Best Offshore Sportsbooks & Betting Sites in the USA

Key Things You Need to Know About Offshore Sportsbooks

• The term “offshore sportsbook” is frequently used in the US and describes any sportsbook based outside the US.
• Offshore sportsbooks are typically based in Latin America, Europe, and even Asia.
• Offshore betting is not strictly considered illegal in the US, as no federal laws prohibit US citizens from placing bets on offshore gambling websites. Therefore, offshore sportsbooks operate in the region in a legal gray area.
• Offshore sportsbooks are not regulated in the US.
• Some US states have their own laws deeming it illegal to bet online, so it’s crucial to check your local laws before signing up with a sportsbook.
• You can use a VPN to access offshore sportsbooks from prohibited states, with the added advantage of preserving your anonymity.

The Best Offshore Sportsbooks List

We thoroughly tested numerous offshore sportsbooks, narrowing them down to the top two:

1. BetUS – Best offshore sportsbook overall
2. BetOnline – Best for recurring sports promotions
3. Bovada – Best native betting app

Best Offshore Sports Betting Sites Reviewed

Our in-depth reviews of the top offshore sportsbooks accessible to gamblers throughout the US provide insight into websites that offer a convenient way to place wagers on major sporting events such as the NBA, NFL, and more. A high-quality offshore betting site not only provides access to a wide range of betting markets but also offers generous and fair bonuses, competitive odds, and other exciting features to enhance your online sports betting experience.

Our team of experts has carefully vetted each offshore sportsbook to ensure that you have access to the best options available. It’s worth noting that each sportsbook has its own unique attributes and areas of expertise, and we focus on those in each review to help you make an informed decision when selecting the right offshore sportsbook for your needs.

1. BetUS – Best Offshore Sportsbook Overall

BetUS is a prominent offshore sportsbook, known for its generous bonuses and various betting markets. The platform offers wagers for 27 different sports, including major North American sports and international games such as soccer, boxing, and golf, to name a few. Additionally, BetUS provides various options for different leagues within each offered sport, making it easy to find the right bet for you.

What sets BetUS apart is its extensive selection of niche betting options such as politics, esports, and celebrity bets, in addition to its live betting and prop bets for most major games.

You can also look forward to low-vig lines, making BetUS our top pick among the best reduced juice sportsbooks we’ve reviewed.

The sportsbook also provides more sports and wagering analysis than its competitors. BetUS broadcasts streaming shows that you can access from the BetUS TV tab on its site, offering insights and analyses on various sports. The Locker Room section of the platform features many blogs, news, and picks, providing ample opportunities to stay up-to-date on sports betting.

While BetUS’s bonuses have rather hefty wagering requirements, they are appealing if you are confident and determined to complete them. Overall, we appreciate the generous bonuses and promotions, an extensive selection of betting markets, and the in-depth analysis provided by BetUS.

2. Bovada Sportsbook – Best Offshore Sportsbook for Betting Variety

Bovada is a great option for sports bettors who enjoy a wide range of betting markets. The platform offers wagers for more than 22 sports, including popular leagues such as the NBA, NASCAR, and UFC, as well as niche sports like futsal, competitive skiing, and beach volleyball.

In addition to traditional bets, Bovada provides over 100 bets on major sports, including various props, single-game parlays, and alternate lines. The “WhatsYaWager?” feature is a unique addition that offers a price on any obscure prop.

Bovada is available in 45 states, excluding Nevada, Maryland, New York, Delaware, and New Jersey. The platform is a market leader in the states it operates in.

The sportsbook streams live matches, and you can watch them on the desktop or via one of the best sportsbook apps, which provides more accessibility, and you can easily access your bet slip during a match.

One of the things we like about Bovada is its comparatively small wagering requirements attached to its bonuses. The payouts are also relatively quick and convenient to make.

How We Selected the Best Offshore Betting Sites

We abide by a strict procedure when narrowing down the best offshore sportsbooks. Below is a rundown of the main prerequisites we consider:

Security

When it comes to reviewing sportsbooks, security is our top priority. Without ensuring that a sportsbook is safe to use, everything else becomes irrelevant.

That’s why we only recommend the best online sportsbooks that are fully licensed and strictly regulated in their respective jurisdictions. These featured sites prioritize the safety of their customers by utilizing identity verification and data encryption to safeguard personal information and funds.

