What Is an Offshore Casino?

An offshore casino is an online gambling site based outside your home country, often licensed in countries with lenient laws and open to players from many regions. Players may opt for offshore casinos for better services, fewer restrictions, better bonuses, or more competitive odds than domestic sites offer.

These casinos also allow for anonymous gambling, particularly through cryptocurrency, though reputable ones will require a Know Your Customer (KYC) process for traditional payments like bank transfers.

Offshore sports betting sites are available too, but not all are trustworthy. While regulated platforms like Wild Casino and Bovada are safe, unlicensed offshore casinos should be avoided. The offshore casinos listed here have been audited and proven to be fair and compliant.

Licensed Offshore Casinos

Licensed offshore casinos are online gambling platforms registered and regulated in jurisdictions outside a player’s home country. These licenses ensure that the casinos adhere to specific legal and operational standards, providing a degree of safety and fairness for players. 

The most common online casino license jurisdictions include:

• Curacao: Often seen as more accessible, offering a diverse range of games due to its lenient regulations.
• Malta: Highly respected, it provides strong player protections and resolves disputes fairly.
• Isle of Man: Favored for its robust legal framework, it guarantees that player funds are protected and games are fair.
• Gibraltar: Known for strict operational standards, it assures players of ethical practices and fair games.

To verify if an offshore casino is licensed, look for the licensing information typically displayed at the footer of the casino’s website. This should include the license number and the issuing authority.

Additionally, reputable casinos often feature transparency in terms of game fairness, using audited random number generators and showing proof of compliance certificates.

How We Chose the Best Offshore Casinos

While there is often a negative spin on offshore casinos, most operate based on solid business principles. We reviewed the best offshore casinos on several key factors including their licensing and regulation, games provided, welcome bonuses on offer, and wagering requirements to achieve those bonuses. While all factors are outlined in detail below, it is also important that players do their own independent research before signing up to any overseas casino online.

Safety and Licensing

The best offshore casinos are regulated and legitimate providers. But players should still check the licensing status of the casino before proceeding. Regulated offshore casinos like Mega Dice and Lucky Block – which are both licensed in Curacao – display their licensing details at the bottom of their homepage.

Software Providers

Just as important is the type of software providers that supply games to the offshore casino. We only included the best offshore casinos, that naturally use regulated and reputable software developers. Examples include Pragmatic Play, Microgaming, Quickspin, and Hacksaw. This ensures that players are gambling in fair and random conditions.

Supported Games

Players should also consider what casino games they want to play. We found that the best offshore online casinos support table games, slots, live dealer games, and sports betting. Provably fair games are also worth exploring, such as Plinko gambling games.

Customer Support

Offshore casinos deal with players from all over the world, so 24/7 customer support should be expected. This is usually offered through live chat. This prevents the need for players to spend money calling a casino located thousands of miles away.

Welcome Package and Ongoing Bonuses

The welcome package is also important when assessing the best offshore casino online. We like matched deposit bonuses with fair terms and conditions. Mega Dice and Lucky Block both offer a 200% deposit bonus to new players. We also like when offshore casinos offer ongoing bonuses for existing players, such as deposit reloads. Wagering requirements should be reasonable to achieve within the set timeframe.

Payment Methods and Terms

We also explore what payment methods are accepted by offshore online gambling sites. This often ranges from debit or credit card casinos to casinos that accept e-wallet payments and cryptocurrencies. Moreover, we check minimum deposit requirements, payout limits, and withdrawal times.

How Do Offshore Casinos Work?

Offshore casinos are usually located in countries that have favorable gambling laws. This is often in the Central American region, such as Curaçao, Panama, and the Cayman Islands. In turn, this enables offshore casinos to accept players from all over the world – although some offshore casino sites still have geographical restrictions and are blocked in some territories. After choosing a suitable provider, players will need to open an account.

Some of the best offshore gambling sites, such as Mega Dice, only require an email address, username, and password. Other offshore casinos like Flush.com offer you the option of signing up through social accounts like Facebook or Google.

After the account is opened, players can deposit some funds. The best offshore casinos accept debit/credit cards, e-wallets, bank wires, and cryptocurrencies. Depositing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum is often the best option for players who want to avoid a KYC process and have their withdrawals processed instantly.

