The online gambling scene in the US has been in a very peculiar state. With the lack of legal options, players wanting to try their luck with some casino games had no other option than to resort to offshore casinos.
These operators continued providing their services in the States even after it was made perfectly clear it was not yet legal to do so. However, things are finally starting to change with
iGaming laws being introduced
on state levels across the US, finally giving players from the States some safe and reliable options.
What's the legal status of offshore casinos in the US?
Offshore casino sites have been operating in the US for decades. For a while, even some of the biggest online gambling casino brands were a part of the market,
operating in a grey zone, where legal lines were quite unclear. Certain legislative changes have now made it clear that these sites weren’t welcome, which caused a number of companies to give up and withdraw, waiting for an opportunity to do things the right way.
However, not everyone followed the same pattern. Certain smaller companies saw an opening here as they could now grab the market share that was left after big guys decided to leave. While they were aware of legal implications, they figured it was worth the risk as the US market is one of the biggest and most appealing ones out there.
This created a situation where many offshore casino operators with questionable business ethos remained in the mix. Governments have had hard time putting an end to these operations as they’re located abroad, in jurisdictions where they can’t touch them. So, even though these sites provide their services
without required licenses or government authorizations, they continue to do their business in the States, pretty much without restrictions.
The biggest problem with
offshore casinos online is that they aren’t licensed in the States and, in most cases, their general licenses are issued by the bodies that don’t enjoy a great amount of trust in the industry. Thus, these casinos are pretty much given a free rein to do what they like and there is hardly anyone who can put a stop to it.
In this environment, there are many operators who are out to make a quick buck before disappearing with players’ money. Of course,
not all offshore casinos are a scam
– some are just operating against the US laws as a matter of business decisions but actually try to treat their players right. The problem is, it is hard to say ones from the others.
Given the fact these sites do operate against the laws and are happy to do so, giving them a benefit of a doubt isn’t that easy. If they’re willing to bend or straight-up break the rules and laws, who is to say they won’t scam their players if this seems to be in their best interest? It is quite a slippery-slope and the one that most
US players would be wise to avoid
at all costs as risks involved usually aren’t worth it.
There are many risks and dangers that come into play when deciding to take your chances with an offshore site. Many players aren’t aware of many of these risks and act in good faith, hoping things will turn out for the best in the end. Some of the potential risks include:
Having your personal information stolen or sold to other sites
Your credit card information abused
Multiple unwarranted charges on your card
Being denied your rightful winnings
All of these things are quite real and you can find these stories in many offshore casino reviews out there. Many of these sites are, as mentioned, in for some quick money and they will have no issues with selling your information to a third-party. The same goes for abusing your credit card or putting multiple charges on it even without your authorization. All of these things can create a lot of problems for you and it is something that would never happen with properly licensed casino sites.
Getting your money out
We all play in the hopes of seeing those slot reels line up in our favor. When and if we do, we want to get our
real money
out as fast as possible and use it as we see fit. However, with offshore casino gambling, things may not be as simple as that. It is quite common for players to be denied their winnings on various bases, such as
breaking the bonus rules
or acting against some other provisional term.
Sometimes, casinos are actually in the right, but in most cases, these are simply excuses for not paying and there is really very little you can do when this happens. Since these offshore casinos don’t have strong licenses in general and are completely unlicensed in the States, there is no one you can complain to.
Even when the casino wants to pay you, there could be other unforeseen circumstances, slowing down the withdrawal process and keeping you away from your money. It isn’t at all uncommon for US players to
wait for their cashouts for weeks
when dealing with offshore casino sites. It all comes with the territory.
All the things mentioned in the previous sections are something that just doesn’t happen with state-licensed casinos. These sites have to operate within very strict laws and rules if they are to keep their licenses, so they can’t afford to give their players a runaround. They have to conduct their business in a fair, transparent, and serious manner at all times.
Some of the advantages of playing with state-regulated sites include:
An official regulator you can submit your complaints to
Fast and hassle-free withdrawals
Much better selection of games in all departments
Dedicated and helpful customer support
Very clear and transparent terms and conditions
These are just some of the many reasons why US players should
always stick to state-licensed casinos. By taking your money here, you are pretty much guaranteed a quality experience where you’re fully protected in all aspects. Your winnings will always be paid and paid promptly, and casinos won’t be able to get out of paying you using some unclear terms to screw you over. Everything is always transparent and easy to understand.
Conclusion: The final verdict
Offshore casino sites have been a part of the US online gambling market for a long time. As such, players have grown accustomed to them and often fail to realize all the
risks and dangers involved. However, given it is real money on the line and we all want to get paid when we do win, it is paramount to always stay smart and safe when choosing when to play.
While some offshore operators may be better than the others, US players should never give their business to these illicit sites. Instead, you’re much better off finding a trustworthy state-licensed casino and playing there. In the long run, this is a decision that will help you save a lot of money and protect you from a whole lot of unnecessary complications.
Offshore Casinos FAQs
❓Are there any good offshore casinos I could play at?
Yes. There are many offshore casinos out there, but we don't recommend them. Regardless of how amazing they may be, it’s best you conduct your betting in regulation with your state law. Consider other regulated and licensed casinos that are more secure and legitimate..
🤔Is playing at offshore sites against the law?
The answer to this is relative. It’s heavily dependent on the state where you reside. Well, almost every state in the US, if not all, frowns heavily against offshore betting. To avoid complications, avoid gambling at unlicensed offshore sites. Also, you can be on the safer side by checking your state’s gambling laws to confirm the validity of offshore online betting.
💰Are winnings from an offshore casino subject to taxation?
Yes. All gambling winnings, whether onshore or offshore, are subject to taxation. If a player refuses or falters in reporting their gambling income, it can pose a big problem with the tax authorities. Players are advised to maintain a correct record of their wins and losses. Also, it may be best to work with a tax expert if you’re unsure of how to account for your gambling income..
🧑🏻🤝🧑🏻What’s the minimum legal age to play at these offshore sites?
Again, the answer to this is relative, depending on the operator and the state regulation. Many sites allow their players to enter the gambling world once they turn 18, while some others require their players to be a minimum of 21 years. If you do decide to explore an offshore site in the US, it’s important to check the age quota of each operator you’re exploring. This helps you ensure that all their rules are complied with.
❓How likely am I to get paid when I win from offshore sites?
This depends on the exact offshore operator. As explained earlier, some offshore sites are reliable and fair to its customers. However, there’s a chance that players unfortunately encounter an offshore site that refuses to pay them when it’s time to cash out. Even if you’re lucky enough to work with a reliable site, there are still several complications you may face. There are often delays with withdrawals and it’s not certain that you will receive your total winnings. The importance of simply sticking with a reliable regulated site in the US can’t be overemphasised at this point.
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