However, to be considered legal, all offshore casinos have to obtain gaming licenses, go through auditing processes, and are subjected to the same scrutiny as are their. As long as the bets are placed through legally sanctioned sportsbooks that are legitimately licensed and subject to regulatory oversight from a respected government, then yes, offshore sports betting is indeed legal for players in the United Sates. Any sportsbook that doesn't meet these qualifications would be considered illegal.
Offshore betting is neither legal or illegal as sports offshore betting legality varies by jurisdiction. In many countries, it is fully regulated, in other areas, it's expressly illegal. The reason to ask yourself as an online sports bettor is if placing a bet as an individual may be a problem for you within your country or region. The states also have differing legal gambling ages, with some states requiring the same minimum age for all types of gambling, while for others, it depends on the activity. For example, in New Jersey, an 18-year-old can buy a lottery ticket or bet on a horse race, but cannot enter a casino until age 21. Still, with the quite new regulation of the market and states licensing online gambling sites enable a fully legal way to gamble. This surely means a hit to the offshore companies who lure players with no options, enjoying the restricted markets such as the US and consequently booming.
Gambling is at the forefront of the entertainment industries and casinos provide an establishment for bettors to indulge. However, not every state offers casinos, leaving some US players without a proper gambling avenue. Online gambling has also gained momentum in the United States, but not every state has elected to host a state-regulated online casino platform.
US residents may feel a little left out when it comes to casino gambling, but there is a way to gamble safely and legitimately through legal offshore gambling sites. This page contains information regarding how US federal and state laws apply to online casinos (including offshore casinos), which offshore casinos are best for US residents, how the offshore casinos operate, what games are offered and more.
Are Offshore Casinos Legal For US Players To Visit?
While there are several US federal laws to consider, none of them have any jurisdiction over legal offshore casino sites. States have their own individual laws regarding gambling, but none (except Washington) have laws making it illegal to bet with offshore casinos. Washington state law is the strictest in the nation when it comes to gambling and their laws prohibit all forms of online gambling, including offshore gambling sites.
Other than for Washington residents, betting with offshore casinos is legal for players in the United States. The same holds true for legal offshore poker sites and legal offshore sportsbooks. There are also no US federal laws that make it a crime to engage in legal offshore casino betting. You can visit our guide to US offshore gambling laws for more information.
Legal Offshore Casinos For USA Residents
Below you will find a list of offshore casino sites that has been put together by our team of industry professionals. When searching for offshore gambling sites, we check for legal sanctions and regulation, a strong security profile, additional features like mobile betting and premium casino gaming options. These offshore casinos provide a high-quality gambling experience through a safe and secure betting environment that is designed to keep your sensitive date protected.
| Logo | Site Name | Bonus | Rating | USA | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offshore Casinos | |||||
| Bovada Casino | 100% Max $3,000 | Visit Site | |||
| Slotslv Casino | 100% Max $5,000 | Visit Site | |||
| Cafe Casino | 500% Max $5,000 | Visit Site |
Frequently Asked Questions About Offshore Online Casinos Accepting USA Players
Are US Friendly Casinos Legitimate?
Yes. These offshore casinos are all legally sanctioned and regulated by their presiding governments. This legal licensing and regulatory oversight comes with strict expectations to maintain high standards of professionalism, fair gaming practices and ethics. These offshore casinos are held accountable by the governments that regulate them. Legitimate offshore casinos have established themselves as reputable businesses and are accustomed to working with US bettors.
How Do I Know If Offshore Casino Games Are Fair?
Casino games utilize a combination of luck and skill. One of the biggest concerns for online casino users (and rightly so) is if the games are fair. Part of our offshore casino verification process is ensuring the casino holds compliance certifications for RNG (Random Number Generator) technology audits and fair gaming practices.
The sites also use industry leading software solutions that minimize any questionable use of the site. It is in these casinos' best interest to ensure there is fair gaming so they can maintain their positive reputation within the online gambling industry.
These RNGs use algorithms to issue random number sequences, or whatever value is being used for a particular online game. RNGs are subject to inspection from gambling authorities to ensure fair gaming is taking place and there hasn't been any tampering. RNGs are used throughout the online gambling industry and establish credibility.
They are known for their reliability and their frequent inspections show the casino's willingness to keep fair gaming consistent. RNG technology is also used in the gaming machines at brick and mortar casinos throughout the United States.
