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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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Monday Night Football Odds From Offshore Sportsbook Sites
The 2024-25 NFL season is in full swing, and betting odds for this Monday Night Football contest are already posted.
This Monday will host two NFL games featuring an NFC vs. AFC team: the Ravens vs. the Buccaneers and the Chargers vs. the Cardinals.
NFL betting odds are available for games and games that will be played later this week. Game line odds are often available a few days before the match, whereas futures and props are available all year.
Below, we will discuss the game line odds for tonight’s matchups and discuss why the odds favor each team.
NFL Game Lines
NFL game lines are probably the most popular sportsbook odds in existence. They offer three ways to bet on the game. The money line or win is the most straightforward bet, as it is essentially picking who will win the contest.
Below, you will see that the Ravens and Chargers are favorites, as their win and spread line odds offer little value. However, if the Bucs or the Cardinals can win tonight, some good money could be made if the bet hits.
Ravens vs. Buccaneers
Both the Ravens and Bucs are looking towards the NFL postseason with current winning records. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, alongside RB Derrick Henry, has been an almost unstoppable force on the ground attack. Most critics believe the Buccaneers have been playing above their expected ability and have relied heavily on the hot hand of quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has played well this season.
Odds from trusted offshore sportsbooks believe that the Buc’s defense will struggle against the Raven’s ground attack. With Lamar’s ability to create plays, it will be a tough fight, win or lose.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Spread: -3.5 (-115), +3.5 (-105)
- Win: -200, +170
- Total: O50.0 (-115), U50.0 (-105)
Chargers vs. Cardinals
Both the Chargers and the Cardinals have struggled this year. The Chargers are currently 3-2; a loss would take them to .500 for the season. The Cardinals are currently 2-4, and a win could set them up for a late-season playoff run.
Odds indicate the Chargers should win this competition, but anything could happen on the field.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Arizona Cardinals
- Spread: -1.0 (-115), +1.0 (-105)
- Win: -125, +105
- Total: O44.0 (-115), U44.0 (-105)
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New Zealand Pursues Online Casinos To Combat Offshore Betting Sites
The New Zealand government has taken the initiative to pursue legal online casinos, and many people believe this is to combat offshore betting sites.
New Zealand’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Brooke van Velden, confirmed that the country is looking at a regulatory framework to issue online iGaming licenses by 2026. However, license holders will be subject to sustainability checks, taxes on revenue, and to provide customer protections. There will also only be a select few license holders selected if new legislation passes into law.
Currently, the only online gambling provided by the country is sports and parimutuel gambling. However, Tabcorp is the sole beneficiary as it is the only company in the country with an online sports betting license.
The Internal Affairs Department, led by Hon. Brooke van Velden, regulates all forms of gambling in the country.
Domestic New Zealand Casinos
SkyCity Entertainment Group is one of the few companies in New Zealand with a domestic casino license. It owns resorts in three cities: Auckland, Hamilton, and Queenstown. Earnings reports confirmed that SkyCity generated retail gross gaming revenue of USD 229 million for 2023.
Full NZ Casino List
- SkyCity Auckland – 1800+ gaming machines, 150 gaming tables.
- Christchurch Casino – 500 gaming machines, 36 gaming tables.
- SkyCity Hamilton – 339 gaming machines, 23 gaming tables.
- Dunedin Casino – 180 gaming machines, 12 gaming tables.
- SkyCity Queenstown – 86 gaming machines, 12 gaming tables.
Offshore Casinos In New Zealand
Offshore betting sites have offered their services to New Zealand since the early 2000s and have become the most trusted source for many gamblers. While they are legal outside of the country, New Zealand itself has not authorized the use of these sites. However, the government has yet to forbid offshore gaming sites successfully.
Online, you will find numerous casino games that offer real money payouts, including blackjack gambling, roulette, slots, video poker, and more. In addition to a more extensive selection of games, online casinos also offer digital currency banking options, player-specific bonus options, progressive jackpot slots, and sometimes live dealer games.
Are Offshore Betting Sites Safe?
Licensed offshore betting sites are generally safe if a trusted gaming agency regulates them. Offshore regulators are often government agencies tasked with taxing and enforcing regulations to assure players are secure and that the games are fair.
To ensure that online casino sites are legit, check for licensing and compliance records that indicate they operate with oversight. Our online reviews will help you discover our recommended sites for 2024.
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MGM Resorts CEO Confirms Abu Dhabi License Pursuit
MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle has confirmed that the Vegas-based company is seeking a casino license in Abu Dhabi.
At a recent Skift Global Forum, Hornbuckle stated, “Yes, we have applied. We’ve done it in Abu Dhabi,” before expressing optimism about obtaining the license. Hornbuckle then explained that the federal government would have the final say, as each emirate would cast a vote to grant or deny casino operations.
MGM owns and operates 31 properties globally, including resorts in the USA, China, and Macau. They are also building a non-gaming resort in Dubai featuring three hotel towers and over 1,500 rooms. The resort is reported to mirror their properties in Vegas, such as the MGM Grand and the Bellagio.
MGM also confirmed a Dubai Sphere at the Global Forum, which will rival the new Las Vegas Sphere, which has already gained global recognition in its short existence.
After a 2006 non-gaming project failed to materialize, the company veered away from Abu Dhabi. Hornbuckle now says that MGM will not venture into Abu Dhabi without a casino license: “That’s the business MGM is in.”
Are Offshore Casinos Safe?
Yes, offshore casinos are generally safe, whether in person or online. In-person, each casino typically has a security team that ensures patrons are safe when coming to and from the casino. However, sometimes criminals outsmart security, and casinos are known locations for some sketchy characters.
With offshore online casinos, you must ensure the site you are playing is legit. The best way to determine if a site is safe and fair to play is to check online reviews, verify the site is licensed, and verify that the community trusts the jurisdiction. Some of the biggest names in the game, like MGM and Caesars, also have offshore licensing for their properties.
Is Gambling Legal In Abu Dhabi?
No, gambling, either in person or online, is illegal and punishable by up to 2 years in prison in Abu Dhabi. There are currently no casinos in operation, but MGM hopes to change that, having recently applied for a casino license.
The MGM is currently working on its most ambitious Dubai project, which will host numerous hotel towers, a sphere, dining, and shopping. However, there are no plans for a casino at the Dubai location. Those plans would likely change if the company is granted the casino license they recently applied for.
Are Online Casinos Legal In The U.S.?
In the United States, there are no federal gambling laws that make online casino gambling illegal. Individual states have the power to enact their rules, but many states have failed to pass legislation concerning online ventures. U.S. gambling states include all continental states, D.C., Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico to various degrees.
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