To provide an added layer of assurance, we conducted a thorough investigation of each sportsbook’s licensing history, past complaints, and withdrawal procedures to ensure they meet our high standards. When you sign up with any sportsbook on our recommended list, you can trust that you’re playing at one of the safest sportsbooks in the US.

Payment Methods

Making deposits and withdrawals should be a quick and hassle-free process. To ensure this, we thoroughly tested the payment process offered at each sportsbook we reviewed.

Our top choices use secure payment gateways provided by reputable payment providers. We checked the banking options available to confirm that they are safe and reliable. In addition to credit and debit cards, the best offshore sportsbooks also accept cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum, which is a great advantage for those holding digital coins.

The speed of payouts is another essential factor we considered. We prefer sportsbooks that process payouts quickly and efficiently. For instance, BetUS and Bovada typically offer payouts within 24 hours after you request a withdrawal. Some platforms may take longer, so we recommend being cautious when dealing with them if you need a quick cashout.

We only recommend sportsbooks that process payouts within a reasonable timeframe, typically within five working days.

Markets

The variety of available betting markets is a crucial factor that influences our recommendations for sportsbooks. We have a set of criteria that we use to evaluate and compare the betting markets offered by different platforms.

Our benchmark for offshore sportsbooks is a minimum of 10 to 15 betting markets that offer popular sports such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and soccer, as well as niche sports like darts, rugby, cricket, and more. We believe that sportsbooks should cater to the needs of all types of bettors by providing a diverse range of betting markets.

We also consider the types of betting markets available. For instance, BetOnline offers a vast number of prop bets, as well as over/under bets and spread bets and other key markets for most games.

All of our recommended sportsbooks offer live betting, which allows bettors to place bets whilst watching how a game is progressing. Overall, we believe that a diverse range of betting markets and bet types, coupled with live betting options, is essential for an enjoyable betting experience.

Customer Service

Customer service is a crucial aspect of any reputable sportsbook. As a bettor, you may encounter a range of issues, such as problems with withdrawals, payment denials, or login troubles. In such cases, timely and efficient assistance can make all the difference.

Therefore, when we evaluate sportsbooks, we prioritize those that offer multiple contact options for customer support. Live chat is a must, and we prefer it to be available 24/7. Email, phone, and social media support, such as Twitter, are also important.

The quality of customer support is equally crucial. The best sportsbooks employ knowledgeable and professional representatives who can quickly resolve issues and answer questions. We have personally tested the customer support of all our recommended sportsbooks and can vouch for their prompt and courteous responses.

Moreover, we believe that customer service should extend beyond issue resolution. Top sportsbooks go the extra mile by offering educational resources, such as betting guides and FAQs, to help bettors make informed decisions. Some even provide personalized advice and insights to help bettors maximize their winnings.

Overall, we prioritize sportsbooks that prioritize their customers and offer comprehensive customer support services.

Odds 

Understanding how odds work is a critical aspect of sports betting. As a result, it is essential to familiarize yourself with what odds represent. The best offshore sportsbooks provide competitive odds that offer bettors the best value for their money in the event of a successful bet.

Since offshore sportsbooks operate in international, highly competitive markets, they must compete to provide the best possible odds to their customers. This means that when a major sporting event is taking place, bettors are likely to scan the markets for the best odds available.

In contrast, US sportsbooks operate in captive markets in states where only a handful of sites are available. As a result, US sportsbooks typically offer less favorable odds for the same bets than offshore platforms. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that most sportsbooks today source their odds from odds-making firms, mostly based in Las Vegas. As a result, besides obscure and exotic bets, the odds offered tend to be identical across sportsbooks.

The offshore sportsbooks we have featured offer highly competitive odds on all available sports, giving their customers the best possible value for their money.

Mobile Support

Mobile accessibility is a crucial factor when it comes to selecting a sportsbook platform. In today’s world, having a mobile-supported website or a dedicated mobile app is essential for those who want to place bets on the go.

At our recommended offshore sports betting sites, you can expect to have full access to all the functionalities, features, and benefits of the desktop version on your mobile device. All of our top picks have mobile-responsive websites, which means they are accessible from any mobile browser, giving you the ability to place bets from anywhere.

Moreover, our recommended sportsbooks also have dedicated mobile apps available for download on Android and iOS devices, allowing for easy and convenient betting on the go. While not every offshore sportsbook offers a mobile app, having a mobile-friendly site is a must. Our top picks understand the importance of mobile accessibility and offer it as a priority to their users.