What Kinds Of Games Can I Play At Legal Offshore Casinos?
The legal offshore casino options we've suggested offer several different games for users. There are the standard games like slots, blackjack (with several different versions), video poker, table games like roulette and baccarat, and more. There are also specialty games that vary per offshore gambling site. Each gambling site has its own games and policies, so be sure to browse the available games included in the menu at each casino you are considering playing at.
Advanced technological features have been integrated into the industry's leading software solutions to ensure an aesthetically pleasing experience through rich, 3D dynamic graphics and state of the art digital sound.
What Are Online Casino Bonuses?
Part of what separates these online casinos from brick-and-mortar destinations are the bonuses offered. Bonuses are essentially free money that is tacked on to your online casino account. There are all types of bonuses and they are offered throughout the year. Most offshore casinos will grant you a welcome bonus at the time of your first successful deposit.
In most cases, the bonuses are offered through a match deposit structure, which means the casino offers to match a specific percentage of your deposit up to a designated maximum amount. It will look something like this: 400% match bonus up to $4000.
How Do I Deposit And Withdraw Money If A Casino Is Located Outside Of The US?
Just because a casino is located outside of the US doesn't mean you aren't able to deposit funds into your account, place bets and receive your payouts. These offshore casinos offer several US friendly deposit and payout methods including major credit cards, debit cards, money transfers and Bitcoin. You can find more information on the financial side of these casinos in the section of our guide dedicated to legal offshore banking methods.
Do I Have To Worry About Currency Conversion At Offshore Casinos?
No. All of the premium offshore casinos we've suggested in this guide process all transactions in USD for American bettors. This means that you can deposit money using US dollars and receive your payouts in USD as well.
Can I Play Casino Games For Free At Offshore Casinos?
All of the online casinos that we recommend in this guide allow players to enjoy their casino games in free play mode. This is a great way for new players to become acclimated to the online betting environment, or for seasoned players to test out new betting or playing strategies without risking any real money wagers.
Do Offshore Casinos Offer Mobile Casino Apps?
Yes. The offshore casinos we've recommended all have mobile optimized versions of their casino software. The mobile casino apps function the same as the web versions and have the same security protocol, bonuses, games and RNG technology. The mobile versions allow you to never miss out on the action and work across a multitude of devices and carriers. You can place bets, play games and manage your account from your smartphone or tablet.
Offshore betting for US residents has gotten a bad rap from gambling opponents, and we are here to set the record straight about whether or not online gambling at internationally based sites is legitimate, safe, and legal.
Whether you want to learn about the legalities of gambling online as a US player, or you want to find out which offshore betting sites are the most trusted, we've got you covered.
The gambling landscape in the US is not very easy to navigate through let alone the misrepresented nature of betting options available to Americans from operators located outside of the United States.
Here we've put together an official offshore betting guide that breaks down the relevant information into manageable pieces to arm US residents with the data needed to make informed decisions about gambling entertainment.
Best Offshore Betting Sites – All USA Players Accepted
You will notice we only recommend a handful of sites below. The reason is simple, these are by far the most reputable in the industry which is very important to us as it should be to you. We could easily provide a list that is long, including any gambling site located outside of the US that accepts American players. Instead, we decided to go with quality over quantity.
| Site Name | Bonus Offer | Payout | U.S. | Join |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Bonus Max $3,000 | 24-48 Hours | |||
| 300% Bonus Max $9,000 | 24-48 Hours | |||
| 400% Bonus Max $4,000 | Up To 5 Days | |||
| 200% Bonus Max $10,000 | 24-48 Hours | |||
| 500% Bonus Max $5000 | 24-48 Hours | |||
| 100% Bonus Max $3000 | 24-48 Hours |
A few reasons we've settled on these specific brands:
- They are legally licensed, possess legitimate compliance certifications for fair gaming practices, and are subject to strict regulatory oversight from respected governing jurisdictions.
- They are available to enjoy from your PC, laptop, smartphone or tablet, each with well designed and responsive mobile applications.
- Their security protocols are just as robust as what you'd find in a premier financial institution, making them among the safest online betting sites out there.
- Their bonus offers are attractive, fair and don't carry unreasonable wagering requirements.
- Their banking suites are accommodating to US bettors and include options for using cryptocurrency to fund accounts and cash out winnings. They also among the fastest paying offshore gambling sites accepting American residents.
