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Legal vs Offshore Sportsbooks: Spotting the Difference
Written by: Daniel Collins
Last Updated:
Read Time: 4 minutes
In 2018, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, opening the way for legal sports betting to take place across the country.
In the years since, many states have taken advantage of the opportunity to offer regulated sports betting.
As of June 2023, the following states, as well as Washington D.C., offer both legal online and in-person sports betting:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
That list may see at least a couple of additions before the end of 2023.
Kentucky is set to join that list in the near future after legalizing sports betting in March 2023.
North Carolina, which currently offers only in-person betting, will soon offer online options as well after passing a bill in June 2023.
And Maine, which legalized both online and in-person sports betting in 2022, could begin operations either sometime in 2023 or in early 2024.
In addition to the above places that offer both online and in-person betting, these states offer regulated in-person betting:
- Delaware
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Also, both Tennessee and Wyoming offer legal online sports betting but not in-person betting.
More states could join the party in the near future. Online betting is on the verge of being given the all-clear in Vermont, while in-person betting has been okayed in Nebraska.
That leaves a number of states that have yet to get in on the action, and the residents of some of those states may be waiting a while for it to happen.
That doesn’t mean that they can’t bet on sports, however.
It just means that if they want to bet on the week’s NFL action from the comfort of their home, they must turn to offshore sportsbooks to do so.
The Offshore Market
Describing offshore sportsbooks as “illegal” might discourage some people, but it’s not as big a concern as it sounds. The main difference between legal bookmakers and offshore (illegal) ones is regulation. Using a regulated sportsbook or one offshore, it’s important to stick with reputable and trustworthy options when handling your money.
Legal sportsbooks are limited in number, but there are many more offshore options available. With so many choices out there, reading sportsbook reviews can really help you figure out which ones you can trust and which ones you should steer clear of.
Here are some of the offshore sportsbooks that we recommend:
Do Offshore Sportsbooks Offer Different Betting Options?
One draw of offshore sportsbooks is the variety of betting options they often provide compared to regulated sportsbooks.
For example, while regulated sportsbooks in the U.S. are unable to offer Super Bowl national anthem betting, offshore sportsbooks do.
Also, if you enjoy betting on U.S. elections or award shoes like the Oscars, you can do that at offshore sportsbooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between legal and offshore sportsbooks?
Legal sportsbooks are regulated and subject to the laws of the states and territories in which they operate, while offshore sportsbooks are not.
How do I know if a sportsbook is legal?
A sportsbook operator that is officially licensed will have a declaration showing that it is authorized to conduct business in a particular location.
Are offshore sportsbooks safe?
There are a number of reputable offshore sportsbooks that have been in business for a very long time and can be trusted with your sports betting funds.
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