Betting Sites Abroad

European betting sites

Europe is one of the oldest continents in terms of sports betting. Betting began in 776 BC. There are millions of active bettors, with Italy having the largest share of the market and the Netherlands quickly catching up.

Remarkably, the region’s strong regulatory framework provides a safe betting environment. Some top European betting sites regulators include:

• Kansspelautoriteit – Netherlands Gaming Authority (KSA)
• United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC)
• Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
• Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA)
• Spanish Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ)

These regulators are some of the strictest in the market. They issue licences, maintain technical standards, and implement anti-money laundering practices.

The best offshore online sports betting sites usually target the European markets by providing services in their local languages: French, Dutch, German, English, Spanish and more.

Asian betting sites

Asia has the biggest betting market, covering millions of prospective bettors. Countries such as India, China, and Japan are the most prominent countries in terms of sports betting activities.

In these countries, regulations vary: some have very strict laws about gambling, while others are more lenient. Here are some of the top gambling regulators in Asia:

• The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)
• Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ)
• Singapore Totalisator Board (Tote Board)
• Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC)

From the regional perspective, diverse cultures affect all facets of betting. Bettors like how fast the transactions can be made and the variety of local payment options available.

Sportsbooks in Africa

The sports betting market is pretty dynamic in Africa and is in a rapid development phase. Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are at the forefront.

The best offshore betting site often includes African markets due to high demand. Regulations vary, but many countries have lenient laws to accommodate bettors.

Below are some of the top gambling regulators in Africa:

• National Gambling Board of South Africa (NGB)
• National Lotteries Authority of Nigeria (NLA)
• Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB)
• The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ghana (GRA)

Betting sites in North America

North America has a diverse and growing online sports betting market. The United States and Canada are key players, with millions of active bettors.

Notably, the best offshore betting site often targets North American markets with tailored services. The U.S., for example, has a complex legal landscape, with each state regulating betting independently.

For example, if there are betting sites in Texas, a specific authority will control all betting activities within Texas.

Here are some of the top betting regulators in North America:

• Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
• British Columbia Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB)
• Kahnawake Gaming Commission
• American Gaming Association (AGA)
• New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE)

The region’s strong sports culture drives betting activities. Bettors enjoy a wide range of payment methods and fast transactions, especially from offshore betting sites that accept Interac.

Australia

Australia has strict legislation against betting via offshore sites. According to the Interactive Gambling Act, it’s illegal for any unlicensed operator to offer services to Australians.

In most cases, offshore betting sites targeting Aussies are normally blacklisted and blocked by ISPs. Heavy fines and prosecution are usually levied on such violators.

In 2017, these sets of regulations were enforced more tightly by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Several high-profile prosecutions have taken place, and this has discouraged illegal offshore betting.

The best-ranked offshore betting site should be at the complete mercy of the local laws so as not to attract fines. Australian bettors ought to be wary and only use local licensed operators.

China

In China, strict restrictions are considered part and parcel of online betting, which means offshore betting sites are no exception. The government blocks these sites and punishes those who access it through other means.

There is immense monitoring of offshore sports betting sites, and many restrictions await them. Chinese authorities, in 2020, arrested more than 11,500 people over illegal online gambling.

Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and property seizures. Accordingly, the police apprehend payment processors to stop offshore betting.

Chinese bettors using non-regulated bookies risk prosecution. This has been the case since 1949, when the Communist Party took power.

Russia

The Russian government has strict laws concerning online betting, including offshore sites where betting is offered. The government maintains a list of banned sites and forbids access.

Betting sites abroad that accept bets on horse racing are also restricted. This aims to protect business for operators based in the country.

In 2019, regulators in Russia fined a number of individuals for promoting illegal sportsbooks. Possible punishments include fines, imprisonment, and website bans.

The Federal Tax Service is responsible for ensuring these rules are followed. To avoid any legal problems, Russian bettors should bet only on licensed local bookies.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE blocks all international betting sites, and accessing them may result in a serious punitive sentence.

In 2018, several people were brought into court for betting on offshore sites. The Cyber Crime Law was used against the offenders.

TDRA regulates digital communications in the Arab Emirates. It actively monitors and blocks illegal gambling sites so residents cannot access offshore betting.

