International Online Betting Sites: Expert Reviews & Rankings for 2025

What Are International Betting Sites?

These are online sportsbooks through which you can wager on any sport, no matter which part of the world you’re in. They work on a global scale by offering access to a great number of sports leagues and events.

Quite often, they have better odds and offer a greater number of betting markets than local betting sites. Such sportsbooks accept several payment methods and offer a wide selection of bonuses and promotions.

They’re a perfect fit if the betting markets in your region are too small. Also, they’re ideal for bettors who would like to explore what betting on offshore sites feels like.

Legality of International Sportsbooks in Various Countries

The legality of international sportsbooks falls into 3 categories:

• White markets: These are countries that regulate sports betting with clear laws. Bookies follow strict rules and must have licenses from authorized regulators. Interestingly, bookmakers in regulated nations sometimes also offer services in less regulated countries.
• Grey markets: In these nations, sports betting isn't clearly legal or illegal. There are no firm rules, so offshore betting sites are free to target users here. The government doesn’t regulate or ban international betting platforms.
• Black Markets: These are countries where sports betting is illegal or banned outright. You won’t find legal sportsbooks here. Some international betting sites still operate underground in these nations.

New international betting sites

Brand-new international betting sites have innovative features to suit the needs of a modern bettor. Most of them keep their odds competitive and offer not only traditional sports but also modern events such as AI football. Below, we’ve shortlisted the top bookmakers that guarantee multiple markets, sizable free bets, and high odds:

International sportsbooks accepting crypto

Online international crypto bookmakers allow using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. All of them guarantee speed and anonymity when processing payments. If you’re a crypto fanatic, the following betting sites are a must-try:

• UcoBet
• Wazamba
• Bankonbet

International mobile betting sites

Offshore mobile sportsbook apps are optimized to make betting via smartphones pretty easy. Some come with progressive web apps, while others have downloadable apps on the Google Play Store or App Store. Here are the top international mobile betting apps you should try:

• Betovo
• SG Casino
• Starzino

International fast payout sites

Rapid payout international betting sites guarantee getting your money back in no time. They have short pending periods, with some processing payouts in as little as 24 hours and others instantly. To enhance your overall betting experience, try these sportsbooks below:

• WBetz
• SpinyBet
• Sportuna

Best odds international betting sites

The best odds international betting sites maintain higher odds than that of their competitors. With competitive odds, you can be sure of higher returns. Check out the top offshore betting sites that offer high odds below:

• Winnita
• Legiano
• Asino

Legality of International Sportsbooks in Various Countries

International sportsbooks operate in a legal grey area that differs widely worldwide. In some countries, like the United States, regulation is left entirely to the states, making the landscape quite varied.

The legality of international sportsbooks falls into 3 categories:

1. White markets: These are countries that regulate sports betting with clear laws. Bookies follow strict rules and must have licenses from authorized regulators. Interestingly, bookmakers in regulated nations sometimes also offer services in less regulated countries.
2. Grey markets: In these nations, sports betting isn't clearly legal or illegal. There are no firm rules, so offshore betting sites are free to target users here. The government doesn’t regulate or ban international betting platforms.
3. Black Markets: These are countries where sports betting is illegal or banned outright. You won’t find legal sportsbooks here. Some international betting sites still operate underground in these nations.

Some states, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, have legalized and regulated online sportsbooks. Others, such as Alabama, Alaska, and California, have banned them.

Going to another extreme on the other side of the spectrum, Saudi Arabia forbids all forms of gambling. This includes online sports betting, imposing severe penalties (fines and imprisonment). That’s the reason most international bookies don’t accept bettors from Saudi Arabia.

In Australia, sports betting is legal and regulated. All international online betting platforms can operate freely under the law. Meanwhile, almost all online bets in China are still considered unlawful. Persons caught breaking the law usually have to pay huge fines or be imprisoned.

As for India, online bets are not regulated in this land. Many locals use international sites because of the leniency of the country’s laws. This may vary by region, though.

In Great Britain, the Gambling Commission regulates all sportsbooks, ensuring they meet strenuous standards. This creates a safe landscape for the bettor but is in direct contrast to the very laissez-faire approach adopted by some countries.