Once the account is funded, players can begin gambling. Most offshore casinos support slots, blackjack, video poker, roulette, and other popular gambling games. These are usually provided by reputable software providers, such as Evolution, Pragmatic Play, and Microgaming. This ensures that each gambling game is fair and random.

Offshore casinos allow players to request a withdrawal at any time. If gambling with fiat money, withdrawals must be sent to the same payment that was used to deposit. This ensures that the offshore casino complies with anti-money regulations. Cryptocurrency payouts can be sent to any wallet address, providing lots of flexibility for players.

Are Offshore Casinos Safe?

The simple answer is yes – the vast majority of offshore casinos offer a safe gambling experience. This industry is largely based on trust and reputation, so offshore casinos must provide a satisfactory service to players. This means fair gambling conditions, transparent fees, and reasonable payout speeds.

However, it is important to remember that not all offshore casinos are legitimate. Just like any other industry, a small segment of offshore providers do not operate credible businesses. We found that the best offshore casinos are regulated. Many leading providers, such as Mega Dice, Lucky Block, BC.Game, and Metaspins, are licensed by the Governor of Curaçao. Strict guidelines must be met by Curaçao-regulated casinos, ensuring that players can gamble safely and fairly. After all, the Curaçao Gaming Control Board supervises its domestic casino sites, as it has done since 1999.

Is it Legal to Play at Offshore Casinos?

This is a tricky question to answer, since the legality of offshore casinos varies significantly depending on the jurisdiction. Offshore casinos operate from countries with different regulations and licensing procedures than the player’s home country – but the bottom line is that they are legal where they are licensed. However, even if an offshore casino is legal in the jurisdiction where it operates, players may still be subject to their local laws. 

Players should know that the legality of participating in offshore casinos can be a complex and evolving matter. Some countries explicitly prohibit their residents from engaging in online gambling, while others may have more permissive regulations. For example, UK players are allowed to play at offshore casinos – USA online casinos that are not licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), while players in Germany are only allowed to participate in online casino games offered by operators licensed by the “Glücksspielbehörde” or the “Gambling Authority” in English.

Also, many of these are non Gamstop casinos, which means that the UK players will not have a Gamstop function in these online casinos. However, individuals need to research and understand the gambling laws in their specific location to determine the legality of participating in offshore casinos.

Are Offshore Casinos Fair to Their Customers?

The vast majority of offshore casinos have no interest in scamming their customers and offer a fair and safe gambling experience. This will be the case when using a regulated offshore provider like Mega Dice. For example, Mega Dice has an automated payment system, so deposits and withdrawals are processed instantly.

This means players do not need to wait for payments to be approved manually by the casino. Regulated offshore casinos offer games from licensed software providers, including the likes of NetEnt, Novomatic, Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw, Push Gaming, and Microgaming.

All of these software providers must use regulated testing houses when launching a new game. Put simply, this tests that the casino game is fair and random. However, we also came across offshore casinos that use unlicensed software providers. These providers do not have their games audited by regulated third parties, which means that games are not tested for fairness before they are launched. Ultimately, the best practice is to stick with regulated offshore casinos that offer games from regulated and reputable software providers.

What Games Can You Play at Offshore Casinos?

In most cases, the best offshore casino sites offer the following games:

Table Games

All offshore providers supply table games, considering that this is the most popular casino product. At a minimum, this will include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and video poker. To ensure players stay entertained, offshore casinos usually offer different variations of each table game. For instance, roulette can often be played with either European or American rules.

Live Dealers

Offshore casinos also offer live dealers. This means that players are connected with a human dealer in real time. For instance, suppose a player opts for live roulette. After placing their bets on-screen, the dealer will spin the roulette wheel – which is recorded live and shown to players. This offers an immersive offshore casino experience.

Slots

The best offshore casinos also offer a comprehensive library of slot games. This often includes bonus buys, Mega ways, and classics. Some slots connect to progressive jackpot networks, offering 7-figure payouts. It’s best to stick with slots with a high return-to-player (RTP). This reduces the house edge and increases the payout frequency.

Provably Fair

Provably fair games are relatively new in the offshore casino space. These are casino games backed by blockchain technology – ensuring transparency and fairness. Some of the most popular provably fair games include Aviator, Plinko, keno, dice, and mines.

