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Bitcoin Means Smooth Sailing For Offshore Sports Betting Sites

Published

5 years ago

November 4, 2019

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.

Related Topics:Bitcoin offshore gambling Zelle

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Fire Mountain’s Future Burns Bright with Hard Rock Expansion

Published

1 week ago

April 21, 2025

Offshorebettingsites.net

The Hard Rock Casino just north of Sacramento at Fire Mountain recently announced that it plans to expand.

The casino, located at 3317 Forty Mile Rd, Wheatland, CA, recently acquired 350 acres between the casino and the Toyota Amphitheatre. The land has been undeveloped for years and is now expected to be transformed into a premier tourist destination. The Toyota Amphitheatre is an 18k+ outdoor venue in Yuba County and generally hosts rock and country concerts.

Some proposed ideas for the land include a festival entertainment district, a rodeo space, sports facilities, and resort amenities. There will also likely be retail and dining facilities, walking paths, and a possible stadium or fairground area. District 4 Yuba County Supervisor Gary Bradford stated, “It will bring thousands of jobs and enhance the quality of life for existing residents by increasing local dining, entertainment, and retail options.”

The Hard Rock at Fire Mountain opened in 2019 and has already contributed approximately $2.5 billion to the local economy. The Hard Rock Casino is located on tribal land, but the new developments will not be. Therefore, the community is set to benefit even more from regular sales and property tax revenue.

Officials said construction could take 5-10 years to complete, and the new developments could cost anywhere from $2-4 billion USD. Construction could also begin as early as 2026.

California Local Casinos

California has no casinos, as all are on federal land and governed by the tribes and the federal government. However, there are currently more than 75 tribal casinos in operation in California, all of which are located outside of the major metropolitan areas.

Recently, several tribal casinos have lobbied for more favorable land to be included in their trust, and while approved by the Biden Administration, a new legal battle is ongoing.

Online California Casinos

While casinos located in California are not permitted to offer their services online, offshore casinos have been accepting players for years. Since no specific gambling laws forbid out-of-state online casinos from accepting CA players.

Online casinos typically offer the same gaming options as Vegas casinos, including slots, video poker, keno, blackjack, roulette, and more. However, online casino games often accept lower buy-ins because they are powered by random number generators, not live dealers.

To further gain players’ trust, legitimate casinos will complete compliance checks that test the games for fairness. They also further ensure that online firewalls and encryption methods are working correctly.

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Australia’s Star Entertainment Accepts Bally’s Rescue Bid of $180 Million

Published

3 weeks ago

April 8, 2025

Offshorebettingsites.net

Star Entertainment, Australia’s second-largest casino operator, has accepted a rescue package from US-based Bally’s. The package will transfer control of the group and allow the company to stay afloat.

Star Entertainment has been fighting bankruptcy for years following money laundering allegations, leading to several lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny. The company has been on the brink of collapse for years and is still suspended from trading on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Star Entertainment Group operates three hotel and casino complexes in Australia: The Star Sydney, The Star Gold Coast, and Treasury Casino and Hotel in Brisbane.

Star chief executive Steve McCann has been looking for a long-term solution since he took the job last July. McCann secured an additional loan of $100 million from existing lenders but failed to meet the contingent terms of the loan.

Bally’s currently owns 19 casinos in the United States and other entertainment assets. Soo Kim, Bally’s chairman, agreed to the rescue package in exchange for at least a 50.1% stake in Star. “We are usually the buyer of last resort,” Kim told The Australian Financial Review in March.

Are Offshore Casinos Available Online?

Yes, in the United States, almost all online casinos are offshore because only a handful of states have passed online gambling legislation. Since no federal or state laws prevent Americans from accessing online casino sites, US players can freely wager online with the site of their choice.

However, offshore casinos that operate online are not all the same. Most sites have various banking options US players can access, bonus options, and bet limits. For most players, Bitcoin is the best banking option, allowing for fast transactions that often avoid processing fees.

What Casino Games Can I Play Online?

Online casinos offer the same games you would expect in Vegas, including blackjack, roulette, video poker, and specialty games. Some sites even have live table games where you can choose your seat and bet against a dealer via a video/audio feed.

Online casinos also take it further with tournaments and game-specific competitions. You can also find slot bonuses, hot drop jackpots, progressives, and more. With game libraries that host hundreds of slot titles, seeing the game that suits you is just a few clicks away.

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Lawsuit Challenges Federal Approval Of Casino In Vallejo

Published

1 month ago

March 27, 2025

Offshorebettingsites.net

Ye Mah Bax The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians is moving forward with plans for a $700 million casino resort in Vallejo, California, following the US Department of the Interior’s approval to place 160 acres of land into federal trust for the tribe.

The proposed development plans include an eight-story, 400,000-square-foot casino, 24 tribal homes, an administration building, and a biological preserve.

However, this project is now facing numerous legal challenges. Two lawsuits have been filed against the US Department of the Interior, claiming that the Scotts Valley Band intends to develop a revenue-generating site far from its tribal homeland and that the federal agency failed to adhere to established environmental laws in approving the project.

Opponents have also expressed concerns about “reservation shopping,” accusing the Scotts Valley Band of attempting to establish a casino near its ancestral lands to maximize potential revenue.

This scenario is reminiscent of other tribal casino projects in Northern California, such as the Koi Nation’s proposed casino near Windsor, which has encountered similar legal and political challenges.

The outcomes of these legal proceedings will significantly impact the future of the Scotts Valley Band’s casino project in Vallejo. They may also set precedents for other tribal gaming initiatives in the region.

In the final days of his presidency, the Biden administration approved off-reservation land for both the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians and the Koi Nation, along with several other tribal requests around the country.

California Casino Laws

The state of California only permits casinos on federal land. Since the state does not allow commercial casinos, all gaming in California is located on land placed into trust by the federal government. Currently, more than 80 tribal casinos in California are owned by 73 of the state’s 109 recognized Indian tribes.

While there are no licensed online casinos, California is one of the many states that allow offshore betting. Since no federal or state laws outlaw online gambling in the state, CA residents and visitors can wager online with offshore casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites.

Offshore Casino Options

California players over 18 can enjoy online real-money casino games, sports betting, and poker tables from out-of-state sites. Popular casino games include digital slots, video poker, blackjack, roulette, specialty games, and live dealer games.

In addition to endless gaming entertainment, CA players can also take advantage of generous welcome bonuses, online reward programs, digital currency acceptance, and 24/7 access via mobile casino apps.