Betting Features

Sports betting has evolved into more than just placing wagers on individual games. Our recommended sportsbooks offer exciting features such as prop betting, in-play betting, and live streaming. These tools provide flexibility and allow you to customize your betting experience. We believe that any platform that fails to update its features regularly is outdated and cannot provide a satisfactory experience to its users.

In addition to these features, our featured sportsbooks offer other benefits such as loyalty or VIP clubs and convenient withdrawal methods. Most of these sportsbooks also have online casinos, which is a great advantage if you want to consolidate all your betting activity in one place.

Bonuses and Other Offers

The first thing that catches the eye of a person who registers with a betting site is the site’s sign-up bonus and other promotions. These bonuses can come in the form of deposit bonuses or free bets. A deposit bonus is an incentive that requires you to deposit a certain minimum amount or more and meet certain requirements to receive the offered rewards.

For example, if you deposit funds for a bonus worth 100% up to $1500, you can expect to receive 100% of your deposit back up to a certain amount, provided you fulfill the terms and conditions.

On the other hand, a free bet does not require a deposit and is something you receive after signing up. You can use this to bet on a specified sport, such as horse racing or basketball. However, you are only limited to the sports relevant to such a bonus.

The range of promotions available to customers is one of the main factors we consider when selecting which sites to feature. Offshore sports betting sites must offer attractive welcome offers for new bettors and consider their regular players as well. We also assess the terms and conditions of each bonus to ensure they are fair and reasonable.

Overall, we can confidently say that all our featured sportsbooks offer generous and fair bonuses to both new and existing bettors.

What Is an Offshore Betting Site?

Offshore sportsbooks are betting platforms that operate from regions outside the US, away from US regulatory bodies and gambling authorities. Due to the strict online betting laws in most US states, offshore sportsbooks cannot obtain operating licenses within the US. Instead, they are licensed in global jurisdictions such as Costa Rica, Curacao, Panama, and Antigua, allowing them to offer their services to customers worldwide. These platforms are predominantly based in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

Although offshore sports betting may be seen as a gray area, it is safe to use licensed and reputable sites. Our recommended sites are completely legal and secure.

One of the advantages of offshore sportsbooks is their access to a wide range of sports betting markets. In addition to major US sports leagues like the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, and UFC, you can also bet on overseas sports and major international leagues, including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League Soccer, horse racing, esports, rugby, and Aussie rules.

Offshore sportsbooks can offer better promotions, odds, and other incentives than other betting sites, while still promoting responsible gambling.

Are Offshore Sportsbooks Safe?

Whether an offshore betting site is safe to sign up for depends on licensing. Proving you are signed up with a licensed platform, you can rest assured knowing your information is safe.

Offshore sportsbooks can be as secure as licensed sportsbook platforms in the US. All our reviewed and featured offshore sportsbooks are fully licensed in trusted overseas locations and follow strict rules to protect bettors and their private information. Therefore, they can easily be relied upon.

These platforms also use the latest encryption technology and identity verification techniques to guarantee that only you can access your money and private information in your user account.

However, not all offshore platforms are licensed, and those that aren’t must be avoided at all costs. For a betting platform to be licensed, it has to go through a thorough vetting process to offer its services and products. 

Steer clear of offshore sportsbook platforms that are not regulated in their home countries or have a history of scamming or abusing bettors. Before registering, checking offshore sportsbooks on Reddit and similar websites is always a good idea.

Below are a few ways to spot and avoid unlicensed sportsbooks:

1. Licensed sportsbooks adhere to stringent standards of transparency and professionalism. They must make sure their terms and conditions are clear. They also should never ask for credit card information or private data
2. They display accurate information about how much money bettors stand to win or lose. They also specify the odds at which each sports event will occur. They also show the payout percentages of all winning bets
3. The platforms must offer clear and concise instructions on contacting customer support for help. Reputable platforms also respond quickly to questions, offering detailed answers to questions about their services or code of conduct
4. Reputable sportsbooks must display a privacy policy stating how they collect user data. Moreover, they should also explain what they do after obtaining it and whether they reveal their users’ data to third parties
5. Any app affiliated with a reputed company must display a logo showing the site has authorized them to market its products. Try going to the company’s official site to confirm this information
6. Licensed sportsbooks require you to complete a KYC process to verify your identity when registering for an account. This includes requesting you to provide documents proving you reside at the address you provided when creating your account. They will also require additional information such as your bank account details, phone number, and proof of age
7. Licensed offshore sportsbooks will require you to verify your email address so they can contact you in case something goes awry or an issue needs addressing. They also never ask for your data without your consent
8. Reputable platforms do not lure bettors by offering bonuses that appear too good to be true with terms that are hard to fulfill
9. Licensed sportsbooks never avoid paying out winnings or make excuses to dissuade users from withdrawing them

