Best Offshore Betting Sites – Overseas Betting Sites for British Players

Offshore betting sites take online sports wagering to the next level by offering bigger, better bonuses, extensive sports coverage, and competitive odds that regular online bookies can’t beat.

Our experts have scoured the web to uncover the best offshore platforms so you can enjoy all these top features. We also outline what you can expect to find and enjoy at these bookies, from the bonuses and payment options available to the sports and betting markets on offer.

Top Overseas Sports Betting Sites

Overview of International Betting Sites for UK Players

The Best Offshore Sports Betting Sites Reviewed

Now that you have our list of the best sports betting sites, let’s take a closer look at how we rate online bookies and what it is that makes each of these top offshore betting sites stand out.

Best Offshore Betting Site for Extensive Betting Markets – Jeffbet

UK-based betting sites are great if you want in-depth coverage of UK sports markets, but if you’re looking for broader coverage of international sports and events, a reliable offshore sportsbook like Jeffbet is a far better option. Jeffbet covers over 50 different sports, giving you access to markets on popular UK options like football and horse racing, as well as more unique options like pesäpallo and sumo wrestling. The range of betting markets is equally as impressive, giving you up to 700+ lines on a single match, which far outdoes the offerings of regulated betting sites.

• ✅ What stands out: Provides up to 700 betting lines on a single game
• ❌ What could be better: Doesn’t provide cryptocurrencies for betting

💡Average Sports Betting Markets Per Match: 300-700
▶️Live Sports Betting: Yes
✔️Accepts UK Punters: Yes

Bookie with the Highest Withdrawal Limits – William Hill

Regulated betting sites typically have much lower maximum withdrawal and deposit limits, which make it particularly challenging for high-stakes bettors. However, offshore betting platforms have far less stringent regulations, which means you can often find higher withdrawal limits, like those offered by William Hill. This bookie allows you to withdraw up to £99,000, making it easier to access those high-value winnings. Besides top withdrawals, the bookie also provides much higher betting limits on sports like football, which you’ll rarely find at UKGC-regulated bookmakers.

• ✅ What stands out: Withdraw winnings up to £99,000
• ❌ What could be better: Could offer more diverse payment options

💡Average Sports Betting Markets Per Match: 150 – 300
▶️Live Sports Betting: Yes
✔️Accepts UK Punters: Yes

Our Pick for the Best Football Betting Site – Highbet

Football betting in the UK is unmatched, with it taking the spot as the most bet on sport. While regulated bookies provide great coverage of UK-based football events, offshore betting websites, like Highbet, offer these markets and betting on top international football events like the UEFA Champions League, Copa Del Rey, Ligue 1, Serie A, MLS, K League, and the APL. Backing this extensive coverage are much greater odds than those featured on regulated bookies, and a large selection of markets, including special markets and accumulator bets.

• ✅ What stands out: Offers unmatched international football coverage
• ❌ What could be better: Doesn’t stream football matches live

💡Average Sports Betting Markets Per Match: 200 – 400
▶️Live Sports Betting: Yes
✔️Accepts UK Punters: Yes

Top Offshore Bookmaker for Esports Coverage – BoyleSports

Esports are slowly gaining traction in the UK, with several UKGC bookmakers offering odds on top events. However, offshore betting sites, like BoyleSports, give you access to all the top Esports betting events and smaller tournaments that still provide exciting betting action. These sports betting offshore sites give you access to odds on a range of Esports leagues, from StarCraft 2 and Dota 2, to League of Legends, CS: GO, and Fortnite. BoyleSports makes betting on these matches even more thrilling by offering live streams and in-play betting markets.

• ✅ What stands out: Provides top live betting and streaming of Esports
• ❌ What could be better: Not available to UK bettors under Gamstop restrictions

💡Average Sports Betting Markets Per Match: 80 – 200
▶️Live Sports Betting: Yes
✔️Accepts UK Punters: Yes

Best Horse Racing Odds – Paddy Power

The horse racing betting offered by offshore gambling sites is unmatched. Unlike UK bookies, these sites focus on tracks from across the globe, providing thrilling horse racing betting on events like the Kentucky Derby, the Melbourne Cup, the Dubai World Cup, and the Grand National. The hottest odds on daily races at global tracks are also easily accessible, with top bookies like Paddy Power bringing you live streams of these races. Paddy Power also features top bonus offers on races, including cashback rewards, extra places, Best Odds Guaranteed, and acca boosts. 

• ✅ What stands out: Unmatched betting markets on global races
• ❌ What could be better: Not all races are streamed live

💡Average Sports Betting Markets Per Match: 150 – 200
▶️Live Sports Betting: Yes
✔️Accepts UK Punters: Yes

What are Offshore Betting Sites?

Offshore betting sites are overseas sports betting sites or bookies based outside the UK. These betting sites, unlike UK-based bookmakers, do not get their licences from the UK Gambling Commission, but instead from their local gambling authorities.

