US Offshore Online Casinos – Are They Legal?
Contents
Perhaps the most important question that interests any US-based player is: “Can I play my favorite games in casinos outside the United States without being afraid that I’m breaking any laws?”
This question may be difficult to answer because the laws that apply to the US online casino gambling market differ from one state to the next one. Also, different people claim different things about offshore online casinos, which makes it hard to determine what the relevant and up-to-date information about these casinos is.
Keep on reading to find everything that interests you about offshore online casinos.
Best US Offshore Online Casinos
Bovada
- Mobile Friendly
- Accepts Bitcoin
- Live dealers available
- The deposit plus bonus amount is subject to a 25x playthrough requirement before the deposit, bonus amount and any winnings can be withdrawn.
- Forfeiting this bonus will result in this bonus and any subsequent winnings associated with this bonus to be removed.
- Bonus funds cannot be used for play on Live Dealer games.
- Craps and Live Dealer play do not count toward meeting rollover requirements for withdrawal.
- All games, except Craps and Live Dealer, contribute towards playthrough requirements; however, certain games may have a greater contribution than others.
Ignition Casino
- Accepts Cryptocurrency
- iTech Labs Certified
- Processes cryptocurrency withdrawals very quickly
- The deposit plus Casino bonus amount is subject to a 25X Casino playthrough requirement before the deposit, bonus amount and any winnings can be withdrawn.
Vegas Casino Online
- Mobile Friendly
- Established Since 1999
- Frequent Promotions
• This offer is valid only for first-time depositors at Vegas Casino.
• The offer is limited to one player per household and/or computer.
• The coupon can only be redeemed once by the player to a maximum of $500 in bonus.
• Deposit a minimum $25 to qualify for this bonus.
• The deposit and bonus must be wagered fifty (50) times before a cashout is permitted.
• Only the following games count towards the wagering requirements of the bonus: some Real Video Slots, some Slots, Keno and Scratch Cards.
Cafe Casino
- Transparent banking options
- Crypto friendly
- Live dealers available
- Bonuses issued at the discretion of the Company are subject to one per individual, household, civic address, e-mail address, deposit instrument, bank account, telephone number, computer/device, and/or IP address.
- If you cancel or forfeit the bonus at anytime prior to wagering and rollover requirements being met, all funds generated by the bonus (including the bonus) will be void and be ineligible for reinstatement. Details on the applicable restrictions can be found in the specific terms of the promotion.
- Unless otherwise stated, the minimum amount required to activate a deposit bonus is $20.
- Bonuses are subject to wagering and rollover requirements and must be met by their specified timeline prior to any approved requested withdrawals.
Slots.lv
- Mobile Friendly
- Accepts Bitcoin
- Great Customer Support
Redeemable once per player
Red Dog Casino
- Rewarding promotional offers
- Supports Bitcoin
- Smooth site navigation
225 Slots Bonus + Extra 20% for deposits with crypto. Min dep: $10 Neosurf, $20 BTC, $20 LTC, $20 ETH, $20 BNB, $20 XRP, $20 DOGE, $20 Flexepin, $30 CC, $40 USDT. Valid 5 times. WR: 35x(D+B). Max bet: $10. Max PO: 30xD. Games included: Video Slots, Keno, Scratch Cards, Board Games.
Wild Casino
- Diverse and transparent banking options
- Regular promotions and tournaments
- Dedicated phone support available
- Players can claim the WILD250 bonus code on their first deposit only.
- Players can claim the WILD100 bonus code on their 2nd to 5th deposits only.
- A minimum deposit of $20 is required to qualify for WILD250 and WILD100 bonus codes.
- The maximum bonus amount per deposit is $1,000.
- The correct bonus code needs to be entered to claim the correct match bonus with your deposit. ie WILD250 on your first deposit and WILD100 on subsequent deposits.
- This bonus is only valid on select Slots, Table games and Video Poker games.
- This bonus is not valid in the Live Dealer Casino.
- The deposit plus bonus amount is subject to a 40X rollover requirement before any winnings can be withdrawn.
- Not all games contribute towards bonus rollover; please check our bonus contribution page for further details.
- If the rollover requirements are not met within 30 days of claiming the bonus, any remaining bonus funds winnings will be forfeited.
- Only one bonus can be active at any one time.
- The maximum release amount is 5X the bonus amount up to $5,000.