- The quality of their betting experience and gaming options exceeds licensing requirements and customer expectations.
- They offer multiple venues, including online casino, poker, and sports betting opportunities.
Is Offshore Gambling Legal
Types of Gambling Options Available at Online Betting Sites
There are three major niches of online gambling that are the essence of the industry, and several smaller niches that still see tons of action.
- Online Casinos: The brands in this guide offer multiple platforms, including a casino gaming portal that includes RNG games as well as live dealer games.
- Online Sportsbooks: Sports betting is the hottest gambling platform in the US right now, with domestic sports gambling expansion gaining momentum as well as growing popularity and access to reliable bookmakers operating overseas.
- Online Poker Sites: Online poker was probably the first gambling venue to gain some respect. While it is fairly new to state-regulated gambling markets, internet poker has been popular among American players for decades through online poker rooms based outside of the United States.
- Other Online Gambling Options: In addition the above niches, you will also see internet wagering opportunities for bingo, horse betting, esports, lottery, financials wagering, contests and more.
State Regulated VS Offshore Gambling Sites – The Legalities Of Placing Bets Online
Historically, US lawmakers have taken an opposing position when it comes to online gambling. This caused the US-based online gambling market to remain extinct for many years and allowed the overseas gambling market to flourish and offer their services to Americans. It didn't take long for gambling sites operating overseas to recognize a revenue niche that was ripe for the taking.
| Site Name | Bonus Offer | Payout | U.S. | Join |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Bonus Max $3,000 | 24-48 Hours | |||
| 300% Bonus Max $9,000 | 24-48 Hours | |||
| 400% Bonus Max $4,000 | Up To 5 Days | |||
| 200% Bonus Max $10,000 | 24-48 Hours | |||
| 500% Bonus Max $5000 | 24-48 Hours | |||
| 100% Bonus Max $3000 | 24-48 Hours |
A few reasons we've settled on these specific brands:
- They are legally licensed, possess legitimate compliance certifications for fair gaming practices, and are subject to strict regulatory oversight from respected governing jurisdictions.
- They are available to enjoy from your PC, laptop, smartphone or tablet, each with well designed and responsive mobile applications.
- Their security protocols are just as robust as what you'd find in a premier financial institution, making them among the safest online betting sites out there.
- Their bonus offers are attractive, fair and don't carry unreasonable wagering requirements.
- Their banking suites are accommodating to US bettors and include options for using cryptocurrency to fund accounts and cash out winnings. They also among the fastest paying offshore gambling sites accepting American residents.
- The quality of their betting experience and gaming options exceeds licensing requirements and customer expectations.
- They offer multiple venues, including online casino, poker, and sports betting opportunities.
Is Offshore Gambling Legal
Types of Gambling Options Available at Online Betting Sites
There are three major niches of online gambling that are the essence of the industry, and several smaller niches that still see tons of action.
- Online Casinos: The brands in this guide offer multiple platforms, including a casino gaming portal that includes RNG games as well as live dealer games.
- Online Sportsbooks: Sports betting is the hottest gambling platform in the US right now, with domestic sports gambling expansion gaining momentum as well as growing popularity and access to reliable bookmakers operating overseas.
- Online Poker Sites: Online poker was probably the first gambling venue to gain some respect. While it is fairly new to state-regulated gambling markets, internet poker has been popular among American players for decades through online poker rooms based outside of the United States.
- Other Online Gambling Options: In addition the above niches, you will also see internet wagering opportunities for bingo, horse betting, esports, lottery, financials wagering, contests and more.
State Regulated VS Offshore Gambling Sites – The Legalities Of Placing Bets Online
Historically, US lawmakers have taken an opposing position when it comes to online gambling. This caused the US-based online gambling market to remain extinct for many years and allowed the overseas gambling market to flourish and offer their services to Americans. It didn't take long for gambling sites operating overseas to recognize a revenue niche that was ripe for the taking.
If you've seen the news concerning gambling entertainment at all in the last few years, you'll know that state-regulated gambling expansion is alive and well due to some major changes in US federal gambling laws.
While these laws have never prohibited offshore betting that is done through legally licensed and regulated internet gambling sites operating outside of the United States, they were very restrictive when it came to domestic gambling businesses.
Is Offshore Gambling Legal?
