Offshore sports betting opens up a world of opportunities to players who may face restrictions in their state. Many US states do not have sports betting regulations written into law, which means players need to look elsewhere to bet on their favorite teams. High taxes and sport-specific restrictions are further reasons why bettors seek offshore sportsbooks as an alternative to a lack of in-state options.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the background of offshore gambling, how these international sportsbooks operate, and how to stay safe when betting on your favorite sports.
The Sports Geek’s Recommended Sportsbooks
Best 2023 Offshore Sportsbooks by Category
- BetUS – Best Overall Offshore Sportsbook
- Bovada – Best Offshore Book for Fast Payout Options
- BetNow – Best Recurring Bonuses for Returning Players
- MyBookie – Offshore Sportsbook with Highest Number of Betting Markets
- EveryGame – Most Free Bet Options
- Xbet – Best Live Sports Betting Experience
BetUS is our top-rated offshore sportsbook, in part thanks to its fast sign-up process, variety of betting markets, and navigable interface.
What’s more, the eight deposit options at BetUS means you’re likely to find your perfect match. Credit Card, Cash Transfer, Card2Wallet, Cryptocurrency, and Bank Wire are all available.
Making a deposit is easy, and you’ll get access to the biggest sports welcome bonus available with low rollover requirements. The 125% Sign-Up Bonus up to $3,125 on your first deposit has just a 10X rollover, which is better than most other deals.
Finally, the range of game markets and prop bets at BetUS is one of the biggest around – and offers much more variety than a regulated online sportsbook. Get access to college sports betting, international soccer markets, in-play football and NBA basketball bets, and everything in between!
Bovada’s well-rounded sports betting site is perfect for both new and experienced players who want to get to the action fast. We’ve found Bovada’s best feature to be its diversity of payment options. Among other offshore books, Bovada has the largest number of withdrawal options (10) including various cryptocurrencies. Crypto isn’t typically offered at state regulated sportsbooks, so if this is your payment method of choice, Bovada is a great option.
Withdrawal methods include Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Litecoin, Ethereum, USD Tether, Check by Courier, Bank Wire, Vouchers and Match Pay. The fastest payouts are provided through Match pay (instant) and Bitcoin and Ethereum (within an hour). Paying out with other cryptocurrencies will take up to 24h. Most players not using crypto will choose check or bank wire, which may take up to 15 business days.
MatchPay at Bovada allows you to withdraw your funds instantly to a Bitcoin wallet, or cash wallet, such as PayPal, Venom, Cash App, or Zelle. This reduces fees and means you get more of your cash back in your account.
For those looking to regularly boost their betting bankroll, BetNow has one of the largest selections of recurring bonuses. Their industry-leading rebate program allows you to get 2% back on your net losses every Monday, every week of the year. For some, this may be a small boost to aid next week’s bets. For others, it could serve to supercharge their wagering options. Players can also trigger Horse Racing Rebates at 10% of their losses, in the same way. At 10%, that is a very generous rebate, you’d be unlikely to find this offer anywhere else.
There are also four different re-up bonuses to choose from at BetNow, all up to $500. Dependent on the amount you deposit, they can vary by rollover (3-5x) and the percentage you can claim back (up to 25%). This, along with their weekly NBA and NFL betting contests, and other seasonal promotions, make BetNow our top choice for recurring bonuses.
Major sports such as pro football, basketball, and baseball understandably dominate the US sports betting landscape. Even sports like boxing, soccer, and tennis attract millions of bettors each year. MyBookie, stands out for covering all the above, and then some.
This sportsbook offers lines on everything from the major leagues, to niche sports. And each betting market comes with a generous number of bets to choose from.
Betting on water polo, biathlon, futsal, and wrestling are all possible here. You can even place bets on entertainment and politics, a feature you won’t find at most government-regulated sites. Between the sheer volume of sports, and their niche options, MyBookie has you covered for all the betting markets you want.
