Best Offshore Poker Sites for 2024 Reviewed
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Adam Walford
- October 15, 2023
Whether you’re dipping your toes into offshore poker for the first time or you’re a veteran, our team has created a list of the best offshore poker sites for American players.
Our team has carefully selected the best offshore poker sites for you, thoroughly analyzed each one and created comprehensive reviews and put together some tips to help you make the most of your playing experience.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS | Bet Now |
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2001
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$250 Free Bet
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2011
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$750 Cash Bonus
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2002
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100% Free Play
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1996
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$500 Cash Bonus
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Best Offshore Poker Sites
Every online player deserves a trustworthy and engaging platform. After thorough research and testing, these are our top picks for the best online poker sites.
- Bovada – Anonymous tables on the largest network
- BetOnline – Runs a $3,000,000 online tournament series
- Everygame – Generous welcome bonus package
- SportsBetting – Quick payouts and low rakes
With any of these recommended platforms, you’re sure to have a top-tier poker experience online. Below, you can find detailed reviews of each of their features.
Top Offshore Poker Sites Legal for U.S. PlaYERS
Offshore poker sites have gained traction due to their varied game offerings and accessibility. In these reviews, we’ll walk you through the top offshore platforms and what makes them stand out.
1. Top Offshore Poker Site for Crypto Players: Bovada
Key Features:
- All-in percentage displays chance to win on every hand
- Runs on America's busiest poker network
- Hand history allows you to review past strategies
Bovada ranks high among offshore poker sites, drawing a broad spectrum of poker fans. Users can easily access their preferred poker games on various devices, from computers to smartphones. While they haven’t launched a specific mobile app, the mobile-friendly site ensures a smooth and consistent gaming experience, similar to what’s available on desktop.
New players on Bovada are greeted with enticing bonuses. For starters, there’s a welcome bonus that matches 100% of your initial deposit up to $500. On top of that, features like the Royal Flush Bonus keep the thrill going. Such promotions aren’t exclusive to newcomers; regular gamers also benefit, keeping them engaged and coming back for more.
Bovada’s appeal is clear, especially when comparing it to other offshore poker sites. The platform’s emphasis on accessibility and rewarding promotions makes it a top choice for many. Whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned player, Bovada caters to all, ensuring everyone gets a slice of the action.
2. Best Offshore Poker Site for Fast Payouts: BetOnline
Key Features:
- Play poker on any device
- Industry's fastest payouts
- Proprietary software ensures reliable gameplay
What sets BetOnline Poker apart are the exciting bonuses and promotions it offers. Players will find enticing offers, such as a 100% deposit bonus worth up to $1000. Additionally, there are unique promotions in store, like freeroll tournaments and the Bad Beat Jackpot, providing players with more avenues to test their skills and win some cash.
BetOnline Poker is part of the esteemed Chico Poker Network. The affiliation guarantees a wide array of players and solidifies the trust in its services. Since its inception in 2011, BetOnline Poker has been a reliable platform for poker enthusiasts, earning consistent commendations for its integrity and dedication to players’ needs.
BetOnline also makes sure its players can indulge in their favorite poker games anytime, anywhere. This is made possible through its mobile-friendly site, compatible with both Android and iOS devices, further enhancing its reputation among offshore poker sites.
3. Best Offshore Poker Site for Casual Players: Everygame
Key Features:
- Instant play feature doesn't require any software
- Low stakes buy-ins for recreational players
- Solid poker welcome bonus
Everygame Poker, operating out of Curacao, has made a name for itself among offshore poker sites with its extensive game offerings and user-focused features. Players can access online poker, sports betting and casino games all under one account.
One of the key highlights of Everygame Poker is the variety of bonuses it offers. New players are greeted with a whopping 200% welcome bonus, while regular players can take advantage of frequent player points, no-deposit bonuses and regular reload bonuses. This offshore poker site also hosts a myriad of tournaments, accommodating players of varying skill levels and bankrolls.
Everygame Poker’s software is versatile and user-friendly. It is available as a downloadable desktop application, an instant play option, and is also mobile-compatible. The software behind Everygame Poker, part of the Horizon Poker Network, offers both downloadable and instant play modes. Whether you prefer multi-table, single-table or heads-up formats, Everygame has it all.
What are offshore poker sites?