- Rollover requirements must be met before any additional bonuses can be granted.
- This promotion is non-transferable.
- Standard bonus terms and conditions apply.
- Wild Casino reserves the right to alter or amend the Terms and Conditions of this promotion at any time without notice.
Sloto Cash
- Offers live dealer options for US players
- Great variety of slot machines available
- Great rewards program
All free bonuses require a minimum of 60x wagering before any withdrawal can be made. Wagers placed on Blackjack, Video Poker, Craps, American Roulette, Baccarat, and other table or non-slot games will not count toward this wagering requirement unless explicitly stated otherwise. Playing any excluded game before meeting these wagering requirements may result in the casino voiding all winnings and potentially closing the account. Withdrawal requests submitted before completing the wagering requirements will be denied until these requirements are fully met.
SportsBetting.ag
- Allows US Players
- Live dealers available
- Frequent promotions available
Las Vegas USA
- Mobile Friendly
- Established Since 1999
- Low Minimum Deposit
Wagering requirements: To withdraw you must first wager 40 times your deposit plus bonus in valid games.
About Offshore Online Casinos
Offshore casinos are online gambling sites that are registered and operate in a country other than your own. When you type in “offshore” in a search box, you will be overwhelmed by the number of opinions about these casinos.
Still, it is obvious that as time passes, things are rapidly changing in offshore casinos’ favor. Since this industry is growing, offshore casinos must follow rules and ensure fair playing conditions. This is good news for players because they now have a wide selection of legal offshore casinos where they can play games and have fun.
Different countries have different laws regarding online casinos. It is very important for players to know the law of the country they live in so that they can join offshore casinos without any fear of legal prosecution.
In the US, no gambling law prohibits players from accessing online casinos, but some states can impose certain legal restrictions regarding payments or ban online casinos in their state.
Are Offshore Casinos Legal in the US?
US residents can legally access licensed offshore gaming platforms to play online casino games or place bets on sports in all states except Washington and Connecticut.
When it comes to the other 48 states in the US, no state laws specifically prohibit or allow offshore casinos. Unsurprisingly, these casinos are taking advantage of the gray area. Many American players are still wondering whether it is safe for them to play in casinos that are not licensed in the US but in another country. The answer to that question is yes.
Offshore casinos are legitimate casinos with clearly defined rules and guidelines that ensure a fair and secure online gaming environment. Also, in order to offer casino games to players and be able to do business around the world, offshore casinos have to be licensed by reputable gambling jurisdictions, which makes them trustworthy and safe.
Since there is no federal law that prevents US players from gambling in licensed offshore casinos located outside the US, players can enjoy playing their favorite games in these casinos.
Safe online casinos that accept US players possess valid licenses and certificates and are supervised by reputable governing bodies. They also offer enticing welcome bonuses, a range of interesting games, and a safe online gaming environment.
What about the two states that do not allow offshore online gambling on their territories? In Washington and Connecticut, online gambling is prohibited and that is clearly stated in their state gambling laws. The law says that it is a crime for their residents to play real-money casino games online.
Offshore Casino Banking and USA’s UIGEA Rules
The biggest threat and obstacle to a great relationship between American casino players and offshore online casinos come in the form of UIGEA. The UIGEA is an act that came as a part of the broader SAFE Port Act.
The UIGEA aims to prohibit payment processors from knowingly accepting illegal gambling transactions made to unlicensed gambling operators, namely, offshore gambling sites. The act is directed more toward gambling sites and payment processors, which means players are less likely to face any legal persecution.
It is worth noting that the UIGEA hasn’t wholly banned all transactions. Although it resulted in some major e-wallets and other operators like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller stopping all gambling-related transactions between Americans and online offshore casinos, some financial institutions still process safe and fast casino deposits and withdrawals.
Namely, players can opt for cryptocurrency payments that most offshore online casinos support, like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum. These cryptocurrencies are not controlled by any central banks or institutions, so the transactions can’t be stopped, making them a perfect choice for players from the USA.
Also, credit card institutions, like Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, accept casino payments to offshore casinos, but more than half of them fall through due to the UIGEA.
Prepaid cards, gift cards, and vouchers are also reliable options for Americans. The majority of them are successful when it comes to conducting deposits and withdrawals to and from offshore online casinos, but only if they are available for international use, which is something USA players need to be aware of.
