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. 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.
With the massive new interest in US sports wagering, gamblers all across the country are looking into the states where online sports betting is legal. Along with that, gamblers are looking for online casino and poker play, as well. However, domestic online gambling operators remain few and far between, so the legality of offshore betting sites is always the next avenue of consideration.
Fortunately, offshore sports betting is legal in the US with very few exceptions (more on that later), and even as more states that allow sports betting and casino gaming over the Internet are cropping up, none of them has made wagering at overseas venues an actual crime. You can learn about which states offer domestic online gambling options – as well as learn about your options where you live using the information on this page.
The Best Offshore Betting Sites For USA Players
When looking for the best online betting website, you're going to have to paddle through a lot of flotsam and jetsam. That's what you get when you go offshore, after all! Of course, it can also be smooth sailing, but only if you stick with the top offshore gambling sites we review and recommend here. With a few exceptions, every player in America can freely use the following services to wager real money online!
| 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 |
Is Offshore Gambling Legal In Each State?
Offshore online gambling is legal in 48 of 50 US states, as well as in Washington, DC. The two states where online wagering (regardless of the source) is considered against the law are Connecticut and Washington. However, these bans do not appear to be enforced, and there is no record that we could find of any CT or WA resident being fined or arrested for betting over the Internet. (However, if you live in either of these states, you are advised to proceed at your own risk if you choose to sign up and gamble at offshore betting sites).
It should also be noted that New Jersey residents are not able to sign up at most reputable offshore betting sites, as these operators have temporarily withdrawn from the NJ marketplace. However, it is not actually illegal for NJ bettors to wager offshore, and they can do so once they're outside of state borders.
States That Allow Offshore Gambling
Almost all states allow their residents to enjoy offshore gambling. In fact, only two states have specific laws against online gambling: Washington and Connecticut. If you live anywhere else, it is legal and safe to use overseas online casinos, poker rooms, sportsbooks, bingo halls, and racetracks.
| Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California |
| Colorado | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii |
| Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas |
| Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts |
| Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana |
| Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Mexico | New York |
| North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon |
| Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee |
| Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | West Virginia |
| Wisconsin | Wyoming |
US States With Legal Gambling Online
Technically, most states allow legal online gambling. However, when gamblers look for states with sports betting, casino gaming, horse betting, and poker, they're usually searching for those few states that have formally legalized these markets at the state level and have domestic wagering options available. Therefore, it is important to differentiate between states with legal online gambling at domestically regulated venues and those where residents are free to access offshore betting sites.
States With Domestic Gambling
If you're looking for which states have legalized online sports betting and other forms of gambling, the list is still pretty short, despite PASPA being overturned in May 2018. To date, the states listed below have authorized in-state wagering over the Internet:
States With Online Casinos
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia (TBA)
States With Online Poker
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Delaware
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
States With Online Sportsbooks
- Indiana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
- +More (TBA)
States With Online Bingo
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia (TBA)
States With Online Horse Racing Betting
| Alabama | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado |
| Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Idaho | Illinois |
| Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana |
| Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota |
| Montana | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York |
| North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania |
| Rhode Island | South Dakota | Tennessee | Vermont | Virginia |
| Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
Is Offshore Gambling Better Than Domestic Gambling Regulated by the States?
If you're looking for the best betting experience, there are a number of things to consider, and most of them depend on your own personal needs as a bettor. For most users, due to sheer availability, offshore gambling is a much better, more convenient proposition. However, if you live in a state that has online domestic options (or live near brick-and-mortar gambling venues and enjoy making the occasional evening out of your gambling hobby), these might be more compelling. Each route has its own pros and cons.
Offshore Betting Benefits
- Convenient and accessible to vast majority of gamblers
- Available to residents of 48 US states (excluding CT, WA)
- Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency support
- iPhone/Android mobile support with no app downloads required
- Secure SSL and TLS encryption technology
- No geo-fencing restrictions
- RNG technology guaranteeing fair play for all casino games
- 24/7 live poker including cash games and tournaments
- Multiple sportsbook sites to shop lines for the best prices
- No NCAA or eSports betting restrictions
- No skewed 'home team' pricing on local clubs
- Live betting support for most major sports
- Multiple valuable bonus offers
- International selection of horse tracks with dozens of daily races
Local Gambling Benefits
- Native apps for iPhone and Android (via App Store and Google Play) in states with legal mobile betting
- Wide credit/debit deposit support
- Same-day payouts
- Betting lounges offer gameday/tailgate social experience
- Casinos often offer comped drinks and meals
- Nothing beats a night at the racetrack
Top 11 Questions About States With Offshore Gambling Sites
1. Be honest: Are offshore betting sites legal for real?
Yes! Unless you live in Washington or Connecticut, offshore betting sites are safe and legal to use, as they operate outside of US legal jurisdiction.