Offshore poker sites are online poker websites that operate from countries outside the United States. They offer various poker games and tournaments to players from around the world, including the United States.
Offshore poker sites are platforms that operate from countries outside the United States, providing an online venue for poker players to enjoy real money games. These platforms offer a wide variety of poker games, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha, and host tournaments for players of varying skill levels. They attract players from all over the world, including the U.S., due to their accessible gaming options, attractive bonuses and promotions. Additionally, they often feature offshore sportsbooks and online casino gaming, providing a comprehensive online gambling experience
Are offshore poker sites legal?
Yes, offshore poker sites are legal to use. As they operate outside the jurisdiction of the United States, they are not subject to U.S. laws, and players can access them without legal issues.
Offshore poker sites are indeed legal to use, as they operate under the laws of their home country, not the United States. They provide a legal avenue for U.S. players to enjoy poker, especially in states without local online poker operators.
These sites are not just limited to poker; many also offer sports betting and online casino games, providing a fully-rounded gambling experience. Since there are no state laws that prevent playing on these sites, there is no federal regulating body in America for these gambling sites. Despite this, there are plenty of safe poker sites governed by regulatory bodies where they’re located, like Costa Rica and Antigua.
Most Popular States for Online Poker
Playing poker for money online is one of the most popular activities at many online casino sites. But, some states are more active in the online poker market than others.
1. Illinois
Traditional online poker app providers are not available in Illinois but that hasn’t slowed the state down. Instead, online poker in Illinois is booming thanks to offshore poker options. There were efforts early in 2023 to expand the legal forms of gambling but the bills failed to make it to any hearings.
Instead, Illinois players turn to Bovada to play poker online. This offshore operator is a great choice thanks to its large player pools, large prize pools and reliable customer service team.
2. Ohio
Much like other states, Ohio treats some forms of gambling favorably but remains strict on others. Ohio online poker websites have not been authorized to operate locally. This means that Ohio players still turn to offshore operators like Bovada Poker, Everygame Poker and BetOnline Poker.
All of the best offshore poker sites for Ohio players offer a packed tournament schedule with great cash prizes. Since there are no laws that explicitly prohibit users from using these sites, they serve as a great legal option for Ohioans.
3. Florida
There have not been many attempts to launch an online poker market in Florida but that doesn’t mean that the Sunshine State doesn’t love their real money games. Whether you consider yourself a recreational player or you frequently seek out busy multi-table tournaments with larger prize pools, you can have a great playing experience at plenty of sites.
Florida online poker remains popular thanks to offshore casinos that offer poker online.
Game Variations Offered at Offshore Poker Sites
Offshore poker websites provide a range of poker variations catering to diverse player preferences.
Texas Hold’em
This is the most classic form of poker found online. At offshore poker sites, Texas Hold’em involves players being dealt two cards face down. Subsequently, five community cards are dealt in the center. Players combine these cards to create the best hand. It’s a game that tests both strategy and bluffing skills.
No-Limit Hold’em
No-Limit Hold’em, often referred to as the original poker game, is the most popular version found on offshore poker sites. Players are dealt two private cards and then share five community cards, aiming to have the best five-card hand. The unique aspect of this game is the ability for players to go all-in at any point, putting all their chips on the line.
Pot-Limit Omaha
Pot-Limit Omaha, or PLO, has a structure similar to No-Limit Hold’em but with a twist: players get four private cards instead of two. However, they must use exactly two from their hand and three from the board to make the best five-card hand. Bets in this game can only go up to the pot’s size, which leads to dynamic and ever-changing strategies.
Limit Hold’em
Limit Hold’em is a variant of the classic Texas Hold’em, where the betting is restricted to set amounts. It’s a more strategic version that relies less on mathematical calculations and more on players’ reading and bluffing skills. This game is a slower-paced alternative, suitable for those who prefer methodical play.
7 Card Poker
7 Card Poker, previously more prevalent than Texas Hold’em, allows players greater openness with more face-up cards. Players receive two cards facedown and four cards face up, trying to form the best five-card hand from the seven they’re dealt. It offers less opportunity for bluffing, making it more approachable for novices.
Omaha
Similar to Texas Hold’em, Omaha deals each player four private cards and five community cards are placed on the table. Players must use two of their private cards and three community cards to form the best hand. Due to the additional hole cards, top hands in Omaha are often stronger than in Texas Hold’em.