Another thing to be aware of is the fees. Some payment methods available to Americans, such as gift cards, vouchers, and prepaid cards, entail transaction fees that can be up to 10% of the total payment.
Advantages of Offshore Online Casinos
There are many advantages of playing casino games in renowned offshore casinos. Here are some of the reasons why playing in these casinos can be a good decision.
Good Selection of Games
When you play online, you have a wide range of available games at your disposal. Online casinos have thousands of slots, table games, and other game types on offer. You can play brand new games and games that are impossible to find in any land-based casinos.
Also, many online casinos allow users to play for free, which can be very convenient for newcomers but also useful for experienced players who want to try a new game without spending any money.
Better Bonuses
In order to attract players, online casinos are constantly offering promotions. They have welcome bonuses for new players, as well as daily and monthly promotions and VIP loyalty schemes to keep their regular players satisfied.
Play Anytime and Anywhere
Being able to play their favorite casino games on the go has become very important for casino players. Thanks to online casinos, you can play anywhere using your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Also, if you want to play casino games late at night but you don’t want to drive to a land-based casino, online casinos provide a perfect alternative.
Mobile versions of casino websites and mobile apps offer a unique gaming experience and are available for both Android and iOS devices.
User Experience
Thanks to modern technology, online casinos have become very easy to use, which makes the whole experience much more enjoyable. Players can count on fantastic graphics and audio effects that make every game they want to play exciting.
Nowadays, many online casinos include Live Casino sections that allow players to feel like they are in a brick-and-mortar casino where they can communicate with the dealer and other players.
Age Restriction
You need to be at least 21 to play games in most land-based casinos. On the other hand, in many online casinos, you can start playing games as soon as you turn 18.
No Taxes on Winnings
Another significant advantage of offshore casinos is that the money you win is not taxable. This means you are not required to report the profit to the IRS because the casino in which you played is not located in your country.
Disadvantages of Offshore Online Casinos
Even though the gambling industry is regulated in countries from which offshore casinos operate and they need to obey the law in order to offer their services around the world, some problems may arise nevertheless.
Casino Licenses
There are many online casinos out there — don’t play in the first one you come across. Before you decide to join a casino, always check if it is licensed. By doing that, you will make sure you are playing in a safe and trustworthy casino.
No Possibility to Complain to Local Authorities
Offshore casinos are registered outside the US, which means that, if any problems arise, you won’t be able to complain to local authorities.
Offshore casinos can have different terms and conditions from US-based casinos. Some of them may refuse to pay out your winnings for a number of reasons you weren’t aware of. If that happens, you won’t be able to complain to local authorities since offshore casinos are beyond their jurisdiction.
To prevent this, always go through the Terms and Conditions page of the casino you’re playing in.
Software Security
When it comes to offshore casinos, most players worry about safety. Fortunately, a great number of these casinos use reliable software and modern technology to create a safe gaming environment and protect their players.
However, some casinos don’t have adequate licenses and they haven’t been verified by independent software testing agencies, so players can’t know if the games they offer are fair.
FAQ
Yes, they are. Offshore casinos are located outside the US and are regulated by their own governments. However, in order to offer their services in the US, these casinos need to be properly licensed and safe.
Offshore casinos are forbidden in Washington and Connecticut.
Reputable offshore casinos use RNG algorithms that are regularly tested by gambling authorities and independent agencies to ensure fair gaming conditions.
Legal offshore casinos offer a variety of different games, including slots, table games like blackjack, roulette and poker, live games, specialty games, etc. Before joining a casino, check the available games to make sure your favorite titles are there.
Most offshore online casinos offer welcome bonuses to new players, as well regular promotions to their loyal customers.
Casinos licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) or the Malta Gambling Authority are considered the safest. There are also other respectable authorities like the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, Curacao eGaming, or the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission.
Casinos operating in the US offer several payment methods US players can use to make deposits and withdrawals, such as credit/debit cards, wire transfers, e-wallets, cryptocurrencies, etc.
In most offshore casinos, players can use American dollars, so there’s no need to worry about conversion rates.
Yes, you can. Many offshore casinos allow players to play games in free mode so that they can see whether they like a particular game or not.
Yes, they do. Most modern online casinos offer mobile versions of their games, thus allowing players to enjoy gambling wherever they are and play their favorite games on the go.
