Crypto deposits work every time. Everything else works sometimes.
What You Need To Know
US banks follow UIGEA guidelines that restrict gambling transactions. This affects how you get money into and out of offshore sportsbooks.
PayPal, Venmo, Zelle: Block all direct transfers to gambling sites.
Credit cards: 50-70% decline rate depending on issuer and bank.
Bank transfers: Usually blocked.
Cryptocurrency: Works 100% of the time because no bank can stop it.
The entire offshore betting industry has evolved around these restrictions. If you’re not using crypto, you’re fighting uphill.
Why Crypto Works
Blockchain transactions happen directly between wallets. No bank reviews them. No payment processor declines them. No merchant code triggers a block.
You buy Bitcoin. You send it to Bovada’s address. It arrives. Done.
Withdrawals work the same way in reverse. Request Bitcoin withdrawal, receive it in your wallet, sell for dollars if you want.
The process feels complicated until you do it once. Then it feels easier than credit cards ever were.
How To Set Up Crypto
Day one: Download Cash App or create Coinbase account. Verify identity (required by exchanges, not sportsbooks).
Day two: Connect bank account. Buy $50 in Bitcoin as a test.
Day three: Send $25 to yourself at a different wallet address. Confirm it arrives. You now understand the process.
Ongoing: Buy Bitcoin when you want to deposit. Send to sportsbook. Receive Bitcoin when you withdraw. Sell when convenient.
Total learning time: about 30 minutes spread across a few days.
Credit Cards When Crypto Isn’t An Option
Some cards work sometimes. The pattern:
Visa: 60-70% success rate Mastercard: 40-60% success rate Amex: Rarely works Discover: Rarely works
If your card declines, trying the same card again rarely helps. Different card from different bank might work. Or just use crypto.
Prepaid cards sometimes bypass blocks. Vanilla Visa has the best reputation. Register the card first with your real name matching your sportsbook account. Success rate: maybe 40%.
Deposit Process Step By Step
Saturday morning. You want $200 in your Bovada account for NFL games.
With crypto:
- Open Cash App
- Buy $205 Bitcoin (extra covers network fees)
- Navigate to Bovada cashier
- Copy Bitcoin deposit address
- Send from Cash App
- Wait 10-30 minutes
- Funds available
With card:
- Navigate to Bovada cashier
- Enter card information
- Hope it works
- If declined, try different card or switch to crypto
- If approved, funds available immediately
Withdrawal Process Step By Step
Your parlay hit. You have $800 to withdraw.
Crypto withdrawal:
- Navigate to cashier, select withdrawal
- Enter your Bitcoin wallet address (from Cash App, Coinbase, or personal wallet)
- Enter amount
- Submit request
- First withdrawal: verification required (upload ID, proof of address)
- Wait 24-48 hours after verification
- Subsequent withdrawals: 24-48 hours without additional verification
- Bitcoin arrives in your wallet
- Sell for dollars when you want
Check withdrawal:
- Navigate to cashier, select check withdrawal
- Enter mailing address
- One free check per month at most books, $50+ fee after
- Wait 10-15 business days
- Deposit check at bank
Verification Requirements
First withdrawal triggers identity verification at every offshore book. Standard KYC (Know Your Customer) process.
You’ll need: government ID (driver’s license or passport), proof of address (utility bill or bank statement), possibly credit card photos if you deposited that way.
Submit documents. Wait 24-48 hours for approval. After first approval, subsequent withdrawals don’t require re-verification unless you request large amounts.
Do this proactively: upload documents before you want to withdraw. Get verified while you’re not waiting on money.
Large Withdrawals
Amounts over $9,500 typically require multiple transactions. This is normal.
$15,000 withdrawal might process as two $7,500 transactions. Both arrive. Just takes slightly longer.
Very large withdrawals ($25,000+) may trigger additional verification. Source of funds documentation. Bank statements. This protects both you and the sportsbook from fraud.
Your Next Step
Download Cash App. Set up Bitcoin purchasing. Make a test deposit at your chosen sportsbook.
One successful crypto transaction teaches you the permanent solution. Every future deposit and withdrawal becomes straightforward.
FAQ
What’s the best way to deposit at offshore sportsbooks?
Cryptocurrency—specifically Bitcoin or Litecoin. Works 100% of the time with no bank blocking.
Why do credit cards get declined at offshore sportsbooks?
Banks identify gambling merchant codes and block transactions. This is the bank’s policy, not the sportsbook’s limitation.
How long do offshore sportsbook withdrawals take?
Crypto: 24-48 hours after verification. Check: 10-15 business days. Bank wire: 5-10 business days.
Is it safe to use crypto for gambling?
Yes. Crypto transactions are secure. Use your own wallet rather than keeping large amounts on exchanges.