Notably, some countries impose fines on sports betting operators. Others punish bettors. Always check your local laws about using international betting platforms to avoid legal issues.

Curacao

Formed in 1996, Curacao eGaming provides a cheap licensing option for international sportsbooks. The easy-going nature of its application process has made it popular for many operators. Besides being cheap, it has fewer requirements.
Since regulation is not as strict as some other jurisdictions, it raises concerns over a bookie’s reliability. There are lots of Curacao-licensed betting sites. As a punter, ensure these sites meet the high standards of fairness and security despite the lighter regulations.

MGA

The Malta Gaming Authority is a well-respected regulator. It enforces strict regulations to protect bettors. Formed back in 2001, the MGA has been imposing strict rules on operators concerning fair play, security, and responsible gambling. Its broad supervision covers regular audits and a super-efficient procedure for dispute resolution.

MGA-licensed sports betting sites enjoy a high reputation. This rigid framework ensures punters enjoy a secure and credible betting environment. However, most of these sites are only available in Europe.

UKGC

The UK Gambling Commission is one of the leading authorities known for strict rules and regulatory practices. Established under the Gambling Act 2005, it guarantees high standards of fairness, security, and responsible gambling.

Detailed checks are required for sportsbook operators licensed by the UKGC. They should also be able to provide reliable tools to keep their customers in control of their betting.

Overall, the UKGC is a trusted choice for bettors seeking reliable and secure betting sites. It has wide-reaching regulations and an excellent reputation.

Gibraltar Gambling Commission

The Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner has been regulating one of the best betting jurisdictions since 2005. It boasts some significant tax benefits, and the licensees are considered fair and secure.

To get a license by Gibraltar, a licensee must follow strict regulations and frequent audits. This makes Gibraltar-licensed bookies safe. With its location and excellent regulatory framework, it’s an attractive jurisdiction for many of the top international betting operators.

Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission

The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission was established in 1962 and provides a solid regulatory framework for online betting.

The commission has earned a reputation for stringent standards, ensuring fairness, security, and responsible gambling. Operators with licenses from this body are regularly inspected for adherence to all regulations.

Because the Isle of Man has high regulatory standing, its license is highly respected within the international sports betting industry.

Taxes at International Betting Sites

The taxes levied on winnings made through an international betting site vary from country to country. In Kenya, for example, the government has enacted very strict tax laws through its Kenya Revenue Authority. Such has been the case with tax issues surrounding local and international bookies like Betin and Betway exiting the market.

Some countries, like the UK, have a regulating framework that allows winnings from a bet to be tax-free. On the other hand, the US takes between 10% and 37% in significant taxes on the profits made from betting.

In Australia, amateur bettors don’t pay any taxes from the winnings from an international bookie. However, professional gamblers must pay taxes ranging from 5% to 15%.

In Germany, sports bettors must pay 5% in tax on stakes. This tax is applicable to Germans betting on local and offshore bookies.

Beware of international betting sites claiming to have no obligation to pay any taxes. These sites must operate in jurisdictions which compel compliance with taxes on their books. Always ensure you check the legality of a betting platform and the status of its tax remittance to ensure your betting is safe.

In most international sportsbooks, declaring taxes is your tax as a bettor.

Basketball

Basketball betting features highly in international sports betting sites. More importance is given to high-stake NBA games and major European leagues.

Notably, the NBA is one of the primary focuses in this sport. Here, bookmakers offer odds on game outcomes, player performance, and playoff series.

International betting sites also cover global events such as the FIBA World Cup and EuroLeague. Hence, they avail a wide range of basketball betting options.

The virtually non-stop calendar of events ensures that the betting markets are available all-year-round. From regular-season games down to the finals, the market coverage for basketball is widespread, and the odds are competitive.

Tennis

Did you know that tennis has the shortest off-season of any sport? Being a virtually year-round sport, it offers a field day for those who are into betting. Extremely popular events here are Wimbledon and US Open.

