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Bitcoin Means Smooth Sailing For Offshore Sports Betting Sites

Local sports betting venues and kiosks are commonplace in much of the world, with several international regions also coming onboard in embracing the pastime.
That said, no sports wagering market is growing more quickly than that in the US, as nearly 20 states have legalized the activity since the Supreme Court overturn of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA, 1992) in mid-2018.
In fact, according to CNBC, more than half of Americans live in states that will offer regulated sports betting within the next year or two.
However, even as locally regulated betting shops and domestically operated Internet sportsbooks come online, the options provided for by offshore betting sites remain superior for most bettors in most areas.
The reason for this is simple: Bitcoin support.
No domestic sportsbook in the US or any other country currently accepts Bitcoin (BTC) as a banking option, meaning that you cannot deposit or withdraw with the popular cryptocurrency at these venues.
For many bettors and punters, that’s a deal breaker, as Bitcoin is fast becoming a major industry unto itself, threatening to eclipse many online payment platforms the world over.
To be certain, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency (aka altcoin) support is not the only reason to use offshore betting sites instead of local domestic options. However, it’s arguably the most compelling reason, and it remains so for both the US and international markets.
Benefits of Bitcoin
There are several overarching reasons to use Bitcoin when patronizing an offshore sports betting service, which is why so many people are turning to the revolutionary non-fiat currency alternative.
While some of BTC’s selling points may not appeal to or seem mission critical for all users, the aggregate of features on offer demonstrate how Bitcoin remains in a class of its own re electronic financial transactions.
- No transaction fees – When you use BTC to deposit or withdraw at offshore betting sites, there are no added transaction fees. The only transfer surcharges you will ever pay with Bitcoin are those natively assigned by the cryptocurrency itself, and these usually amount to pennies at most.
- Next-level security – Bitcoin offers the best data security measures of any financial product – or any electronic product – in the world. Bitcoin is said to be quantum hacking resistant, and the open ledger blockchain technology originated by BTC is the gold standard in encryption and fraud prevention.
- Greater anonymity – Bitcoin is not fully anonymous, but it offers greater anonymity than any banking product on the market. Bitcoin uses numerical wallet addresses – not identities – to send and receive money, and online gamblers value their privacy to a high degree. The old saying is “The Internet is forever.” With BTC, privacy is paramount.
- Accepted worldwide – Bitcoin is accepted worldwide, and it can be sent person-to-person, person-to-business, business-to-person, or business-to-business quickly and easily. There are no banks to hold up your transfers and make you wait days when you want to bet on tonight’s game or match, and there are no watchdogs sniffing around to delay or intercept your private BTC transfers.
- Larger deposit bonuses (US, CAN only) – For US and Canadian sports bettors, Bitcoin deposits come with the online betting industry’s biggest promotions. While those in other countries cannot take advantage of these at this time, they’re still a huge bonus (literally!) for eligible bettors.
- Same-day withdrawals – Bitcoin is the only way to receive same-day withdrawals from major online betting sites. Other payouts, regardless of the type (bank wire, money order, courier check, etc.) will all take at least 3-5 days, but Bitcoin withdrawals will typically show up in your wallet within an hour or two.
Despite its efficacy for online gambling and sports betting, Bitcoin isn’t going to be right for everyone, and many bettors who are used to dealing with fiat money or traditional credit/debit banking are trepidatious to get into a new form of technical currency.
That said, the main issue holding bettors back from embracing BTC is the initial buy-in process. In most markets, including the US, new Bitcoin users have to go through a lengthy acquisition process that can take up to 10 days.
Fortunately, there is a workaround for this.
In the US, new users can get Bitcoin in just a few minutes by using the Zelle-to-Bitcoin process. Zelle is a product of the US banking industry, and most bank account holders already have access to Zelle. Via this instant transfer system, would-be crypto bettors can use Zelle to purchase BTC at a private exchange called LocalBitcoins.com.
This reduces the initial buy-in from days to minutes, and LocalBitcoins does business in more than 200 countries around the world. This gives international punters the same fast way to get their hands on BTC and transfer it to their betting sites of choice.
How To Buy Bitcoin At LocalBitcoins
The steps to purchase BTC quickly and easily at LocalBitcoins follow, showing the process for American bettors. However, regardless of the country you’re in, the main procedure will be largely the same. (Some US-centric books will walk their customers through the Zelle-to-BTC process from their cashier/deposit pages.)
- Create a free account at a reputable offshore sportsbook.
- Create a free account at LocalBitcoins.com.
- Use Zelle (US bettors) or another instant transfer product (International bettors) to purchase BTC from a private seller on LocalBitcoins.
- Use the Bitcoin to deposit into your sports betting account.
- Place your bets!
Note: LocalBitcoins, though powered by private buyers and sellers, is very safe to use. The site uses an escrow system to hold any BTC after a sale is agreed to, giving the seller zero opportunity to abscond with your funds.