Offshore Betting Sites vs. Regulated Betting Sites

Below are the main differences that set offshore and regulated betting sites apart:

Offshore Betting Sites	Regulated Betting Sites
Offer crypto payments	Do not offer crypto payments.
Do not have headquarters within the statewide jurisdictions where they offer their services since they are located in offshore regions.	Have headquarters physically located within the statewide jurisdictions where they provide their services and products.
Cannot officially partner with US casinos and/or teams.	Enjoy partnerships with US Casinos and teams.
Allow players to bet on non-sports-related elements (e.g., the length of the national anthem at the Superbowl) and entertainment-related events.	Have stringent rules on what players can bet on. Therefore, they mostly stick to sports.
The level of customer support at some casinos might be limited or even nonexistent.	Typically offer clear resolutions to disputes or issues with winning withdrawals.
Offer more competitive odds and higher maximum limits for sports bets.	Because of domestic laws and taxes, the odds offered by regulated sportsbooks may not exceed a certain threshold.
Bettors can place as many wagers as they want but must undergo account verification before their first withdrawals.	Bettors cannot place wagers unless they verify their accounts.
Do not pay US taxes.	Are required to pay US taxes.
Cannot send or receive funds from US banks. While offshore platforms do offer credit card payments, they usually impose deposit fees.	Have connections to the international financial markets, allowing bettors to add and remove funds from their betting accounts.

Is Sports Betting Legal in America?

In the United States, the legality of sportsbooks varies by state. Approximately half of the states have legalized sports betting, while the other half still prohibit it. In states where sports betting is legal, options may be limited to in-person betting at a few retail sportsbooks or selecting from a small number of licensed online sportsbooks.

In some states, offshore betting platforms operate in a legal gray area and offer betting services. Although there are no approved sportsbooks, residents of these states are not expressly restricted from using offshore betting platforms. However, enforcement of specific laws regarding offshore sportsbook platforms in the US has been low.

Despite this legal uncertainty, almost half of all players in states where sports betting is legal prefer to sign up with offshore sportsbooks due to the added benefits they offer.

Head to our guide to learn all about the US gambling laws by state.

Are Offshore Sportsbooks Legal in America?

In the United States, there is no federal law that specifically prohibits individuals from placing offshore bets online. Moreover, no one has ever been prosecuted for joining or playing at an offshore sportsbook. Therefore, you can confidently sign up with any of the operators featured on our list.

It is important to note that while different jurisdictions treat offshore betting and payment processing differently, they have no authority over how these portals operate. However, reputable offshore sportsbooks provide viable options for betting that are trustworthy and verifiable.

As long as you sign up with one of our featured sportsbooks and fulfill the offshore platform’s Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, you can place bets and deposit funds safely without fearing prosecution by your local law enforcement. For added peace of mind and access in restricted states, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or deposit funds using cryptocurrency for anonymity.

How to Join an Offshore Sportsbook

Below is a step-by-step guide on signing up with an offshore sportsbook. We will use BetUS as an example to illustrate how it’s done:

1. Create an Account with Your Chosen Offshore Sportsbook

Head to your chosen offshore betting site and select the “Join” button. In this case, BetUS’ “Join” button is at the top right corner of its landing page for both desktop and mobile versions. You will then see a sign-up form appear.

2. Enter the Required Details

When the sign-up form appears, you must enter a few required details. Such details include your name, email, phone number, and date of birth. You do not need to be worried about providing such details to BetUS, as they respect their users’ privacy and safeguard all private data. We can say the same about all our other recommendations.