Free bet credits aren’t something that every sportsbook offers, even at the best offshore sites. Everygame therefore stands out as the perfect site for those who want to wager while getting additional free bets. With their free bet offer, you stand a chance of winning one of 20x $50 free bets each week, simply by placing a parlay. If the parlay loses, you’ll be entered into the draw. Your parlay must include four picks at minimum total odds of 4.0/+300. Your free bet will have an 8x rollover attached and will need to be at odds of 1.5 (-200) or greater each time.
The free bet offer isn’t the only one worth cashing in at Everygame. You can also boost your bankroll with their generous welcome bonus of up to $200.
XBet went big with its live sportsbook when it launched back in 2014. Over the past decade, its live offering has grown to one of the biggest and best in the business. Players can get access to scores of live betting lines on the biggest sports, including:
- 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
You can also find live lines for niche sports such as water polo and esports. If there’s a major sporting event, XBet likely has it covered. Their live betting interface is clear and easy to use, with spreads, money lines and totals prominently featured. If you want extra prop bets, head to the event page and you’ll be welcomed with a range of other live betting options. The ease of use and variety of bets is why we rate XBet’s live betting features.
What is Offshore Sports Betting?
Offshore sports betting is a catch-all term for the group of online sportsbooks that are based outside a user’s territory, but are still available to that user. Many US states haven’t regulated in-state betting options, which means players often look to sites based outside the US to place wagers on their favorite teams and sports.
Who Regulates Offshore Sportsbooks?
Offshore sportsbooks are often regulated by international licensing authorities, rather than US lawmakers. The sportsbooks must adhere to regulations set out in their jurisdictions and under their respective agreements by licensing authorities.
This ensures player safety, transaction processes, and game fairness are guaranteed within foreign sportsbooks.
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 such as 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
Benefits of Offshore Sports Betting
The restrictions many Americans face when betting on sports, such as tax complications and bans on certain sports wagers, are plentiful. However, they only serve to highlight how free and flexible online sports betting has become as an alternative. Whether you’re looking for a larger variety of betting options, or want a payment method that suits you, offshore betting sites deliver time and time again.
However, just like anything in life, it’s not all sunshine and roses with offshore sportsbooks. There are sites out there which are not safe to use, which is why you should do your research before joining. Players need to ensure they choose a safe and reputable book. The best way to do this is to read our independent reviews for the safest offshore betting experience.
How We Select the Best Offshore Sportsbooks
We only recommend sites to our users that adhere to high standards and fulfil the qualifying criteria below:
Safety & Security
The top betting sites must operate up-to-date security and encryption software and protect players against fraud.
Payout Speed & Reliability
Our recommended sportsbooks each have a solid reputation for paying out winnings to all players via fast, easy methods.
Customer Support
Ideally, sportsbooks should offer a range of options that include: 24/7 live chat, email contact and phone support.
Mobile Compatibility
Most offshore sportsbooks don’t have specialized apps, but instead build mobile-optimized sites for players to access through their browsers. We look out for smooth, uninterrupted mobile gameplay that doesn’t glitch when operating on a smartphone or tablet and delivers quick, live odds during events.
Betting Variety
Not only do we look for sites that offer extensive sports odds, but also champion those that offer built-in casinos and poker rooms, too. Sites that make it easy for players to navigate between sports betting to the casino and poker rooms – all while using the same account and funds – get the thumbs up from us.
Banking Methods Available at Offshore Sports Betting Sites
A major benefit of offshore sites is the wider availability of payment options. The top sites should have a variety of multiple banking methods, and it’s this variety we like to promote to our readers.
Reliable sites based overseas don’t only offer choice, but also ensure their banking methods are safe and secure. By adhering to the latest regulations and providing software such as TLS to keep their sportsbooks running without interference, sites can process thousands of banking transactions with ease.
What’s more, the strong level of competition among overseas sports sites means they’re constantly working to deliver better services to players. This results in low or zero 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
Debit cards – especially Visa Debit—can be used at offshore sites to process deposits instantly. However, be aware some sites don’t accept debit cards as a form of withdrawal method.
Credit Cards
It is possible to fund your sports betting account with a credit card payment, 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 to use at an out-of-country sportsbook due to its fast payment processing times. Reputable sportsbooks will take you through the process of setting up a Bitcoin wallet, so it’s easy to transfer funds to and from your profile.