Yes, it is, as long as it takes place at legally sanctioned destinations. There are no US federal laws that make it a crime for Americans to gamble online at betting sites outside of the country. There are only two states that have outright prohibited online gambling from all sources, including overseas websites, those being Washington and Connecticut.
As long as an online gambling site is licensed and regulated by a legitimate governing jurisdiction, then it is operating legally within the industry and can offer their services to whom they choose (within the confines of the regulations to which they are subject to), including American residents.
There are gambling sites that are not legitimate and are providing services online without licensing and other necessary credentials that would allow them to operate legally within the industry. Placing bets at those types of websites constitutes illegal gambling entertainment.
The sites you see listed on this site do not fall into this category. Unlicensed gambling is considered illegal in most regions around the world, including the United States.
Is State Regulated Online Gambling Legal?
Gambling sites licensed and regulated by US states do not intersect with offshore betting sites in any way. While domestic and international gambling sites may compete with one another for market share, one does not affect the accessibility or legality of the other.
Is Offshore Gambling Illegal
Residents who live in states that allow offshore gambling and domestic online gambling are simply fortunate enough to have the best of both worlds.
Do US Gambling Laws Dictate the Legal Status of Offshore Betting For US Residents?
Yes and no. There have been three primary federal gambling laws that come into play for American gamblers: The UIGEA, PASPA, and the Federal Wire Act. Two of those laws, the Federal Wire Act and PASPA, have undergone dramatic changes in application and interpretation over the last 8 years, and it has impacted the domestic US gambling market significantly.
Something that hasn't changed very much is our access to online gambling from websites that are based within international jurisdictions outside of the USA.
None of the federal laws mentioned above have any bearing on American access to online betting from foreign sites because none of them prohibit it or even address it from a player perspective.
Both the Federal Wire Act and PASPA specifically target domestic gambling operations in the United States, and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act solely targets banks and credit card companies to impose regulations on how gambling related transactions can be processed.
This is good news for residents of the US, as it gives us the freedom to engage in legally sanctioned online gambling without the fear of violating any domestic gambling laws.
However, it also places a heavy responsibility on us to practice due diligence to ensure that we only access legitimately licensed websites that are regulated by a genuine governing body.
The US government is not going to work on your behalf should you gamble with an illegal, illegitimate gambling site that steals your money. Failure to take this responsibility seriously could result in you being at risk of financial theft, identity theft, and exploitation through other crimes.
This is why it is crucial that you rely on resources provided by industry professionals who know their way around this maze.
Why Use Our Guide To Learn About Placing Bets Online Instead of Your Own Google Search?
Anyone with an Internet connection can check Google or Bing and find a wide assortment of gambling information. So what makes our resource site different in that regard? For starters, we're here to deal only with offshore sites, which means sites that operate outside of US jurisdiction in regions such as Caracas, Costa Rica, Gibraltar, Canada, Panama, the UK, Curacao, and the Cayman Islands, to name a few.
We also have a unique perspective on the wagering market and online betting because not only are we industry insiders, we are experienced and knowledgeable gamblers as well.
This is why we can explain the legalities from a layman's point of view, recommend legitimate and high-quality gambling sites, and provide insight regarding both the benefits and downsides to betting online. We can also provide betting tips, strategy ideas and other forms of helpful information that only comes from years in the business.
FAQ's
The Advantages of Using an Offshore Betting Site
Choosing to gamble internationally online does come with its perks and advantages that the up and coming state regulated options often struggle to compete with.
Here are just a few advantages to betting offshore:
- Attractive bonus offers that can double, triple or even quadruple your starting bankroll.
- The ultimate convenience that comes with 24/7 access from anywhere you have an Internet connection
- Offshore gambling banking methods that cater directly to you – including cryptocurrencies that offer instant deposits and same day payouts.
- Legal gambling without having to travel or even leave your home
- Mobile access to casino, poker, and sports gambling.
- Sophisticated games that present fair odds and a realistic experience
- Feature-rich oftware that is reliable, looks great and reflects the latest technological advancements in online gaming.
- Gaming sites that are regulated by reputable governing bodies so you know you're being treated fairly
Though while online gambling does have its advantages, just know that these advantages are only found with legitimate, reputable gaming sites. If you end up playing at a questionable site, you are putting yourself at risk.
Tips for Winning at an Offshore Online Gambling Site
As gamblers ourselves, it's not just enough to tell you about the best online gaming sites and how you can gamble legally at Internet wagering sites. We also want you to win! The majority of our readers winning doesn't hurt us. Just the opposite, in fact.