When regulated, US-based sports betting first became a wide-scale reality in 2018, there was much talk of offshore sportsbooks eventually being hampered by the legislation and the move toward domestic bookmakers.
But this hasn’t been the case, and membership is up across the board at offshore books in the roughly 18 months since PASPA was eliminated. Even in countries that have had domestic books in operation for years, offshore sites thrive.
And Bitcoin remains the biggest reason why.
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2025 College Football Week 0 Odds, Picks & Best Bets

The wait is over, college football returns this Saturday with the official start of the 2025 season. Dubbed Week 0, this early slate features five matchups that offer fans and bettors alike a first taste of gridiron action before the full schedule kicks off next weekend.
Top-rated sportsbook apps have already posted betting lines for these games. From point spreads to moneylines and over/unders, there’s plenty to analyze as teams take the field for the first time this year.
Below, we’ll break down the latest odds from offshore football betting sites, spotlight the most compelling matchups, and share our insights to help you make informed picks. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just getting into college football wagering, Week 0 sets the tone for what promises to be an electrifying season.
Iowa State Cyclones (+3) vs. Kansas State Wildcats
The headliner for Week 0 is a Big 12 showdown that’s shaping up to be a nail-biter. Kansas State takes on Iowa State to kick off the season, and it’s easily the trickiest game to predict. I’ve got the Wildcats favored by about 2.5, so with the current line sitting at -3, it’s right on the edge, leaving little room for bettors.
Point Spread
- Iowa State Cyclones: +3.0 (-105)
- Kansas State Wildcats: -3.0 (-115)
Moneyline
- Cyclones: +135
- Wildcats: -160
Total Points (Over/Under 49.5)
- Over 49.5: -115
- Under 49.5: -105
UNLV Rebels (-25.5) vs. Idaho State Bengals
UNLV is hitting the reset button this year with Dan Mullen stepping in as the new head coach. After an impressive 11-win campaign in 2024, the Rebels are facing a significant roster overhaul, losing 20 starters from last season. To fill the gaps, Mullen went all-in on the transfer portal, pulling in a wave of talent from Power 4 programs.
The new faces include former Michigan quarterback Alex Orji, Penn State running back Keyvone Lee, Alabama wideout JoJo Earle, and Georgia defensive back Jake Pope. The new coach and key additions to the Rebels have swayed odds heavily in their favor for week 0 against the Bengals.
Point Spread
- Ole Miss Rebels: -25.5 (-110)
- Idaho State Bengals: +25.5 (-110)
Moneyline
- Rebels: Offline
- Bengals: Offline
Total Points (Over/Under 63.5)
- Over 63.5: -110
- Under 63.5: -110
Kansas Jayhawks (-12.5) vs. Fresno State Bulldogs
Kansas is coming off a frustrating 5–7 campaign in 2024, but that record doesn’t tell the whole story. The Jayhawks dropped five games by six points or fewer. That kind of heartbreak usually means they were just a few plays away from flipping the script.
Point Spread
- Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: +13.0 (-115)
- Kansas Jayhawks: -13.0 (-105)
Moneyline
- Bulldogs: +370
- Jayhawks: -510
Total Points (Over/Under 50.5)
- Over 50.5: -110
- Under 50.5: -110
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (-2.5) vs. Stanford Cardinal
Hawai’i enters the 2025 season as one of the more intriguing programs in the Mountain West, thanks to a promising young core and a head coach who’s finally working with a roster that fits his vision. Timmy Chang, now in his fourth year at the helm, returns 14 starters and has built what many believe is the most talented squad of his tenure on the island.
Point Spread
- Stanford Cardinal: +2.5 (-110)
- Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors: -2.5 (-110)
Moneyline
- Cardinal: +110
- Rainbow Warriors: -130
Total Points (Over/Under 52.5)
- Over 52.5: -115
- Under 52.5: -105
Sam Houston State vs. Western Kentucky (-10)
The Bearkats head into Week 0 as 10-point underdogs against the Hilltoppers, who are favored to win by double digits. That means oddsmakers expect Western Kentucky to control the game, but Sam Houston could keep it close—or even pull off an upset if things break their way.
Point Spread
- Sam Houston Bearkats: +10.0 (-115)
- Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: -10.0 (-105)
Moneyline
- Bearkats: +295
- Hilltoppers: -390
Total Points (Over/Under 61.0)
- Over 61.0: -105
- Under 61.0: -115
Resources: Odds via Bovada
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Bronx Casino Gets New Life After Mayor Advances Proposal

Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday advanced a $4 billion proposal to establish a casino in the Bronx by overturning a City Council decision that had rejected a key zoning change necessary for the development to proceed.