For singles and doubles matches, international sportsbooks offer a wide range of markets from outright tournament winners right down to set scores. At the Grand Slam events, ATP and WTA tours, and Davis Cup, there's a plethora of betting options available at varying odds.

The sport supports a wide variety of betting types. These include match betting, set betting, and live in-play odds. Tennis betting naturally appeals to fans who enjoy analyzing player performance and match statistics.

Cricket

With its origins tracing back to the 16th century, cricket betting is phenomenally popular. This is true, especially in relation to international events such as the ICC World Cup and IPL.

International sportsbooks carry all major formats, including Test matches, One Day Internationals, and Twenty20 games. Additionally, there are markets on player performances, the outcome of regular matches, and series.

Notably, big money and fast-paced action make the IPL one of the most discussed when it comes to major cricket events. From domestic leagues to major global tournaments, there are plenty of options for cricket bettors.

Horse Racing

Betting on horse racing began in the 1600s in Great Britain. The sport is just so exciting and unpredictable that it has remained a favorite for modern bettors.

With such a rich history and fairly frequent events, this sport guarantees a constant flow of fresh betting opportunities. Here, certain races such as the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot, are always in high demand.

International sportsbooks like Bestsson and Bet365 give thorough coverage of races from tracks around the world, along with detailed odds and market options. Bettors can place wagers on various race types. This includes sprints, derbies, and handicaps, with opportunities for exotic bets like trifectas and exactas.

Skrill

Founded in 2001, Skrill is an e-wallet accepted by virtually all international betting sites. Online bettors value it primarily for its speed and safety of transactions.

The banking method processes deposits instantly, and the usual timing of withdrawals is in 24 hours. This makes it one of the most convenient options among bettors. Skrill accepts over 40 currencies. Plus, it’s available in 30+ countries. This is highly convenient for bettors from various nations.

Most betting platforms online don’t charge transaction fees when using Skrill. That means you’ll keep most of your winnings. Always check to see if your selected sportsbook offers Skrill and if any fees are associated with using the service.

Bitcoin

You’ve probably heard of or used Bitcoin. It’s the oldest cryptocurrency, and the most popular, accepted in over 110 countries. Bitcoin deposits are instant and withdrawals generally take less than 10 minutes. Some network fees may apply, but usually minimal compared to conventional options such as banks.

This digital coin is highly volatile, making it a double-edged sword when betting online. The amount available on your betting account could sky-rocket, giving you impressive profits. They could also fall in a heap, translating to enormous losses.

Not all international betting sites take Bitcoin, though. Ensure your sportsbook accepts crypto transactions. More importantly, be conscious of the unpredictability of Bitcoin's value.

Neteller

Operating since 1999, Neteller is one of the most popular e-wallets preferred by almost all international online betting portals. This is because of its quick speed and ultimate convenience.

Deposits go through almost instantly. Its average processing time for withdrawals is 24 hours. Most bookies charge a 0% fee for Neteller transactions.

The security features of Neteller are solid. Besides identity verification, it offers online fraud protection, and real-time transaction monitoring. The digital wallet also comes with a user-friendly mobile app. It’s available on the App Store and Google Play Store.

Paysafecard

Offering online financial services under the Paysafe Group, Paysafecard is a 2000-established prepaid card. It has gained high acceptance at international online betting sites for its simplicity and security.

You can deposit at a betting site without linking a bank account or credit card. All you have to do is purchase a voucher from an online retailer. This makes it a safe choice to manage your betting budget.

Deposits are made out instantly. While withdrawals were initially not possible, Paysafecard introduced myPaysafe, an e-wallet that allows you to cash out your winnings. Most betting sites don’t accept Paysafecard withdrawals. So, you’ll only see its logo on the list of depositing funds.

MiFinity

Licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority, MiFinity is a 2002-founded payment method. It’s fast, safe and has an operating permit from the Malta Financial Services Authority.

You can be sure of instant deposits when using this payment method at international betting sites. Its withdrawals come through in a few hours. Besides that, it accepts multiple currencies, and over 30 language options.

MiFinity boasts high levels of security. These include encryption, strong customer authentication, and state-of-the art firewalls. Fees are pretty low, with most bookies charging 0%. Check first that your sportsbook supports it, then see what fees or limits apply.