Crypto
Crypto is available at the majority of offshore sportsbooks. You’re unlikely to find other betting sites accepting such a wide variety of crypto options. Popular currencies available at top sportsbooks include:
But you can also bet with Bitcoin Cash, Solana, Cardano, Tether, Shiba Inu, Dogecoin and others.
Wire Transfer
Wire transfer deposits and withdrawals are also an option available for players. There are often transaction fees associated with wire transfers, and withdrawal speeds can take up to 10 days. However, this is a safe and secure payment method for those who don’t have crypto and don’t want to input their card details online.
Courier Check
It’s not a common payment method, but some players prefer to receive withdrawals via courier check. These can take up to 14 days to deliver, and there is often a fee attached for cancellation if the check goes astray in the post.
Payment options are key, and once you deposit your funds, know that offshore betting sites offer a variety of promotions and bonuses to help boost your bankroll.
Best Bonuses at Offshore US Sportsbooks
Whether it’s a 125% Sign-Up Bonus from BetUS, or a great loyalty program like Bovada’s rewards, be sure to check out the latest sports bonuses before you choose your sportsbook.
While government-regulated sites do offer bonuses, they’re 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. Many offshore sites also offer extra bonuses for crypto players, so if you’re a Bitcoin or Ethereum enthusiast, then be sure to check these out.
| 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 |
Bonuses carry wagering requirements, so it’s always worth checking the terms and conditions. Remember, if you’re struggling with a bonus or can’t figure out how to trigger it, speak to the live chat service on your chosen site. Their staff will help guide you through the process.
Common Bets at Offshore Betting Sites
The most popular sports bet types you’ll find are spread bets, moneylines, totals, props, and parlays. While all online bookies are likely to offer these, offshore sites tend to have more lines and better value. And you have more sites to choose from, so you can line shop and find the best odds as part of your sports betting strategy.
Spread Betting
Popular in sports like the NFL and NBA where scores are high. Spread betting involves not just predicting the winner, but also the margin of victory or defeat.
Example: BetUS offers spread bets on every NBA and WNBA game of the season. In fact, you can bet on basketball spreads from around the world. Here’s how a game in Italy between Virtus Bologna and Olimpia Milano looks on the spread.
Moneyline
Bet on the moneyline to back a winner or loser in a game. Moneyline wagers are favored in sports such as baseball, soccer and hockey, games that are low-scoring.
Example: Look at the moneyline odds for this MLS game between Montreal Impact and Charlotte FC. BetNow’s odds on both teams are bigger than the price you can get with US-licensed sportsbook FanDuel.
Totals
Here, you bet on the score totals scored in a game, such as basketball. You can bet on the game total, home or away team totals, and even player totals. This is the perfect wager when betting on a basketball or baseball game between two teams you don’t support.
Example: Here’s XBet offering a totals market on a baseball game between the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers. There are two lines: +/- 8.5 and +/- 9.5. Of course, the most likely option is under 9.5.
Props
Prop bets allow you to wager on more detailed occurrences during games. This includes a specific player to hit a home run, or to score a certain number of three-pointers. Other props include:
- Number of touchdowns a QB throws in a game
- First player to score in a soccer game
- Total points earned in a hockey game
- Total aces nailed in a tennis match
Do your research with props. Sports betting sites can vary their prop markets wildly, so it’s always worth checking a few to see which is the best option.
Parlays
Combine bets into bigger wagers and increase your potential profits through parlay betting. Parlays allow you to build bets together. This increases the odds and therefore your profit potential, and is a great way to collect dead-certs together in one big lump. It’s ideal for individual sports like tennis and golf that are more predictable than team sports.
Example: Take a look at this MyBookie bet slip on an ITF women’s tennis tournament. Instead of betting on short-odds favorites, you can make multiple selections and round them into one mega bet, which enhances your odds. Suddenly a $10 bet on five dead-certs generates $61.23 of potential winnings. Of course, you need to be aware of risk here. If one leg of your parlay loses then the entire bet collapses.