3. Claim the Platform’s Deposit Bonus

You will receive a 125% sign-up bonus of up to $3,125 (100% for the sportsbook, 25% for the casino) upon using promo code “JOIN125”. Crypto users can avail of the platform’s crypto-friendly welcome bonus of 200% up to $5,000 (150% for the sportsbook, 50% for the online casino) using code “JOIN200”. All you have to do is deposit a minimum of $100 and comply with the attached terms and conditions.

4. Confirm your Registration

Once you have provided all your details, you will be redirected to another page where you will receive a confirmation message of your sign-up. You will also be given your account number and an email welcoming you to the platform.

5. Deposit Funds and Start Playing

After signing up, you may head to the cashier page and deposit using one of the various options provided. You are then ready to check out the numerous markets and begin placing bets.

Is Offshore Gambling Illegal?

No, offshore gambling is not illegal in the United States. There are no federal laws that prohibit Americans from placing bets or playing casino games on offshore gambling sites. However, some states have their own laws that make it illegal to gamble online. It is important to check your local laws before placing any bets online.

Are There Any Penalties for Gambling Offshore?

There is no federal law against gambling online in the United States. However, it is illegal for offshore gambling sites to allow US residents to gamble without a license from the US government. Additionally, some states have their own laws against online gambling. Therefore, it is important to check the laws in your state before engaging in any type of online gambling.

Penalties for violating gambling laws vary from state to state but can include fines and imprisonment. That said, we’ve never heard of anyone being arrested or fined for gambling online at offshore sites.

Best Sports to Bet on at Offshore Betting Sites

Offshore sportsbooks feature lots of sporting events, from the mainstream to the very obscure. The following are the best sports to bet on at offshore betting sites:

Football

Football is one of the most popular sports to watch and bet on in the United States. The top offshore betting sites, such as BetUS, consistently offer great odds on major sporting events, including the NFL.

Football betting is known for its strategic nature and offers a wide variety of interesting betting markets. In addition to competitive odds, offshore betting platforms often offer various promotions for football betting events.

Some notable markets available at all leading football sportsbooks include:

• Moneyline Bet: This is a simple bet where you pick the team that you think will win the game. The payout will vary based on the odds.
• Spread: Spread betting in American football is wagering on a team to win by a certain number of points or not lose by more than a specified number. Bookmakers set the point spread to level the playing field. It’s a popular form of betting as it adds excitement and can result in higher payouts.
• Totals: In this type of bet, you bet on the total number of points accumulated in the game. Your proposed bet must accurately predict whether the game will be over or under a set number of points. You might also be able to bet on the total number of points within a frame. For example, between 65-75 points.

Basketball

Basketball is a popular sport for betting due to its fast-paced games and dynamic outcomes, offering bettors a range of potential bets to make, including live and prop betting. With well-established NBA teams playing against each other regularly, bettors have access to sufficient information to develop effective betting strategies.

The NBA is the most popular basketball league worldwide, and offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline and Bovada offer a large variety of NBA betting markets. BetOnline releases overnight lines quickly, while Bovada offers a high volume of NBA betting options.

Some popular markets at the best basketball betting sites include:

• Quarter Winner: This involves betting on the likely winner of a single quarter in a game.
• Two-Way: The two-way bet is for matches with no draws. You bet on one of two outcomes.
• Point Spreads: Point spreads balance the scales when weak and strong teams compete against each other. The stronger teams must win by certain margins instead of winning the game for this bet to be successful.

Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is a popular sport for betting in the US and Canada, known for its fast-paced, aggressive gameplay that makes it exciting to watch and wager on.

The National Hockey League (NHL) is the premier club-based ice hockey competition and is widely recognized alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB as one of the top sporting leagues in the US.

The most popular markets available at top-rated hockey sportsbooks include:

• Puck Line: The puck line bet combines the concept of a point spread and a money line. In this market, the favorite team is fixed at -1.5 goals on the spread. The underdog is fixed at +1.5 goals.
• Over/Under: The over/under bet is the number of points you expect to be the total score for a contest. You place a wager on whether the total points will be more or less than this specific number.

Baseball

Baseball, often referred to as America’s pastime, has a huge fan following and is known for its thrilling and dynamic gameplay, making it a rewarding sport for fans to bet on.

Major League Baseball (MLB) offers bettors plenty of wagering opportunities, including standard lines that are open year-round at the best offshore betting platforms. These lines include moneyline, run-line, and total markets, providing a range of betting options for baseball fans.