2. Don't states consider offshore betting to be 'black market' gambling?
No. Offshore betting is not considered to be 'black market' betting, as that designation is reserved for local underground casinos and bookies operating on US soil without proper licensing. Offshore gambling sites are not part of the black market, and until states explicitly outlaw them, they will remain safe to use.
3. Has any state ever arrested a resident for betting over the Internet at an offshore site?
Millions of American bettors have been patronizing offshore gambling sites for over a generation, and we've never heard of anyone getting fined or arrested for hitting the digital felts or wagering on sports over the Internet with these operators.
4. Is it safe to bet at offshore sites from the United States?
Provided you use a reputable, licensed offshore operator, it is safe to gamble over the Internet. These sites all use state-of-the-art encryption (SSL, TLS) and never give out user information to third parties, keeping all your betting action confidential and secure. Additionally, the best gambling sites all use regularly audited and notarized RNG technology that ensure fair odds to win, whatever your game.
Just pay attention to the terms and conditions of your membership, make sure you're the legal age to gamble in your area (typically 18+), and you should be good to go. You can even join several sites to shop lines for the best deals and find unique table games and variants!
States With Online Bingo
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia (TBA)
States With Online Horse Racing Betting
| Alabama | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado |
| Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Idaho | Illinois |
| Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana |
| Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota |
| Montana | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York |
| North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania |
| Rhode Island | South Dakota | Tennessee | Vermont | Virginia |
| Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
Is Offshore Gambling Better Than Domestic Gambling Regulated by the States?
If you're looking for the best betting experience, there are a number of things to consider, and most of them depend on your own personal needs as a bettor. For most users, due to sheer availability, offshore gambling is a much better, more convenient proposition. However, if you live in a state that has online domestic options (or live near brick-and-mortar gambling venues and enjoy making the occasional evening out of your gambling hobby), these might be more compelling. Each route has its own pros and cons.
Offshore Betting Benefits
- Convenient and accessible to vast majority of gamblers
- Available to residents of 48 US states (excluding CT, WA)
- Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency support
- iPhone/Android mobile support with no app downloads required
- Secure SSL and TLS encryption technology
- No geo-fencing restrictions
- RNG technology guaranteeing fair play for all casino games
- 24/7 live poker including cash games and tournaments
- Multiple sportsbook sites to shop lines for the best prices
- No NCAA or eSports betting restrictions
- No skewed 'home team' pricing on local clubs
- Live betting support for most major sports
- Multiple valuable bonus offers
- International selection of horse tracks with dozens of daily races
Local Gambling Benefits
- Native apps for iPhone and Android (via App Store and Google Play) in states with legal mobile betting
- Wide credit/debit deposit support
- Same-day payouts
- Betting lounges offer gameday/tailgate social experience
- Casinos often offer comped drinks and meals
- Nothing beats a night at the racetrack
Top 11 Questions About States With Offshore Gambling Sites
1. Be honest: Are offshore betting sites legal for real?
Yes! Unless you live in Washington or Connecticut, offshore betting sites are safe and legal to use, as they operate outside of US legal jurisdiction.
2. Don't states consider offshore betting to be 'black market' gambling?
No. Offshore betting is not considered to be 'black market' betting, as that designation is reserved for local underground casinos and bookies operating on US soil without proper licensing. Offshore gambling sites are not part of the black market, and until states explicitly outlaw them, they will remain safe to use.
3. Has any state ever arrested a resident for betting over the Internet at an offshore site?
Millions of American bettors have been patronizing offshore gambling sites for over a generation, and we've never heard of anyone getting fined or arrested for hitting the digital felts or wagering on sports over the Internet with these operators.
