Understanding Offshore Sportsbooks
Offshore sportsbooks operate outside US jurisdiction, typically licensed in countries like Curacao, Costa Rica, Panama, or Antigua. They've served American bettors for over two decades, predating the legalization wave that began in 2018.
Why Americans Use Offshore Books
Despite legal sportsbooks expanding to 38+ states, offshore sites remain popular for several reasons:
- State Availability: 12 states still have no legal sports betting option
- Better Odds: Offshore books often offer reduced juice (-105 vs -110)
- Higher Limits: Sharp bettors face fewer restrictions
- Crypto Payouts: Bitcoin withdrawals in minutes, not days
- No Tax Reporting: Offshore books don't report to the IRS (you're still legally required to report winnings)
The Tradeoffs
What You Give Up
- No Legal Recourse: Disputes can't be settled in US courts
- Banking Friction: Credit cards often declined, crypto preferred
- Regulatory Risk: Sites can close or restrict accounts
- No Consumer Protection: No state gaming commission oversight
How We Evaluate Offshore Sportsbooks
We don't rank based on who pays us the most affiliate commission. Our methodology focuses on what actually matters to bettors:
1. Payout Reliability (35%)
Do they actually pay? How fast? We track user reports and test withdrawals ourselves.
2. Reputation History (25%)
Years in business, ownership transparency, past controversies, industry standing.
3. Betting Experience (20%)
Odds quality, market depth, live betting, mobile experience, prop variety.
4. Bonus Fairness (20%)
Rollover requirements, expiration terms, realistic wagering conditions.
Bovada Review
Bovada
Established 2011 | Curacao License
9.2/10
Our Rating
$750
Sports Bonus
15 min
Crypto Payout
5x
Rollover
The Bovada Story
Bovada emerged from Bodog, one of the original online sportsbooks founded by Calvin Ayre in 1994. When Bodog exited the US market in 2011 due to regulatory pressure, Bovada was created specifically for American players. This lineage matters—they've been paying out American bettors for over 30 years under various brands.
Why Bovada Ranks #1
- Payout Track Record: We've never verified a legitimate non-payment complaint. Crypto payouts consistently arrive in 15-30 minutes.
- Beginner Friendly: Cleanest interface, easiest to navigate for new bettors
- Anonymous Betting: Bitcoin deposits don't require identity verification under $3,000
- Casino & Poker: Full casino and active poker room included
Bovada Weaknesses
- Lower Limits: Sharp bettors get limited faster than at BetOnline
- Prop Depth: Fewer obscure props compared to BetOnline
- Odds: Standard -110 juice, rarely offers reduced lines
Bovada Bonus Breakdown
| Bonus | Amount | Rollover | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Welcome (Crypto) | 75% up to $750 | 5x | 30 days |
| Sports Welcome (Card) | 50% up to $250 | 5x | 30 days |
| Casino Welcome | 125% up to $1,250 | 25x | 30 days |
Bottom Line: Bovada is the safest choice for most recreational bettors. The 13+ year track record, fast crypto payouts, and user-friendly experience make it the default recommendation for anyone new to offshore betting.
BetOnline Review
BetOnline
Established 2004 | Panama License
9.0/10
Our Rating
$1,000
Sports Bonus
24 hrs
Crypto Payout
10x
Rollover
BetOnline's Position
BetOnline has operated since 2004, making it one of the longest-running offshore books. They've built a reputation for accepting sharp action and offering the widest variety of betting markets in the industry.
Why Choose BetOnline
- Market Depth: More props, more leagues, more obscure markets than any competitor
- Sharp Friendly: Higher limits, slower to restrict winning players
- Reduced Juice: Occasional -105 lines on major events
- Live Betting: Best in-play betting interface among offshore books
BetOnline Weaknesses
- Slower Payouts: 24-48 hours for crypto vs Bovada's 15 minutes
- Higher Rollover: 10x on sports bonus vs Bovada's 5x
- Clunkier Interface: More complex navigation than Bovada
Bottom Line: BetOnline is the choice for experienced bettors who prioritize market variety and don't mind slightly slower payouts. If you're betting props, live betting, or wagering on obscure leagues, BetOnline delivers.
MyBookie Review
MyBookie
Established 2014 | Curacao License
8.3/10
Our Rating
$1,000
Sports Bonus
24-48 hrs
Crypto Payout
10x
Rollover
MyBookie Overview
MyBookie is the newer entrant, launching in 2014. They've grown quickly through aggressive marketing and generous bonuses, though this comes with higher rollover requirements.
MyBookie Strengths
- Bonus Variety: Frequent reload bonuses and promotions
- Crypto Focus: Strong cryptocurrency support
- Odds Boosts: Regular enhanced odds on popular events
MyBookie Concerns
- Payout Complaints: More verified slow-pay complaints than Bovada/BetOnline
- Aggressive Wagering Requirements: 10x rollover standard
- Shorter Track Record: Only 10 years vs 20+ for competitors
Bottom Line: MyBookie is a legitimate option but ranks third due to its shorter track record and more payout complaints. Suitable for bonus hunters who understand the rollover terms.
SportsBetting.ag Review
SportsBetting.ag
Established 1999 | Panama License
8.5/10
Our Rating
$1,000
Sports Bonus
24 hrs
Crypto Payout
10x
Rollover
SportsBetting.ag Overview
SportsBetting.ag is owned by the same company as BetOnline and shares its betting platform. Think of it as BetOnline's sister site with slightly different promotions.
Key Points
- Same Platform as BetOnline: Identical odds, markets, and betting experience
- Different Promotions: Sometimes offers unique bonuses not available at BetOnline
- Account Flexibility: Can open accounts at both for bonus stacking
Bottom Line: If you like BetOnline's platform, SportsBetting.ag gives you a second account with identical betting options and potentially different bonus offers.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Bovada | BetOnline | MyBookie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years Operating | 13+ (30+ as Bodog) | 20+ | 10+ |
| Crypto Payout Speed | 15 minutes | 24 hours | 24-48 hours |
| Sports Bonus | 75% to $750 | 50% to $1,000 | 50% to $1,000 |
| Bonus Rollover | 5x | 10x | 10x |
| Prop Variety | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Live Betting | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Sharp Tolerance | Low | High | Medium |
| User Experience | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Our Rating | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
Which Offshore Sportsbook Should You Choose?
Choose Bovada If:
- You're new to offshore betting
- Fast payouts are your priority
- You want the easiest user experience
- You value a proven track record over bigger bonuses
- You also want casino and poker access
Choose BetOnline If:
- You're an experienced bettor who wants variety
- You bet player props and obscure markets
- You're a sharp bettor who needs higher limits
- Live betting is important to you
- You don't mind 24-hour payout wait times
Choose MyBookie If:
- You want frequent bonus offers and promotions
- You understand and accept higher rollover requirements
- You're looking for a secondary account option
Important Considerations
Before You Deposit
- Know Your State's Laws: Some states explicitly prohibit online gambling. Check our state-by-state guides.
- Use Crypto: Credit card deposits frequently fail. Bitcoin/Litecoin/Ethereum are far more reliable.
- Start Small: Test withdrawals with smaller amounts before depositing significant funds.
- Read Bonus Terms: Understand rollover requirements before claiming any bonus.
- Keep Records: Track all deposits, withdrawals, and wagers for tax purposes.