The most common types of bets you’ll find at popular baseball sportsbooks include:

• Moneylines: This involves bettors placing bets on which team they believe will win a match.
• Run-lines: Run-lines offer odds close to 1:1. To win this bet, the team you are betting on must win by a specific margin or more or lose by a certain margin or less. 

Soccer

Soccer, a popular sport worldwide, is steadily gaining popularity in the US, with leagues like the MLS (Major Soccer League) raising its profile. Soccer betting is an emerging market in the US, with an increasing number of bettors and fans showing interest.

Soccer offers a wide range of tournaments and events to bet on, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, La Liga, Bundesliga, FIFA, and Serie A. Other competitions in South America and Africa are also available for betting. With various soccer betting lines available at our featured sportsbooks and beyond, soccer is a great option for those interested in a sport that can be bet on nearly all year round.

The most common types of wagers available at top soccer betting sites include:

• First Goalscorer: In the First Goalscorer market, you can bet on which player will score the first goal of the match. This market is considered high-risk due to the difficulty in predicting the first goalscorer, but it can also bring significant rewards for successful bets.
• Both Teams to Score: The BTTS market allows you to bet on whether both teams will score at least one goal during the match, regardless of the final outcome. In this market, it does not matter which team wins, as long as both goalkeepers concede at least one goal during the game.
• Correct Match Score: For the correct score bet, you pick the supposed final score of a soccer game and place a wager on it. For this type of bet, you win no prizes for being close; you need to predict the exact score for your bet to be considered successful.

Tennis

Tennis is an exciting sport to bet on, whether it’s a singles or doubles match. Betting on every set, point, and game only adds to the thrill and tension of the game. Although tennis might not be the best sport to bet on year-round, the majors such as Wimbledon and the US Open generate a lot of excitement among bettors and fans alike, attracting a lot of media attention.

Some of the most interesting markets available at the best tennis sportsbooks include:

• First Set Winner: This bet involves choosing who will win the opening set. You can bet on the winner of any individual set, for that matter. 
• Handicap: Sometimes, tournaments, especially big ones, see mismatched players compete against each other. To level the playing field, tennis betting offers handicaps like football, except games or sets are given instead of goals.
• Totals: Also called the over/under market, this bet requires you to choose how many games you believe a particular match will go on for.

Golf

Golf is a diverse and exciting sport to bet on, with players from all over the world competing weekly in tournaments such as the PGA. While almost any golfer has a chance to win on any given week, betting on golf goes beyond simply picking the tournament winner.

The top offshore sportsbooks offer a variety of bets for every major event, making it possible to bet on individual player performance, match-ups, and more, adding to the excitement of watching golf.

Some notable betting markets available at the best golf sportsbooks include:

• To Win: These types of bets are placed on any golfer you think will win a tournament. You can make such bets on various golfers before a tournament starts.
• Staging Prop: This bet lets you bet on various factors linked to specific outcomes in a golf tournament. Things such as odds on a hole-in-one, hole-to-hole outcomes, and whether a golfer will make the cut are considered golf props.

What Are the Best Betting Markets at Offshore Sportsbooks?

The best offshore platforms will offer various in-play, futures, and pre-game betting options. The markets can include teasers, round robins, puck lines, pleasers, same-game parlays, reverse wagers, and more. Below are the best betting markets you can expect to find:

Moneyline

Moneyline bets are a straightforward type of bet offered at offshore sportsbooks, in which you bet on a team to win a game. A game can have three outcomes: Team 1 wins, Team 2 wins, or both teams end up in a tie or a push. If the team you bet on wins, you will receive your full wager back along with your winnings.

Spread

A point spread, also known as a spread, is a popular type of bet that involves betting on the points the favorite team will win by. Essentially, it’s a handicap placed on the favorite team to level the playing field. The minus sign indicates the favorite team, which must win by a certain number or more, while the underdog team with a plus sign must either win the match or lose by less than the set number for your bet to win.

Totals

Totals, also known as over/under bets, are among the most popular betting options after moneyline and spreads. A total is a bet on whether the combined score of a single match will be over or under the number established by the oddsmaker before the event begins.

In other words, you only need to predict whether the total score will be over or under the pre-established amount – you are not required to guess the exact amount. Totals bets are not limited to just the final score; they can also be placed on the score of a particular quarter or half, or even on the performance of a single player.