The international locale of these offshore sportsbooks means that UK gambling laws and UKGC regulations aren’t applicable to them. As such, these offshore online betting sites provide far more flexible betting options, which is why UK punters find them so much more appealing.

More extensive betting markets, improved odds, generous promotional offers, and a broad range of sports and events to bet on are just some of the features that set these overseas sports betting sites apart from UK bookies.

Is It Legal to Play at an Offshore Betting Site from the UK?

The answer here isn’t a straightforward yes or no. The UK Gambling Act of 2005 prohibits online betting sites based within the UK that are not registered with and licensed by the UK Gambling Commission from offering sports betting to UK residents.

However, UK gambling laws are not applicable to betting sites based outside the region. This means that these offshore sportsbooks can accept UK punters without hassle. Since gambling laws in the UK have no jurisdiction over offshore bookmakers, they aren’t formally prohibited nor authorised, so technically you can visit and use these non UK betting sites without breaking the law.

Why Play at Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites?

UK punters have access to online sportsbooks regulated by the UKGC, so why would they want to place bets at offshore sportsbooks? There are several reasons why these international gambling sites are the top choice for many, starting with their impressive flexibility and hot bonuses.

Are Overseas Betting Sites Safe to Use?

The answer here varies depending on the online betting sites you choose. Offshore betting sites with a licence from a reputable local gaming authority are as safe to use as platforms regulated by the UKGC. Some of the most trustworthy licensing authorities include the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Curaçao eGaming Control Board (GCB), and the Gibraltar Gaming Commission.

Licensed, reputable offshore sportsbooks must adhere to regulations set out by their licensing authorities, which means they provide safe online gambling, provide trusted payment methods, pay winnings consistently, and use security measures such as SSL encryption.

However, we recommend not setting up offshore betting accounts with unlicensed bookies. Since these platforms don’t have to follow any licensing regulations or terms, they can pretty much close up shop and walk away with any deposited funds you may have had in your betting account, with no repercussions.

💡Pro Tip: Only ever join offshore betting sites that have a licence. You can check their licence agreements by scrolling to the bottom of their home page to see who they’re licensed with. Some sites may keep this information under their Terms & Conditions or About Us sections instead, so do some investigating before joining.

Offshore Betting Websites Vs UKGC Bookmakers

UK punters have access to UKGC betting sites, so why would they want to use offshore gambling websites? The best offshore betting sites provide a unique online betting experience that UKGC bookies can’t offer because of UK gambling laws and licensing restrictions. The following table outlines the differences between the two types of betting sites so you can see how they compare at a glance:

Sports Markets

While UKGC-regulated online sportsbooks focus largely on top sports within the region, offshore betting sites provide a broader range of sports markets and far more competitive odds.

⚽Popular UK Sports Markets

Like UKGC bookies, the best offshore betting platforms provide coverage of the most-followed sports in the UK. However, these sites extend their coverage further by offering betting on UK tournaments and matches, as well as on international matches and friendly games.

• ✔️Football – As one of the UK’s most bet on sports, football betting is a constant at top offshore gambling websites. However, these platforms offer markets such as corners, Asian handicaps, yellow cards, and first to score on top international football tournaments, including the Serie A, Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and MLS.
• ✔️Horse Racing Betting – UK-based bookies offer coverage of daily races and events in the UK and Ireland. In contrast, offshore betting sites provide betting on daily races at tracks in the US, South Africa, Dubai, and Australia, as well as on top international events, like the Dubai World Cup, the Preakness Stakes, and the Melbourne Cup. You’ll also find several additional betting lines on offer at the best non-Gamstop horse betting platforms, such as a pick-six, Goliaths, or Quinellas.
• ✔️Tennis – Betting on tennis and Wimbledon is big in the UK, which is why all of the top rated offshore sportsbooks offer these markets. But, unlike UK bookies, these platforms also offer betting on top international tennis events, like the US Open, the ATP, the Summer Games, and other Grand Slam events. The coverage of these games is also far more widespread, with bookies providing lines on outrights for smaller international competitions.
• ✔️Esports – Leagues like Dota 2, Fortnite, Call of Duty, and League of Legends are all gaining popularity among UK bettors, and you can find coverage of the top Esports tournaments at UK bookies. However, if you want more extensive betting on group rounds and playoffs in smaller or newer tournaments, you’re better off heading to offshore betting sites. These platforms cover some of the top events by Blast and other Esports operators, making it easier to find markets on StarCraft 2 betting and Rocket League events, which aren’t as widely covered in the UK.
• ✔️International Sports – While you can find some coverage of other sports from across the globe at UK bookies, our offshore online sports betting sites offer a far broader range of options, including sumo wrestling, biathlons, lacrosse, kabaddi, and surfing.

⬆️Competitive Odds

The regulations governing UK-based bookmakers mean there is little room for variance in odds, and honestly, they’re not all that good. By comparison, offshore betting sites are not bound by these same restrictions. Instead of following what other bookies do, these platforms set their own odds, which can lead to one site providing far more lucrative offerings than another. For this reason, you can often find much better prices on markets at offshore betting platforms.

