Online casinos have become a global trend, attracting players worldwide, including in the US. However, the legality of online gambling in the United States has been a hot topic, as each state has the power to regulate online gambling.
As a result, only a handful of states have created a gambling-friendly legal landscape and let online casinos operate and cater to their residents. Although it seems players from the states where online casinos are unregulated have no options, the reality is entirely different.
While they don’t have access to locally owned and licensed online casinos, they can rely on offshore online casinos — sites that operate internationally. The following article will explain offshore casinos and how they differ from unlicensed gambling platforms. Let’s begin.
Offshore and Unlicensed Casinos — Are They the Same Thing?
In the context of online gambling sites, offshore refers to online casinos operating outside the country you live in. In this case, casino platforms owned by companies outside the US are called offshore or international casinos.
These sites don’t fall under the local jurisdiction, meaning any anti-gambling legislation from your state doesn’t affect them.
Gambling operators look to set up their business in a location with favorable laws and an inviting environment, so it’s unsurprising that some of the best online casinos operate in international waters. Therefore, if you live in a state where internet gambling is illegal or unregulated, signing up at an offshore online casino is your best shot at experiencing the thrill of online gambling.
In the iGaming community, offshore casinos are often considered shady or unreliable. However, they still have to respect the regulations and laws of their jurisdiction, like any other online casino.
At this point, we should explain that offshore online casinos fall into two categories — licensed and unlicensed. The former abide by all the rules and follow the industry’s strict regulations, thus creating a safe and fair gambling environment for all players.
On the other hand, unlicensed offshore casinos are known for scamming unsuspecting players and offering unrealistic gambling opportunities. As the name suggests, these operators don’t have the necessary licensing and approval from regulators, mainly because of their unethical business practices.
If you’re unsure whether an offshore casino has a license or not, visit the official website, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and look for a seal of approval from well-known regulators, like UKGC, MGA, Kahnawake, Curacao, Isle of Man, and Gibraltar. If there’s no sign of a license, it’s time to look for another online casino.
Is Offshore Gambling Illegal in the US?
Simply put — no. Offshore gambling isn’t illegal in the United States. No federal laws prohibit you from playing at an offshore online casino. On top of that, these operators don’t fall under US jurisdiction, meaning local laws and regulations don’t apply to them.
However, you should check whether your state has specific laws regarding offshore online gambling. Some states explicitly prohibit their residents from signing up at international online casinos and even prosecute them if caught. So, brush up on your local gambling laws before deciding whether to play at an international online casino.
How to Pick the Right Offshore Online Casino
Choosing an offshore online casino can be grueling and overwhelming, especially if you have no experience with online gambling. US players have hundreds of offshore sites at their disposal, so picking just one might seem impossible.
However, sticking to the following checklist will help you identify legit offshore sites and bring you one step closer to finding a platform that meets your needs and preferences. Check it out:
- Licensing — Each offshore site should have a valid license from a renowned gambling regulator. Ensure the site you pick is licensed by a relevant regulatory agency before sharing personal or financial information.
- Bonuses — Offshore online casinos offer far more attractive and generous bonuses for new and existing players. You could claim the new member deal and kick off your gambling adventure with a boost.
- Bonus terms — Make sure the bonus terms are fair and not unrealistic. Read the fine print and check the wagering requirements, game weighting, validity period, and supported payment methods before committing.
- Game selection — You’ll find a better and more extensive game selection at an offshore casino. However, ensure the titles come from reputable game developers that test the software, creating a fair gambling environment for all players.
- Payment methods — Visit the Banking section and see whether the platform supports a payment method you’re comfortable with. Most sites accept credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. You might even come across casinos that support cryptocurrencies.
- Customer support — Efficient support is of utmost importance in online gambling, especially when playing outside your jurisdiction. A reputable offshore casino should provide professional support via live chat, email, or phone.
Another helpful tip is to read online reviews and visit forums where players discuss their experiences. That way, you can get unfiltered and honest opinions on a specific offshore online casino, which could ease your decision.
Pros and Cons of Offshore Online Casinos
Some players immediately think of shady operators and scams at the mention of offshore online casinos. However, this isn’t entirely accurate, as many internationally-owned casinos cater to US players. These have good and bad sides, like any local online casino. Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of playing at offshore online casinos:
Pros:
- Unrivaled game selection — Offshore sites collaborate with dozens of industry-leading software providers, creating stunning game collections with exciting and fast-paced slots, feature-rich table games, and immersive live dealer titles with professional dealers.
- Free play — You can practice by trying the games in demo mode. Most offshore casinos feature free-to-play, allowing users to test games before investing real money. So, if you’re unsure about a game, you can play it for fun and see whether it’s worth your time and money.
- Generous bonuses and promotions — You can claim thousands of dollars as a welcome bonus at a licensed offshore casino. These platforms are known for juicy new player deals and rewarding promotions for regulars. You can enhance your gambling experience and create more winning opportunities with such offers.
- Variety of supported payment methods — You’ll find an assortment of accepted banking options. Aside from traditional bank cards and transfers, you’ll also encounter e-wallets and cryptocurrencies that create an extra security layer.
Cons:
- Licensing and regulatory issues — Unfortunately, not all offshore online casinos are regulated. You might find platforms presenting themselves as licensed and trustworthy operators when, in reality, they are the complete opposite. That’s why checking whether the licensing information is legit is critical.
- High withdrawal requirements — Certain sites have high minimum withdrawal requirements. So, if you’re a casual player not chasing big wins, you might find it challenging to meet the stipulations. Double-check the information and limits before making a deposit and playing games for real money.
Should You Play in Unlicensed Offshore Casinos?
No, you shouldn’t. There is no excuse for playing in an unlicensed offshore casino and exposing yourself to unnecessary risk. The best scenario is to choose a locally-owned and licensed online casino with a rock-solid reputation.
However, if that’s not possible, you should find a reliable and trustworthy offshore online casino with a valid gambling license. You’ll find that there are plenty of viable options at your disposal, so you won’t even have to consider an unlicensed site.
Final Thoughts
You now know that offshore and unlicensed don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand. You can easily find highly reputable and licensed offshore casinos with enviable gaming collections, rewarding bonuses, and secure payments.
So, if you’re looking to kick-start your gambling adventure, don’t be afraid to dip your toes in uncharted waters and explore the world of offshore casinos. Just make sure they have valid licenses before taking any further steps!