Sports Betting

Some offshore casinos double as a sportsbook. Mega Dice, for example, offers competitive odds on American football, tennis, cricket, baseball, ice hockey, and many other sports. It also offers in-play betting, allowing players to gamble on sporting events that are still in progress.

Offshore Casino Bonuses & Promotions

We found that the best offshore casinos offer lucrative bonuses when opening an account for the first time. This includes the following:

Matched Deposit Bonuses 

The matched deposit bonus is simple; the offshore casino will match the initial deposit made by the player. Each matched deposit bonus will come with a percentage amount and a limit.

• For example, Mega Dice matches the first deposit by 200%, up to 1 BTC.
• Lucky Block also matches the initial payment by 200%, but up to €10,000.

Players will need to wager the bonus a minimum number of times before they can withdraw the funds. This prevents players from claiming a bonus just to cash it straight out. For instance, the Mega Dice matched deposit bonus comes with 40x wagering requirements.

This means that $40 needs to be wagered for every $1 received in bonus funds. Players should also check the terms and conditions to see what games the bonus funds can be used on. Slots usually contribute 100% to the bonus target. Live dealer games often contribute just 10% – sometimes less. This will make the wagering requirements even more difficult to meet.

Free Spins 

Some offshore casinos offer slot-related bonuses, known as ‘free spins’. The player can use the free spins on selected slot games without using their own balance. After using the free spins, winnings will need to be wagered. Once the wagering requirements have been met, players can withdraw their winnings. Mega Dice offers 50 free spins to new players who deposit €20 or more. The free spins can be used on Wanted Dead or a Wild and come with wagering requirements of 40x.

When claiming a free spins bonus, check the value of each spin. For example, suppose each spin is worth $2. If a free spin lands a multiplier of 50x, the player wins $100. But if the free spin is worth just $0.25, the 50x win is reduced to $12.50.

No Deposit Bonuses 

Looking for an offshore casino no deposit bonus? The best option that we came across is BC.Game’s ‘Lucky Wheel’ promotion.

After opening an account with BC.Game – which doesn’t require any personal information – players can spin the Lucky Wheel to win up to 5 BTC. In addition, BC.Game also offers a 180% matched deposit bonus of up to $20,000.

VIP Club 

Some of the best offshore casino bonuses are offered to players who already have an account. These bonuses are often found in the VIP club, which rewards long-term players. Examples include:

• Daily or weekly deposit reload bonuses
• Free spins
• Cashback and rakeback
• Cash prizes

Moreover, VIP clubs also offer other perks, such as priority withdrawals and a personal account manager. There is rarely a need to apply – players are automatically enrolled.

Best Offshore Casino Bonuses 2024

The table below highlights the best offshore casino bonuses for 2024, alongside their wagering requirements and promo code.

Payment & Withdrawal Options at Offshore Casinos

Players should assess what payment method they wish to use before choosing an offshore casino. After all, deposits and withdrawals form an integral part of the online gambling experience.

Credit and Debit Cards

Most offshore casinos support traditional credit or debit cards. This enables players to deposit funds in their domestic currency, such as euros or pounds. Debit/credit cards issued by Visa and MasterCard are usually accepted. Some Amex casinos also accept other cards, such as Discovery.

However, it is crucial to check what fees apply when using a debit/credit card. This is also the case with e-wallets. For example, 7bit Casino charges 2.5% on debit/credit cards, Skrill, and Neteller.  Withdrawal fees should also be considered. For instance, 7bit Casino charges 2.5% on bank wire payouts. It is important to note that initiating a chargeback on casino losses is illegal. Chargebacks should only be used if an unauthorized payment was taken by the offshore casino.

E-Wallets

eWallets, such as PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and others, are popular payment methods because they offer a secure and convenient way to transfer funds to your offshore casino account. You will first need to create an account with the eWallet service provider, which usually involves providing personal information and linking a bank account or credit/debit card. Then, once the eWallet account is set up, you can fund it by transferring money from your bank account or card. You can also choose the eWallet option to withdraw any winnings you might claim at the casino. Similarly to debit and credit cards, the use of e-wallets may incur some fees, depending on which one you use for your transactions.