Offshore Sports Betting Bonuses & Promotions

Bonuses are a great way to boost your betting funds and try new markets and betting strategies without spending large amounts of your deposited funds. The best offshore sports betting platforms stand out for providing exceptionally generous offers, but keep in mind, these may come with far stricter terms and conditions.

Top offers provided by offshore betting operators include:

Alternative Payment Methods Offered at Overseas Betting Sites

The range of payment methods provided by top offshore sportsbooks is far more diverse than those found at UK-based bookies. The UK has strict regulations prohibiting bettors from using credit cards to fund their accounts. Since cryptocurrencies are unregulated in the region, these options are also off the table.

However, offshore betting sites follow a different set of rules, making these and other options more accessible.

💸Credit Cards

Unlike UK bookies, offshore betting websites are not regulated by the UKGC, which means they can accept deposits from UK bettors made using credit cards. As some of the best credit card betting sites, these platforms provide deposits and withdrawals using cards from Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, and American Express.

While highly secure and convenient, it is worth noting that credit card payouts can take up to five days to process, so if you’re looking for quick withdrawals, this may not be the best option. Additionally, these payouts may also come with transaction fees.

💸Cryptocurrencies

Offshore betting websites often provide cryptos like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Tether, and Litecoin as payment methods. Cryptos, which are unregulated in the UK, operate independently of banks and financial institutions, with transactions occurring on the blockchain network.

Since all transactions are completely digital, they are instant and anonymous. This also means no third-party authorisation and processing, so there are no fees, and transactions are exceptionally secure. Another great feature about these payments is that they don’t require KYC checks, making bookies that offer them some of the top no verification bookmakers. Finally, crypto allows for much higher deposit and withdrawal limits.

💸E-wallets

If you’re looking for a payment option that offers the safety and instant transactions offered by crypto while still using traditional methods, e-wallets are your best bet. While offshore betting sites that accept PayPal are rare, you can find a few. Instead, most offshore bookies offer systems like Skrill, Neteller, and Jeton.

Responsible Gambling at Offshore Betting Operators

UK bookies have a range of responsible gambling features in place designed to protect you while you play online, from Gamstop restrictions to consumer protection measures. But what safety measures do offshore gambling sites have in place?

Offshore online betting sites are just as concerned with your safety as UKGC bookmakers. Many of these platforms have consumer protection policies in place and pages dedicated to safe play.

The best offshore online sportsbooks provide several tools to encourage responsible play, from limits that you can set on the time you spend betting and on your budget. Many overseas gambling sites also provide their own self-exclusion programs, so if you feel you need help and have circumvented your Gamstop ban by visiting these sites, you can still set up additional restrictions for yourself.

Lastly, these platforms provide access to external problem gambling resources, which offer residential and in-facility counselling, 12-step programs, and helplines for individuals or the families of individuals struggling with gambling addiction:

• Gordon Moody
• GamCare
• GambleAware

Summary

The unique regulations and licensing agreements that offshore betting sites follow place them ahead of UKGC-regulated betting sites. With far more flexible regulations, these offshore bookies provide features like extensive sports betting categories, unmatched sports bonuses, unbeatable odds, and a quick payout of your gambling winnings using secure payment methods.

These offshore sites follow safe gambling practices and put the safety of UK punters at the centre of their focus, so you can enjoy a diverse gambling experience without any hassle.

FAQs

Can I use offshore sports betting apps to place my wagers?

Yes, many of the best offshore sportsbooks offer downloadable betting apps or mobile-optimised websites, which you can easily access and use to place sports bets on your smartphones and tablets.

What payment options do top offshore sportsbooks offer that UK bookies don’t?

The stipulations that regulates offshore sportsbooks are very different from those that apply to UK-based bookmakers. As such, these online sportsbooks can provide unique payment options that are unavailable in the UK, such as credit cards and cryptocurrencies.

Where do offshore betting sites get their gambling licenses from?

You’ll find offshore sportsbooks licensed by international gaming authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the Curaçao eGaming Control Board (GCB), and the Gibraltar Gambling Commission. These authorities are as trustworthy as the UKGC, and apply strict regulations to the bookies they licence.

What makes for a trustworthy offshore sportsbook?

Safe overseas gambling sites will always have a licence from a top regulator. Additionally, the best offshore sportsbooks provide a good selection of wagering markets, offer secure payment options, use SSL encryption, and pay out winnings within a day or two.

Are offshore sportsbooks legal in the UK?

UK gambling laws and regulations don’t have jurisdiction over offshore bookmakers. As such, these platforms are neither officially authorised, nor are they formally prohibited. For this reason, you can easily place bets at these bookmakers without breaking the law.

Resources

• https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/contents
• https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/gambling-using-a-credit-card
• https://gordonmoody.org.uk/
• https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/
• https://www.gambleaware.org/