Poker Tournaments & Cash Games
Poker tournaments are structured competitions where the specifics, such as buy-in amount, starting chips, and time restrictions, are determined beforehand. Meanwhile, cash games, sometimes called ring games, allow players to wager real money without set start or end times. In tournaments, losing all your chips means you’re out, but in cash games, you can re-buy and continue playing.
Offshore poker sites aim to provide a comprehensive poker experience by offering these variations and more, catering to both novices and professionals alike.
How To Sign Up at an Offshore Poker Site
The first step in signing up for offshore poker sites is to choose the right site. That is why we’ve done in-depth reviews of each of the top-rated online poker sites. Going over the details should make your comparison easier. After that, you can just follow these quick steps to get started.
- Go To the Site: Online poker sites will label their registration button differently. Look for “Join,” “Sign Up” or “Get Started.” Once you click that button, you will be taken to another page or a pop-up will appear with the registration form.
- Fill Out Your Details: Once you see the form, you will see a place for your legal name, date of birth, email address and perhaps other details. Make sure that you put truthful and accurate information into this form so that you will be able to verify your identity and withdraw your winnings. After this step, you may need to confirm your email address before moving forward.
- Choose a Deposit Method: There are a variety of payment methods available at offshore poker sites. They accept credit cards, debit cards, bank wires, online payment processors like PayPal and many also have crypto deposit options. Keep in mind that some deposit options require you to use the same payment method as your withdrawal option.
- Select a Poker Bonus: When you register for an offshore poker site, you are typically rewarded with some bonus cash to help you get started. Most of the time, this comes in the form of a deposit match bonus, which will match all or a portion of your initial deposit. When comparing deposit bonuses, remember to check for things like restricted payment options, a minimum deposit and any wagering requirements attached to the bonus funds.
- Start Playing: Now you’re all set to hit the poker tables.
Conclusion
Offshore poker sites operate beyond the traditional confines of U.S. regulations, bringing a wide range of gaming options to the table for poker enthusiasts, and even allowing them to branch out to play other casino games. Most offshore sites also offer online sports betting, so players can enjoy all of their gambling under one digital roof.
Because U.S. regulations have left online poker players out in the cold in recent years, platforms like Bovada Poker and BetOnline Poker remain a go-to for many American players. For those eager to explore diverse poker variants, attractive promotions or to simply find a fresh virtual table, offshore poker sites offer a wealth of opportunities.
FAQs – Offshore Poker
Are offshore poker sites safe?
Yes, offshore sites may not be licensed in the U.S. but they still have to answer to a regulating body in the jurisdiction where they operate and compliance includes proper security protocols. As long as you avoid unregulated poker sites, you will be safe at poker websites.
Which poker sites accept U.S. players?
Online poker sites like Bovada, Everygame, BetOnline, BookMaker and others accept American poker players. Even without access to online gambling where you live, these online poker operators offer real money games from Alabama to West Virginia and more.
How can I play online poker legally in the U.S.?
American residents can play real money poker games using offshore sites. These sites operate outside of the jurisdiction of the United States, so they can offer poker tournaments, cash games, online casino gaming and sports betting all across the U.S..
Does anyone make a living playing online poker?
Indeed, there are individuals who earn a living by playing online poker. Turning a hobby into a full-time job requires skill, dedication, and a well-executed strategy. It is challenging, but there are some experienced players who have been able to do so.
Can I get in trouble for playing online poker?
American players cannot face prosecution for participating in offshore online poker games due to ambiguities in the existing legal framework. The most popular online poker sites in the U.S. are, in fact, offshore sites.
Why is online poker illegal in the U.S.?
Online poker in the U.S. is considered illegal due to concerns over gambling and violation of the Federal Wire Act. The ban was enforced in 2006 under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, prohibiting any form of betting or involvement of money as wages through any online portal.
What is the most popular poker site in the world?
Bovada is the most popular poker site globally. It gained popularity due to its long-standing presence since 2004, remarkable welcome bonuses, a variety of poker games and robust features. It’s also appreciated for its user-friendly interface and secured deposit/withdrawal methods.
Do I need a VPN to play poker online?
No, offshore casinos and online poker sites accept American players. For added security, some sites accept crypto deposits and they often come with exceptionally generous bonuses.