The more you win, based on our information, the more reputable we come across as gambling advocates. So when you sign up for a casino or sportsbook, we want you to win and win big.
Here are a few tips we suggest to help you win.
Okay, let's say you put in $50 on a 100% deposit match and have $100 to play with. A great starting point! Now, what sense does it make for you to play $10 a spin on a slot machine, or to go bet $80 on the Raiders to beat the Chiefs at home? You have to manage your risks; e.g. you have to manage your money.
Start slowly. Minimizing your risks means maximizing your rewards, and while rewards from only playing 10% of your stack may be slow to start, the pace will eventually pick up as your stack grows. Slow and steady wins the race here. To start, try not to exceed 10% of your total stack at once.
A great tip to use here is to only choose a reputable site. Sure, that new site that you see advertised on some off-page on Google might be offering you an insane welcome bonus. But what do you actually know about them? They could have a payout rate below 80%, which means few people get their money.
They might not be recognized as a fair play casino, which means the odds might be a little more against you here than elsewhere. They may employ stall tactics to keep your winnings out of reach. By gambling only with the sites deemed reputable, you get a true-to-life experience and won't be ripped off by sites looking to make a profit by cheating.
So, you see that RealTime Gaming has a dozen or so slot machines that share a progressive jackpot of $5 million. You know that the odds of hitting this are just like the lotto, meaning you probably won't win. But that doesn't mean you still shouldn't play. For starters, progressive machines are usually cheaper to play.
And they're typically more exciting to play, which means you have more chances of winning on more lines and more patterns. So if you see a progressive pot, don't shy away from it. Though you might not win the whole enchilada, there's still money to be made.
Throwing down half your stack on red on roulette is a gamble. Betting your stack on one game is a gamble. To win, you don't want to 'gamble' in this sense; you instead want to play the odds. Figure out the best odds at the roulette table. Are they the 2:1 odds? The 4:1, the 32:1? Which bet puts you in the best position to win? Extrapolate this to things like sports betting as well.
Bet on a team not as a fan but on the team most statistically likely to win. On any single game, it's hard to tell where the numbers will end up, but over time numbers even out. Math is the only form of 'proof' that exists in the universe, and numbers really never lie. If you stick with the odds, you will win far more than you lose. And that's how you build a nice bankroll.
Let's say you joined up with Casino X and you see that they have a nifty promotion. On your second deposit, you can earn another bonus! Well, take advantage of this. Even though you might have some money in there already, put some more in to take advantage of the free money. The more you have in your stack, the higher the percentage of that stack you can play.
And as long as you're playing based on our practical tips, which means you'll be following smart odds, that's more money that you'll end up winning. Watch for incentives and promotions, such as free spins promotions, blackjack-specific promos that give you free chips, etc. Most legit casinos will have these sorts of promos available to loyal players.
Our resource guide isn't some wannabe Fortune company looking to go public on the stock market, nor are we about inundating you with ads and tons of referral links. We're real gamblers who seek to provide genuine information that you can use to find legal online gambling sites will give you a rich, rewarding and enjoyable gaming experience.
Popular Pages
Offshore Sports Betting Sites – From live and prop bets to sports off the beaten path, we attempt to cover a little bit of everything and clue you in on which sportsbooks will be the best fit for you. Sportsbooks need to meet our high standards, and we give you a rundown of what we're looking for.
Offshore Casinos – international destinations catering to Americans aren't always automatically good options. Find out which online casinos are legally licensed, reputable and accept US players.
Offshore Poker Rooms – The poker boom has brought about thousands upon thousands of sites, and many of them are located overseas. Are these sites legal? What makes a good poker site? These are the questions we answer for you in our poker section.
Offshore Bingo Sites – Bingo is played in a lot of locations, but it's still technically illegal in America. Check out our bingo section to find out how you can play bingo legally and on the best bingo sites that the Internet has to offer.
Offshore Horse Betting Sites – Horse racing may be a small niche sport to the world, but we take it seriously as a contender. We work to fill you in on the best racebooks operating internationally, and we tell you what you should expect to find on a quality site.
Offshore Betting Site Reviews – We only review the most reputable offshore betting sites in the industry. Our reviews are fair and impartial covering everything players would want to know before they signup with a site.
