Examine your preferred payment options and the best sportsbook bonuses to maximize your wagers. Good luck! We’re rooting for you!