Live Betting
Some sportsbooks regulated in the US aren’t permitted to offer live betting odds on specific events, such as college football. However, offshore sites have no such restrictions. 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
Looking for more intricate wagers? Then sites based overseas are likely to provide that extra boost. These sites have more freedom to deliver diverse bet options and provide better odds for players – for example through the use of odds boosters or bonuses.
Same Game Parlays
These are combination bets just like normal parlays, but focus on just one event. For example, you could wager on the Lakers beating the Bulls with a +15.5 point spread advantage, a lead at half-time, and the Lakers 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
Multi-sport lines are fairly unique to offshore sites. You can parlay alternate lines of bets across multiple sports. This helps boost your odds and potential payout, and gives you the flexibility to craft tailor-made bets. Wager on football, hockey and tennis all in one wager!
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.
Here’s an example from Bovada containing three selections:
The round-robin bet contains three individual wagers:
- Bills and Vikings to win
- Vikings and 49ers to win
- Bills and 49ers to win
You’re still betting on all three teams to win, but your odds are now much higher because you’ve strung parlays together. This is an example of a three-game round-robin, but you can go as big as you like.
Staying Safe with Offshore Betting Sites
Staying safe when betting online is paramount, and 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.
Best Offshore Betting Sites for Each Sport
Some offshore sportsbooks stand out from the crowd when it comes to betting on a particular sport. These sites might go out of their way to offer lots of props, special promos, contests, news, blogs, and other cool features. If you have a certain sport in mind, you can read our guides to the best offshore betting sites for each major sport:
Offshore Betting Sites to Avoid
Sometimes it’s hard to figure out which sites are safe and which are best to avoid. Sites that glitch, send phishing emails and suddenly go silent when you request withdrawals are the type to swerve at all costs. Our reviewers have blacklisted a number of sports sites, including:
- Payment issues
- Payout refusals
- Predatory terms
Signing Up at an Offshore Sportsbook
Signing up to an overseas-based sportsbook is straightforward and begins by doing a little bit of research. After that, you should be able to access a sportsbook and start betting in minutes.
Here’s our step-by-step guide for signing up:
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Begin by researching offshore sportsbooks that cater to US players. Our list of recommended sites is a great start. Read through 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.
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Select the site that aligns best with your betting preferences. This could be big promos, boosted odds, or even live-streaming. Make sure the sportsbook accepts US players, as all our recommended sites do.
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Navigate through our list of top sportsbooks above, to their official websites. Look for the ‘Sign Up’, ‘Join’, or ‘Register’ button, usually located in the top-right corner of the homepage.
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Click the ‘Sign Up’ or ‘Join’ button on the site homepage to start the registration process. You’ll be asked to provide personal information, 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, but might require this only when you process a withdrawal.
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You’ll be asked to choose a username and a secure password. Some sites may require additional security measures, like security questions or two-factor authentication. Remember to only use your home internet or phone data when inputting sensitive information.
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Read the sportsbook’s terms and conditions, as well as their privacy policy. If you agree, check the appropriate box. It’s worth looking at payment options and payout speeds here, as well as wagering requirements on any promotions you might want to trigger.
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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.
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With funds in your account, you can now browse the different sports and betting options available. Choose the ones you’re interested in, set your wager amount, and place your bets.
Responsible Gambling Resources
Gambling responsibly is the best way to enjoy your time in a sportsbook and, crucially, win profit. Irresponsible gamblers will chase promises of big rewards that are highly unlikely to pay out. Smart bettors know how much to bet, what their limits are, and how to play the odds to their benefit.
However, even smart gamblers sometimes get into trouble. That’s the nature of gambling – there’s always a risk attached. The best offshore betting sites work hard to provide their communities with a range of guides, advice, and in-play restrictions to help everyone game safely. These include:
Below is a collection of responsible gambling resources players in the US can access at any time. Each state, though, has its own resources for sports betting in legal states – so it’s always prudent to check out your state’s specific resources if you need to:
- Gamblers Anonymous – Attend a meeting anywhere in the US and speak over the phone on (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