Cryptocurrency Payments 

A much better alternative when funding an offshore casino account is cryptocurrencies. Many offshore gambling sites offer fee-free cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals. In addition to Bitcoin and Ethereum, they support some of the fastest-growing cryptocurrencies, like Dogecoin, BNB, and Cardano. Many offshore casinos offer KYC-free accounts when gambling with cryptocurrencies, as well as instant payouts. We also found that cryptocurrency payments come with lower minimums. For example, the minimum Bitcoin deposit at Lucky Block is just 0.0001 BTC, or about $3.

Offshore Casino Software Providers

We mentioned earlier that offshore casinos use third-party software providers when building their gaming suites. So it’s important to check the reputation of each provider before proceeding. To offer some insight, Mega Dice, one of the best VPN-friendly casinos, has partnerships with over 50 reputable software providers. This includes NetEnt, Hacksaw, Fantasma, Fugaso, Mascot Gaming, Evolution, Playson, Kalamba, and Pragmatic Play.

Most of these providers are regulated by tier-one gambling bodies like the Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority. This means gaming outcomes are fair and random. Plus, licensed software developers have their games audited – before and after they are launched.

New Offshore Casinos – What to Look For

New offshore casinos need to stand out in the market – so they often go above and beyond to attract players. This begins with the welcome package. New online offshore casinos will offer huge bonuses to new players, often as a matched deposit with free spins.

For example, Mega Dice is one of the best new offshore casinos. It offers a 200% deposit bonus and 50 crypto free spins to first-time customers. However, while reputable market entrants like Mega Dice are regulated, many aren’t. We strongly suggest that players avoid unregulated offshore casinos – irrespective of whether they are new or established.

How to Play at an Offshore Casino

In this section, we explain how to gamble online at an offshore casino. We guide beginners through the registration and deposit processes step-by-step. We also explain how to gamble and withdraw funds from an offshore provider.

Step 1: Open an Account

The first step is to open an account with the chosen offshore casino, either through its website or by downloading dedicated casino apps. We’ll use Mega Dice in this example, as this is one of the best regulated offshore casinos in the market.

• Visit the Mega Dice website to begin the registration process.
• Click ‘Sign Up’ and type in an email address, username, and password.
• Read and agree to the terms and conditions, before clicking on ‘Sign Up & Play’.
• The Mega Dice account is now ready to fund.

Step 2: Deposit Funds and Claim a 200% Bonus

Players need to add funds to their offshore casino account before they can begin gambling. Click on the ‘Wallet’ button, followed by ‘Deposit’. At Mega Dice, the minimum deposit depends on the payment type. Moreover, when depositing at least €20, Mega Dice will automatically boost the payment by 200%. It will also throw in 50 free spins.

Those depositing cryptocurrencies can choose their preferred digital asset. Some of the most popular cryptocurrencies accepted by Mega Dice include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Dogecoin. Copy the unique wallet address and make the payment from a private wallet.

Mega Dice also allows players to deposit funds with a debit/credit card. This will trigger a KYC process, so players will need to provide some personal information and upload some documents. For example, a government-issued ID and a recently issued bank statement or utility bill. Moreover, debit/credit card payments will be converted into cryptocurrencies.

Step 3: Choose a Casino Game and Begin Playing 

Players can now begin gambling, ensuring that they do so responsibly. Mega Dice offers a wide range of casino games, including slots, baccarat, video poker, blackjack, and roulette. Live dealers, provably fair, and sports betting are also available.

• Players who deposited at least €20 can begin by using their 50 free spins. This needs to be used on the Wanted Dead or a Wild slot game.
• After using the free spins, players can gamble with their bonus funds. Simply search for the preferred game and choose a bet size.
• Mega Dice also allows players to bet with demo funds. This offers a risk-free gambling experience.

Step 4: Withdraw Funds  

Withdrawing funds from a regulated offshore casino is simple and hassle-free. At Mega Dice, players can begin the process by clicking on the ‘Wallet’ button.

• Choose which cryptocurrency to withdraw from the drop-down list. This should already show the cryptocurrency that matches the player’s account balance.
• Paste the wallet address that Mega Dice should transfer the cryptocurrencies. Ensure this is correct, as mistakes are irreversible. Next, type in the amount to withdraw. Click on ‘Max’ to cash out the full account balance.
• Finally, click on the ‘Withdraw’ button. Players should receive their cryptocurrencies in a matter of minutes.