Popular Bonus Offers at International Sportsbooks 2025

Known to many is the fact that international bookies almost always have more and bigger bonuses than local options. We analysed the bonus options and found these to be the most common:

• Welcome Bonuses: Bookmakers offer sports welcome bonuses for new bettors only. These are usually one-time offers, meaning you can claim them only once. They may be in the form of a match deposit or free spins.
• Risk-Free Bets: As the name implies, risk-free bets don’t require you to risk your funds. That means you don’t have to deposit any amount to claim them. They, however, come with wagering requirements.
• Reload Offers: Sports reload bonuses are usually granted to returning bettors. They may come in the form of free bets, enhanced odds, or deposit match bonuses.
• Boosted Odds: These offers, as the name suggests, increase the odds of select events. This translates to higher potential winnings in case your bet qualifies.

Spot Scam International Betting Sites – Red Flags and Warning Signs

Fake betting sites trick and steal money from players every day. Here's how to spot them before you deposit.

• Check the license number. Real sites show their license clearly at the bottom of the homepage. Copy the license number and check it on the official regulator's website. If you can't find it, the site is fake.
• Look for these warning signs: Bonuses over 300% (most legitimate sites rarely go above 200%), email addresses ending in Gmail or Yahoo instead of company domains, payment methods you've never heard of, and customer service that only works through email.
• Test before depositing. Try the live chat first. Ask about withdrawal times. Legit international betting sites answer within minutes with specific information. Fake sites give vague answers or don't respond.
• Check expert and player reviews on multiple websites. Don't trust reviews on the betting site itself. Check review sites like Bettingsite.cc and others. Real sites have mixed reviews. Scam sites have only perfect reviews or only complaints about missing money.

If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and choose a different site. But to be safer, only pick brands recommended on this page. Our experts have tested and verified each, so you’re guaranteed safety.

International Betting Sites vs Local Bookmakers – Know When to Use Each

Choosing between international and local betting sites depends on what matters most to you. International sites are the best for:

• Better odds (usually 10-15% higher)
• More sports and betting options (50+ sports vs 15-20)
• Bigger bonuses
• Cryptocurrency payments accepted
• Available 24/7 in multiple languages

Pick local bookmakers to get:

• Faster customer support in your language
• Local payment methods you already use
• Legal protection if something goes wrong
• No currency conversion fees
• Easier tax reporting

So, use international sites if you bet large amounts and need better odds, your local sites don't offer the sports you want and you prefer using cryptocurrency

But, the smart approach is to use both when possible. Keep most of your money on trusted local sites for safety. Use international sites for specific bets where they offer much better odds. This way, you get the best of both worlds while minimizing risk.

Did You Know?

• Sitios de apuestas internacionales frente a casas de apuestas locales: sepa cuándo utilizar cada uno de ellos

  Elegir entre sitios de apuestas internacionales y locales depende de lo que más le interese. Los sitios internacionales son los mejores para:

  • Mejores cuotas (normalmente un 10-15% más altas)
  • Más deportes y opciones de apuestas (más de 50 deportes frente a 15-20)
  • Mayores bonos
  • Aceptan pagos en criptomoneda
  • Disponible 24/7 en múltiples idiomas

  Elige casas de apuestas locales

  • Soporte al cliente más rápido en su idioma
  • Métodos de pago locales que ya utiliza
  • Protección legal si algo sale mal
  • Sin comisiones por conversión de divisas
  • Informes fiscales más sencillos

  Por lo tanto, utilice sitios internacionales si apuesta grandes cantidades y necesita mejores probabilidades, si sus sitios locales no ofrecen los deportes que desea y si prefiere utilizar criptomoneda.

  Sin embargo, lo más inteligente es utilizar ambas opciones siempre que sea posible. Mantenga la mayor parte de su dinero en sitios locales de confianza por seguridad. Utilice los sitios internacionales para apuestas específicas en las que ofrecen cuotas mucho mejores. De este modo, obtendrá lo mejor de ambos mundos al tiempo que minimiza el riesgo.