4. Is it safe to bet at offshore sites from the United States?
Provided you use a reputable, licensed offshore operator, it is safe to gamble over the Internet. These sites all use state-of-the-art encryption (SSL, TLS) and never give out user information to third parties, keeping all your betting action confidential and secure. Additionally, the best gambling sites all use regularly audited and notarized RNG technology that ensure fair odds to win, whatever your game.
Just pay attention to the terms and conditions of your membership, make sure you're the legal age to gamble in your area (typically 18+), and you should be good to go. You can even join several sites to shop lines for the best deals and find unique table games and variants!
Is Offshore Gambling Legal In Texas
5. Is a domestic state regulated casino safer to use than an offshore casino?
Both types of betting sites are completely safe to use. Some bettors will certainly feel more confident using a state-regulated casino, and that peace of mind can be important, but you have no reason to feel unsafe when using any offshore gambling site recommended here.
6. Is the legal age to bet at offshore sites different in each state?
The legal betting age in your state depends on whether or not your state has gambling laws on its books. If your state has legalized casino sports betting within its borders, it will usually have an age minimum set, and this is almost always 21 and up. However, if your state has yet to pass any gambling legislation, you can defer to your offshore site's age minimum, which is usually 18 and older.
Technically speaking, all major offshore casinos and sportsbooks will accept bettors at just 18 years old, but you should always defer to your state's mandates just to stay on the safe side.
7. Will all US states legalize sports betting and gambling domestically?
Most industry analysts believe that most US states will have legal sports betting available within their borders sometime in the next three to five years. However, it is unlikely that the pastime will be legalized in all 50 states, as some local governments – like those of Utah and Hawaii – are notoriously antagonistic towards gambling across the board.
One of the side effects of this increase in sports betting is that it is encouraging a more mainstream acceptance of casino gaming as well. Currently, commercial and tribal casinos are only available in 30 states. As sports betting states grow in number, more states should also introduce other local gambling options.
8. How much money is bet on sports in each state?
There are lots of different estimates about how much money is wagered on sports by residents of each state. Obviously, states with more professional teams and richer sporting cultures (like New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and California) will see more wagers per capita, but sports betting turns a handle of at least $1 billion annually in each and every state in the US.
- Money bet offshore by US bettors – The American Gaming Association states that US gamblers turn an annual sports betting handle of roughly $165 billion. However, some lawmakers have suggested that this number is as high as $450 billion.
- Money bet domestically by US bettors – While only a few states have legalized sports betting, those have combined for a handle of roughly $14 billion in the first year post-PASPA. This figure is only going to go up as more states come on board and more people bet at domestic books.
9. Do states with legal sports betting and gambling have their own casino apps?
Most states that have legalized land-based sports betting have also legalized online sports betting. In such states, the sportsbooks that open tend to offer their own official sportsbook apps for iPhone and Android, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. However, these apps are all geo-fenced, meaning that you can only use them in the states where they are licensed and registered.
That said, most states with legal casino gaming do not also offer online domestic gambling, which is why so many residents opt for the convenient offshore option. Only the residents of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware can play casino games on state-regulated iPhone and Android casino apps.
10. Do overseas operators offer offshore casino betting apps?
Offshore sports betting sites and casino operators do not offer traditional apps for iPhone or Android, as Apple and Google corporate policies do not allow overseas gambling products in their US-facing storefronts (i.e. the App Store and Google Play).
However, all the most reputable operators have developed mobile-optimized browser-based web portals for their sportsbooks, poker rooms, casinos, and racebooks, giving users a native app-like experience without requiring any downloads or updates.
11. Why can't states simply criminalize bettors for using offshore betting sites?
Offshore Gambling Illegal
As more state-based sportsbooks and casinos open, many bettors wonder why states don't just ban offshore betting sites altogether. Well, New Jersey has considered this approach, opting instead to threaten legal action against offshore operators who do business in the state. And while Washington and Connecticut residents are nominally barred from all online gambling, the laws in those states are historically unenforced.
Best Offshore Gambling Sites
Ultimately, the reason most states won't go this route is that such laws would be logistically impossible to enforce, would require all residents' Internet traffic to be monitored, and would require various international trade agreements to be amended. It is easier for states to simply offer local domestic alternatives for resident bettors, which is what most are currently considering.