Those found betting online have strict legal repercussions. This includes 2 years imprisonment and an AED 20,000 fine.

Turkey

Turkey is not so friendly when it comes to offshore betting. It has blocked access to such websites, and certain fines are set for the perpetrators.

In 2020, the Turkish government imposed heavy fines and imprisonment on many people found involved in illegal online betting.

Laws are enforced by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority. Online sports betting in Turkey is allowed only through licensed local operators.

Extra care is taken so Turkish bettors do not fall prey to possible legal complications.

Did you know Turkey was the first country to target bettors instead of bookmakers for illegal gambling? That explains why Turkish citizens must be vigilant.

The Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB)

Curacao is one of the popular regulators of offshore betting sites. It has a straightforward approach towards licensing, which has drawn lots of operators to this organisation.

Many offshore betting sites usually hold the Curacao License because of its lenient approach towards regulation. This regulator has minimal compliance and has faced criticism because of its hands-off approach.

That said, many offshore sports betting sites still take advantage of Curacao because it is inexpensive. Considered one of the more globally accepted licences, Curacao licences are a very frequent find for many new operators.

However, as a bettor, you should have prudence by researching the reputation of a particular Curacao sports betting site before deciding to place a bet. This is the only way to guarantee safety and fairness while betting. Remember to check other security measures on such websites.

Alderney Gambling Control Commission

The Alderney Gambling Control Commission or AGCC is an independent and non-political regulator. It debuted in 2000 and is focused on player protection and anti-fraud.

Thus, this regulator has an excellent reputation for its high standards and attentive monitoring. Most international sports betting sites regulated by the AGCC are reliable.

Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission

Formerly the Gambling Control Commission, this regulator debuted in 1962. This makes it one of the oldest. It provides a sound licensing platform and has the interest of bettors at heart.

One of its key functions is to protect bettors’ funds. It does this by ensuring all licensees have reliable and secure banking systems.

The commission also investigates complaints brought forward by bettors and acts as a mediator between sportsbooks and punters.

Online sportsbooks with a licence from this regulator are among the best options for bettors abroad. That’s because they guarantee a secure and fair betting environment.

Malta Gaming Authority

Established in 2001, the Malta Gaming Authority, or MGA, is one of the most respected regulatory bodies in the world. It brings in-depth regulation to offshore betting sites. The best international sportsbooks often opt for MGA licensing because of their high standards.

This regulator guarantees fairness, protection, and responsible betting measures. It enjoys a reputation for transparency and rigid rule enforcement.

One of the authority's key duties is safeguarding bettor rights. It does this by investigating complaints raised by punters. Also, the MGA ensures all deposits and withdrawals are secure.

Football

Also called soccer, football is the most popular sport on offshore sports betting sites. You can bet on various leagues worldwide, like the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A.

The best offshore betting site has a range of markets, including match outcomes, goals, and player performances. Live bets are also provided with very competitive odds.

Soccer is an immensely popular sport worldwide. Its fan base is approximately 3.5 to 5 billion people, so almost all bookies offer it.

Offshore horse racing betting sites might also include football markets to complement their betting options. For bettors, it brings much-needed thrill and unpredictability.

Basketball

Sports betting sites abroad also cover basketball events. Basketball is a fast-moving game. Combined with all the different areas to bet on, it is a favourite for those placing wagers. You can bet on the NBA, EuroLeague and other international leagues.

The best sportsbooks abroad provide markets on points, rebounds and assists. They also offer live betting and streaming of basketball action. This elevates the means of wagering on the sport and provides in-play bets.

Offshore horse racing betting sites may also offer basketball markets. Its popularity guarantees massive coverage and competitive odds.

Cricket

According to the International Cricket Council, cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world. It has a fan base of over 1 billion people.

It’s highly rated at most offshore betting sites, especially with bettors from India and the UK. You can bet on Test matches, ODIs, and T20 leagues.

The best offshore cricket betting site offers markets on the number of runs, wickets and player performances. Modern bookies offer live streaming and in-play betting for ongoing cricket events.

The game of cricket is highly tactical. Besides being unpredictable and fun to watch, its numerous prop bets make it a fan-favourite.

Esports

Esports betting is among the fastest-growing industries. There are over 260 million fans of this type of sport.