Futures

A futures bet is a type of long-term wager where a bettor places a bet on a possible future outcome in a competition that usually takes several days, weeks, or even months before paying out. Unlike other types of bets, futures bets are season-long, and the result is not determined on the day the bet is placed.

Futures bets can be placed on player and team markets, for example, which player will win Rookie of the Year or league MVP (Most Valuable Player), and which team will win their championship, league, or division. These types of bets require patience, as the bettor must wait until the end of the season to determine the outcome of their bet. However, futures bets can offer significant payouts if the bettor is able to correctly predict the outcome of the event.

Props

Prop bets, or proposition bets, are wagers in betting not linked to a game’s outcome or final score. 

There are prop bets concerned with a game overall and the performance of the teams participating in the event. Many popular props are based on the achievements of individual players.

Live Betting at Offshore Sportsbooks

The term “live betting” is also known as “in-game” or “in-play” betting and refers to placing bets on a competition that is already underway. Unlike pre-game wagers, live bets can be placed during the event, and the odds constantly change to reflect the game’s score and momentum. This means that you can bet on markets like props, moneylines, spreads, and totals with actively shifting prices.

BetUS is well-known for its live betting section, which you can use on numerous sports as they are underway. Sites like Bovada also offer features like cash out, which allows bettors to settle a bet before a sports event ends by accepting a payout lower than the potential win. For instance, if you bet on a certain team to beat another team during a sporting event and the game is a close call with only a few minutes left, you can choose to cash out and settle your bet immediately instead of potentially losing it all.

You can check out our guide to the best cash out sportsbooks to learn more about this useful feature and where to find it.

Bonuses Available at Offshore Betting Sites

Many offshore sportsbooks face fierce competition, and to stand out, they offer enticing welcome bonuses to new users. They also provide other promotions to keep bettors engaged on their platform, such as free bets, boosts, and VIP clubs. Here are some of the most popular bonuses offered by offshore sportsbooks:

Welcome Bonus

The concept of a welcome bonus is straightforward: it is a reward offered by online betting platforms to new customers upon signing up. The most common type of welcome bonus is the match deposit bonus. To qualify, you need to create a new account on the chosen platform and make a minimum deposit. You can check out our guide to the best low minimum deposit sportsbooks if you want to bet the smallest amount possible. The sportsbook will then match your deposit with bonus cash up to a specified limit.

However, this is not the end of the process. After receiving the bonus, you will need to meet the rollover requirement. This means that if you receive a $100 bonus with a 7x rollover requirement, you must place bets worth $700 before you can cash out any remaining funds.

Some betting sites also offer no-deposit bonuses, which provide free credits without requiring a deposit. However, these bonuses are rare and typically come with high rollover requirements.

At BetUS, for example, new users can claim a welcome bonus worth 125% up to $3125. Additionally, the platform offers a crypto-friendly sign-up bonus of up to $5,000 with a 200% match deposit bonus.

Refer-a-Friend

A refer-a-friend bonus is exactly what it sounds like; you receive rewards for referring your friends to your chosen sportsbook that offers the promotion.

It’s worth noting that referral bonuses have terms and conditions, and they usually limit the number of friends you can refer and establish a bonus cap.

For instance, Bovada’s Refer-a-Friend program offers bonus funds of up to $200 each time you refer a friend who makes an initial deposit of at least $20. However, terms and conditions apply, so be sure to read them before referring your friends.

Free Bets

Free bets are a common type of promotion available at top offshore sportsbooks. Some platforms require you to place a qualifying bet to receive the free bet, such as a 3-leg parlay worth $50 that may earn you a $10 free bet. Other platforms may offer free bets without any requirements. However, any potential winnings may be paid out in site credit or bonus cash, which often come with rollover requirements before you can cash out.

Payment Methods Available at Offshore Betting Sites

Reputable offshore sportsbooks offer various payment methods for customers’ convenience. Below are the banking methods on most platforms:

Cryptocurrency

Offshore betting sites have the advantage of accepting cryptocurrencies as a payment method, which is not currently an option for legal US sportsbooks. Cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals are secure, fast, and convenient. Bitcoin is the most widely accepted cryptocurrency, followed closely by Ethereum. However, it is important to note that transferring fees can be high for some cryptocurrencies.

In addition to Bitcoin and Ethereum, some the best cryptocurrency sportsbooks accept other altcoins running on different blockchains. For example, ADA and Litecoin are known for their minimal network fees, making them a more economical option than traditional wire transfers. It is also worth noting that cryptocurrency withdrawals are typically faster than traditional cashouts, with some transactions being processed in as little as 24 hours.