The decision potentially benefits former President Donald Trump: should Bally’s Corporation secure approval for the site, it would be required to pay $115 million to the Trump Organization, the former site operator. Mayor Adams framed the veto not as political maneuvering, but as an effort to ensure impartiality among competing applicants seeking casino licenses within the New York City region.
Following the veto, the City Council now has ten days to respond, requiring a two-thirds majority vote to override the mayor’s action.
Council spokesperson Mara Davis responded critically, stating the mayor’s remarks lacked credibility, and noted that Council leadership was evaluating next steps regarding the land-use proposal.
Earlier this month, the Council overwhelmingly opposed the rezoning measure, adhering to its convention of deferring to the local representative—Councilmember Kristy Marmorato, a Republican whose district includes the proposed casino site. Marmorato has characterized the project as a “predatory development.” Despite her opposition, the rezoning initiative received backing from most of the Bronx delegation, which is predominantly Democratic. Marmorato did not issue a public response on Wednesday.
New York City Casino Licensing
New York City’s casino race is heating up, with high-profile bids vying for just three coveted downstate licenses. Here’s a summary of the major contenders seeking licensing in the city:
Manhattan
- Hudson Yards (West Side): Wynn Resorts and Related Companies propose a $12 billion casino complex featuring an 80-story tower, hotel, retail space, and a school.
- Times Square: Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, in partnership with Caesars Entertainment and SL Green Realty, is backing a $5.4 billion Caesars Palace Times Square project. It promises thousands of jobs and community investment, but faces pushback from Broadway stakeholders.
Queens
- Willets Point: Mets owner Steven A. Cohen is behind a proposal near Citi Field, aiming to transform the area with a casino and entertainment district.
- Resorts World NYC: Located at Aqueduct Racetrack, this existing “racino” is seeking a full casino license and is considered a strong contender.
Brooklyn
- Coney Island: A bid here envisions revitalizing the iconic beachfront with a casino and entertainment hub.
Yonkers
- Empire City Casino: Another existing racetrack venue, Empire City is also in the running for a full license.
Each proposal tout’s economic benefits, job creation, and community investment, but local opposition and zoning hurdles remain key challenges.
Online Casinos In New York
The state of New York has not authorized domestic casinos to operate online; however, there are also no laws forbidding offshore casinos from accepting NY players.
Today, there are only six states that offer online casino games: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. While several other states have proposed legislation to allow online casinos, no such legislation has passed the state legislatures.
Popular online casino games include betting on blackjack, video poker, slots, roulette, baccarat, keno, and much more.
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Way Too Early NFL Futures Offer Incredible Value To Bettors

Football fans will have to wait another month before the NFL season kicks off, and future bettors will have to wait even longer for their bets to pay out.
However, the value offered for placing “way too early futures” warrants consideration if you plan on betting on the NFL this season. Right now, you can lock in bets for quality teams at favorable odds. However, futures, especially those that are “way too early futures,” are inherently risky.
Below, we will discuss some of the future odds available now for the NFL’s 2025 season and discuss where offshore sportsbooks are legal in the United States.
2025 NFL Future Odds
Future odds are popular for various reasons, but mainly because they often offer excellent value. Some of the largest payouts in history have come from future odds.
Seasoned bettors typically add futures to pad their season bets as they usually bet on game lines each week. New bettors often gravitate towards futures due to the possibility of big payouts and budget constraints.
Below are select current futures from Bovada that offer great value. However, the bets won’t come to fruition till the end of the season.
Super Bowl LX 2026 Winner
- Baltimore Ravens +700
- Buffalo Bills +700
- Philadelphia Eagles +700
- Kansas City Chiefs +800
- Detroit Lions +1000
- Los Angeles Rams +1500
- San Francisco 49ers +1600
- Minnesota Vikings +2000
AFC Championship Winner
- Buffalo Bills +300
- Baltimore Ravens +375
- Kansas City Chiefs +375
- Cincinnati Bengals +900
- NFC Championship Winner
- Philadelphia Eagles +325
- Detroit Lions +500
- Los Angeles Rams +800
- San Francisco 49ers +830
- Washington Commanders +900
Offensive Player of the Year
- Saquon Barkley (PHI) +600
- Ja’Marr Chase (CIN) +800
- Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) +1000
- Derrick Henry (BAL) +1100
- Christian McCaffrey (SF) +1400
Super Bowl LX 2026 – Winning State
- Any Other State +120
- Maryland +425
- Pennsylvania +500
- California +700
- New Jersey + New York +600
Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In My State?
Offshore sportsbooks are technically legal in every US state; however, some sites have opted out of select markets. Since no state or federal gambling laws regulate offshore sportsbooks, legit sites have been accepting US players for years.
Since the repeal of PASPA, many states have passed sports betting laws to allow in-person and online sportsbook apps. Today, there are 40 states with in-person sports wagering options and 34 states that also allow online sports wagering.
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