You can place wagers on popular games such as League of Legends, Dota 2, and CS:GO. Top sportsbook operators offer competitive odds for these games, guaranteeing substantial wins.

Betting markets include match outcomes, performance by players, and more. Modern bookmakers offer live streaming of esports, adding to the fun. This allows you to make strategic bets.

Hockey

Hockey is one of the major sports in betting sites in the Netherlands and abroad. It has a huge fan base, especially in North America and Europe. There are over 2 billion hockey fans worldwide. Because of the popularity of this sport, expect comprehensive coverage and competitive odds.

The best sportsbooks offer markets on goals, assists, and player performances. They also offer live betting and streaming of hockey games, adding even more to the betting experience with in-play wagers.

Offshore horse racing betting sites also offer hockey markets. The fast tempo of hockey and the variety of bets associated are appealing to bettors.

Visa

Founded in 1958, Visa is accepted by most offshore betting sites. This banking option provides enhanced fraud protection by encryption technologies. Hence, for a long period, it remains a trustworthy option for online bettors.

Operating in over 200 countries, there are 4+ billion active Visa cards. Many offshore sportsbooks find it ideal because it is universally accepted and easy to use.

With Visa, you can be sure of instant deposits. Withdrawals may be delayed a little bit, taking anywhere between 2 to 3 days.

Some countries have restricted the use of Visa for online gambling either wholly or in part. They include the UK, Australia, India and Germany.

Skrill

Operating under the Paysafe Group, Skrill is one of the most popular banking methods. It has a fan base of over 40 million people. Additionally, it’s available in 200+ countries and supports over 40 currencies. The Netherlands and EUR are on the list.

You can open a Skrill account without necessarily showing your bank details. Hence, the privacy and security of your banking details is guaranteed. Most bettors prefer this payment method because you can be sure of instant deposits and same-day withdrawals.

Skrill has a VIP program that will give you even lower fees than standard accounts. It also comes with higher transaction limits, and 24/7 customer support in English.

Bitcoin

Over 110 countries accept the use of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. Only selected betting sites offer BTC, though.

This banking option is popular in top offshore bookmakers because of its anonymity. Not only that, you’ll incur low fees (mostly network fees) when transacting.

The withdrawal processing time with Bitcoin takes less than 10 minutes. This makes it a faster option than most banking methods. Deposits are instant.

Bitcoin, like many other digital coins, is highly volatile. This may work in your favour or against you. That is, you can make sizable profits or massive losses.

Paysafecard

Operating since 2000, Paysafecard is one of the most popular prepaid voucher systems. It’s widely accepted by a great number of top offshore betting sites.

It offers secure and private means of depositing money into accounts without disclosure of personal or financial information. Additionally, its vouchers are pretty affordable, starting at €10.

To withdraw your winnings, you’ll need myPaysafe account. It’s the ewallet variant of this banking method.

Unfortunately, most bookies don’t offer Paysafecard for withdrawals. That means you’ll need to choose a different banking method depending on the bookie’s payment policy.

Neteller

Operating since 1999, Neteller is a widely used electronic wallet at international betting sites. It offers a fast and efficient way to deposit and withdraw funds.

This banking option supports over 10 languages, including German, Spanish, and French. Furthermore, it accepts 15+ currencies, including EUR, GBP, and USD.

Neteller’s minimal transaction fees and rapid processing times make it an attractive option for bettors. Offshore sportsbooks appreciate its robust security features, including two-factor authentication and data encryption.

The e-wallet has a VIP program that rewards loyal customers with benefits such as lower fees and higher transaction limits. However, some users may find the account verification process somewhat lengthy.

Fast payout offshore sportsbooks

Offshore betting sites with fast payouts prioritise quick and efficient payouts for bettors. Usually, they feature several payment options that process withdrawals quickly (e-wallets and crypto). Besides that, they have short pending periods, meaning they process your winnings as soon as you request for payout.

Crypto betting sites abroad

Online crypto sports betting sites allow punters to place wagers using various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. These bookies offer higher privacy and security and lower transactional fees than other sportsbooks. With crypto, you can be sure of rapid transactions.