Advantages of Offshore Casinos

Offshore casinos appeal to players seeking privacy, accessibility, and better value in gambling:

• Greater privacy: Offshore casinos often allow for anonymous play, especially when using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
• Access to more markets: These casinos typically operate in multiple countries, bypassing local restrictions. This lets players access games not available in their own countries. However, it’s crucial to comply with local laws before engaging in offshore gambling.
• Worthwhile bonuses: Offshore casino bonuses and promotions tend to be more generous than those found at local casinos, including higher match rates, welcome bonuses, and loyalty rewards.

Disadvantages of Offshore Casinos

The following disadvantages show why it’s important to be cautious when choosing to play at offshore casinos:

• Less oversight: Offshore casinos often have looser regulations, which can lead to issues like unfair games or difficulty resolving disputes.
• Payment challenges: Withdrawals at offshore casinos can be slow, and there may be high fees or issues with currency conversion.
• Inconsistent quality: The quality of games and customer service at offshore casinos can vary widely. Players must carefully research to find reputable sites to avoid poor experiences.

Offshore Casino Apps

Some offshore casinos have apps that are available for download on mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. These offshore casino apps can usually be found on the casino’s website or in app stores, depending on the policies of the specific platform. Through offshore casino apps, you’ll be able to play all the games that you can through the casino website, deposit and withdraw money, access customer support, and occasionally benefit from exclusive promotional offers and loyalty programs that are only for app users.

Access to offshore casino apps may be restricted in certain countries or regions due to legal or regulatory reasons. Additionally, make sure you do your research thoroughly before downloading anything – if there’s no official source on the casino’s website talking about the casino app, then any program claiming to be the casino’s app is probably malware.

Best Offshore Casinos: Bottom Line

Most reputable offshore casinos offer an excellent gambling experience, not to mention fast casino payouts and generous bonuses. While it is legal for UK players to access non-UKGC licensed casinos, it’s crucial to choose reputable and legal platforms. Look for online casinos licensed by other respected authorities, such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, or the Government of Curacao to ensure a certain level of regulatory oversight. Gambling regulations can change, and it’s advisable to stay informed about any updates or changes in the legal landscape.

The authorities may adjust their policies, impacting the accessibility of certain online casinos to players in specific regions. Regardless of where an online casino is licensed, players should always gamble responsibly and be aware of the risks associated with online gambling. In closing, our top recommended offshore casino is Wild Casino. Wild Casino features a quality online gaming library and it offers tremendous bonuses and promotions to new and existing players – new players can get up to $5,000.

Visit Wild Casino

Offshore Casinos FAQs

What are offshore casinos?

Offshore casinos offer gambling services to players based outside of their home jurisdiction. For instance, someone in Canada playing online blackjack with a Malta-based provider would be using an offshore casino.

What is the best offshore crypto casino?

Cryptonews.com ranked Wild Casino as the best offshore crypto casino. This regulated offshore provider offers a safe and anonymous way to gamble on hundreds of casino games.

Are offshore casinos legal in the US?

It varies from state to state, since individual states have the authority to regulate or prohibit online gambling within their borders. Even if an offshore casino accepts US players, it does not necessarily mean that it is legal for individuals in the US to engage in online offshore gambling.

Are offshore casinos safe to play at?

In most cases, yes – offshore casinos are safe to play at. The best offshore casinos are authorized and regulated by a reputable gambling body.

How do I find offshore casinos?

There are many offshore online casinos to choose from, but the best are regulated. You’ll be able to tell whether a casino is offshore or not by reading the licensing information in the footer of the website. Look for an offshore casino that has positive user reviews, offers a wide range of games, fast withdrawals, and 24/7 customer support.

References

About the Author

Michael Graw is an experienced freelance finance and tech writer, specializing in cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance, and Web 3.0 since 2018. His work has been featured on various financial news sites like Business2Community, InsideBitcoins, LearnBonds, and tech-focused outlets like TechRadar. He has collaborated with fintech and crypto startups on whitepapers and investor resources, and also has expertise in sports betting and crypto gambling. Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University and a PhD in Oceanography from Oregon State University. He now resides in Bellingham, Washington, and writes full-time.