Credit and Debit Cards

Credit and debit cards are a popular choice among numerous offshore sportsbooks.

In most cases, you will find names like Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover, which are widely accepted and easily used. Deposits via credit and debit cards are always processed immediately. However, withdrawals can take up to five business days.

eWallets

Neteller and Skrill are the most commonly accepted digital wallets at offshore sportsbooks. PayPal is rare, but you can expect to find ecoPayz and MuchBetter listed. While these banking options are convenient, you may not be eligible for a sign-up bonus using an eWallet. In that case, going through the sportsbook’s terms and conditions helps. Withdrawals via eWallets are fairly quick and should take no longer than 24 hours to be processed.

Gift Cards

Gift cards, usually Visa or Mastercard, are among the easiest ways of depositing funds into sports betting accounts. One of the greatest advantages of betting with prepaid gift cards is that you do not need to provide a credit card or reveal any other private information. 

Common Risks/Problems with Gambling Offshore

The most significant risk of gambling offshore is that whatever offshore sportsbook site you’re playing on shuts down and takes your money with it. By sticking to our recommended betting sites, you’ll be on the safe side of offshore gambling.

Below are some common issues players have with offshore gambling sites—these range from annoying to a warning sign of a shady operator.

Poor payment processing

US financial networks and banks cannot knowingly transact with offshore gambling sites because of the UIGEA. So these illegal transactions result in a game of mouse and cat, with offshore sites desperately trying to get credit card payments to process. The payments are going to succeed usually (though it comes at a price to the gambling sites, which they pass on to players in one form or perhaps another).

The disadvantage is the fact that you will never know when your credit card payment is going to get through. Are you able to imagine missing out on a great bet since your offshore sportsbook could not accept your deposit that day?

Alternative payment options are available. Although cryptocurrency is typical, bettors are exposed by it to volatility in values. Bitcoin and other coins also require a few steps to establish a wallet, and exchange dollars for coins (and then back again), which is an intimidating process for many.

Withdrawal delays

If you experience a delay, or perhaps hear that other clients are experiencing them, then you definitely must get your total bankroll out quickly. You need to never deposit at a book that has a record of late payments.

Voiding bonuses

Some offshore betting sites void bonuses for obscure, petty reasons. While even offshore sites have a right to protect themselves against bonus abuse, voiding offers, including great bonuses and promotions that have been taken in faith that is good, is a signal that all isn’t well with management.

Lack of deposit options

Offshore sites have problems with deposits (and will charge you for these in one way or perhaps another). If you simply see just one or possibly two non-mainstream options, e.g., only cryptocurrency or maybe a little-known voucher system, then be wary.

High minimum withdrawals and/or withdrawal fees

If you’re a small-stakes bettor, then creating a minimum withdrawal of $1,000 could effectively trap your bankroll on their website. Many sites are going to let you withdraw monthly at no cost, and many won’t. Look out for those sneaky fifty-dollar withdrawal fees. These may drain your profits quickly.

Conclusion

BetUS is a top-performing offshore betting site that excels in many areas. It is widely recognized for its generous bonus promotions and offers an extensive selection of betting markets.

With over 27 sports to bet on, multiple leagues for each major sport, and a wide range of niche betting options, BetUS is dedicated to providing its users with the best possible betting experience. BetUS’ live betting section is also worth noting, with a variety of prop bets for most major sports.

Upon signing up, you can take advantage of a 125% bonus of up to $3,125. If you prefer to use cryptocurrencies, you can also receive the platform’s crypto sign-up bonus of 200% up to $5000. Join BetUS today to start betting on your favorite games.

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding offshore sportsbooks.

Are offshore sportsbooks legal?

No federal laws strictly forbid US citizens from betting on offshore sportsbooks. However, some states prohibit online betting altogether.

What are the best offshore sportsbooks to use?

We highly recommend BetUS and Bovada based on various factors, including bonuses, platform usability, safe payment methods, betting options, and markets.

What is the best offshore betting site for US players?

If you’re playing from the US, BetUS is recommended due to its bonuses, live betting section, platform, and much more.

What is an offshore betting site?

The term “offshore betting site” refers to any sportsbook platform operating outside the US.