Mobile betting sites

Offshore mobile betting apps allow you to bet on your smartphone and tablet through a dedicated application. These user-friendly sportsbooks have easy-to-use interfaces and navigational capabilities. As a punter, you’ll be able to place wagers anytime and anywhere.

Trends in Online Betting

The nature of offshore online betting keeps on evolving given the emerging technologies and changing tastes of most consumers.

International betting sites are at the forefront of this transformation, offering a broader range of sports and events to bet on.

This expansion includes niche sports and international competitions, providing bettors with diverse opportunities. One notable trend is the integration of live streaming and in-play betting options.

Online bookies leverage these features to enhance user experience, allowing bettors to watch events in real-time and place bets as the action unfolds. This dynamic approach not only increases engagement but also offers more strategic betting opportunities.

Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are also making their mark. Modern bookmakers use AI to provide personalised recommendations and predictive analytics, helping bettors make more informed decisions.

This use of technology underscores the commitment to improving user experience and maintaining a competitive edge.

Modern betting platforms are gaining popularity due to their competitive odds and access to international races. They often offer exclusive promotions and bonuses, attracting a global audience.

As the industry continues to grow, the emphasis on security, fair play, and responsible gambling remains paramount, ensuring a trustworthy environment for all users.

Local Vs International Betting Sites

When deciding between local and betting sites abroad, it’s important to understand what each option offers. Here’s a comparison to help you make an informed choice:

Author’s Tips on The Hidden Costs and Currency Conversion Traps to Remember

Most players think depositing $100 means they'll have $100 to wager, but this is really rarely correct. The reality is far more expensive.

Currency conversion is the biggest hidden cost. Some betting sites abroad will take away a quiet 3-5% from your deposit in the exchange for currencies using so-called bad exchange rates. This fee won't appear anywhere; it is hidden in the conversion rate itself.

Then the credit card comes along and worsens the situation, with some sites charging up to 9.75% just to process your deposit. When trying to withdraw, another one may come up.

Suppose you win $500 and request a payout. The site then takes a processing fee of around $25, then $20 is lost to currency conversion. On top of that, your bank adds $30 for receiving the international wire. Finally, your $500 win is now down to $425.

Smart players use e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller, which charge only 1-2% in fees. Cryptocurrency, meanwhile, is the best, often lowest-fee alternative. But to be safe, always ask live chat what fees are applicable before depositing, and then check the actual exchange rates you are getting.

A New Zealand player learned this the hard way by depositing $200, and after all deposits, he only received $176 in his account. Then he withdrew $1,000 in winnings only to get just $865. That's $135 lost to hidden costs that nobody warned him about.

Responsible Gambling Tools and Resources at Offshore Betting Sites

Betting should be an enjoyable experience and not an anxious or hurtful endeavor. Luckily, top offshore bookmakers understand this, and that's why they provide responsible gaming tools to curb betting addiction. Some of the responsible gambling tools and controls they offer include:

• Deposit Limits: These allow you to impose a daily, weekly, or monthly spending limit on your budgets.
• Loss Limits: You can restrict further bets when you've reached a certain loss threshold using this limit.
• Session Time Limits: You're reminded when you've been logged in for an excessive amount of time.
• Reality Checks: The sites provide you with frequent pop-ups to inform you how long you've been betting.
• Self-exclusion: This limit allows you to exclude yourself from access to a particular betting site abroad for a temporary or permanent duration.

Tip: To find these tools, search for them under “Responsible Gambling” in the homepage footer

Where to Find Gambling Addiction Help

If you find yourself or know someone else trapped in betting addiction, there are several international organizations offering support. These are:

• BeGambleAware: www.begambleaware.org
  
• Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org
  
• NCPG (USA): www.ncpgambling.org
  

These offer free help via live chat, hotlines, and self-help tools.

Tips for Betting Abroad Online

Betting online while abroad can be an exciting experience. However, it requires some preparation and awareness. Here are top tips to keep in mind:

• Only use reputable sites: Choose top-rated offshore online betting sites.
• Using a VPN: Ensure access to international online betting sites is secure and private.
• Check local laws: Ensure that online betting is legal in your country.
• Set betting limits: Manage your bankroll so you never lose more than you intended.
• Customer support check: Just ensuring the customer support is there and reachable.
• Keep exchange rates in mind: Nearly every sportsbook charges for currency conversion.