The world is nowhere as linear as it used to be. Even if you’re logging on to a device from downtown Porto, switched via a computer in London or even scrolling on your phone while sitting by the beach in California – you’re not restricted to your geographical boundaries or even the web’s geographical boundaries either. Offshore poker sites take advantage of that – but are they worth your time and money?
What even is an offshore gambling site?
Ok, first things first – let’s define exactly what we are referring to here. The best offshore online poker sites are websites, platforms, and apps that operate in small nations away from their intended audiences. These are typically in the Caribbean, where there are not so many people (compared to big nations with gambling habits) but with much less stringent or draconian rules on online gambling. These sites pop up to circumvent laws in places like the United Kingdom and the United States where gambling is regulated rather heavily.
The laws in Curacao, Anguilla, Panama, and even Malta don’t come close to the heavy amounts of tax or rules that their UK and US counterparts have to adhere to. Therefore many companies are setting up shop in these admin-free havens. They are technically registered there but might try to attract a completely different market entirely, as the websites are made to be accessed from all over the globe.
Benefits
Now because these sites are not governed by tight laws, there are some eye-catching benefits that other companies can’t offer. There are strict limits usually imposed on what gambling companies can offer to incentivize custom, as governments don’t want the pastime to be completely glamourized. Yet in the states where these offshore establishments, it’s like a circus where sign-up bonuses and loyalty programs can see no limit. Las Atlantis Casino is one such site that is always brought up for the exceptionally large bonuses it hands to players.
Another considerable benefit is that these platforms bring online gambling to markets where they might not have access to it otherwise. Whether it’s because there are simply no vendors in the area or the local authorities have outlawed it offshore casinos and poker sites give the chance to those looking to gamble. Sure you might need a decent VPN to access it but these things won’t stop people.
As these offshore poker and casino sites are set up for global appeal and usage, the very best sites do receive a lot of good traffic. While not always relevant to some games, it is important when you’re playing poker. Nobody wants to be playing with just one other player or the same couple of jokers in your area. Sadly, in some localities, you can only play online poker with those within your geographic proximity – some US states for example only permit this. Offshore sites don’t have this problem because even at three in the morning, there’s always going to be a full table to sit at.
If you like to conduct your business and gambling activities in cryptocurrencies, then offshore casinos and poker sites typically foster these banking methods. As you would expect, as these companies are decentralizing themselves by basing themselves away from ‘normal places’ it makes sense they champion decentralized currencies too.
Now because these sites can’t be ratified or verified by the typical countries or their residing gambling commissions, it means that peer and user reviews take prevalence to build a good public image. This means you can usually get a very clear review of their operational (and others’ experiences) tendencies.
Drawbacks
While the above benefits to offshore poker and casino sites might sound like the land of milk and honey, there are some notable pointers to be aware of. Firstly is that because they are not accredited or ratified by your country of residence, you have almost no protection if they conduct improper business. I.e. if they suddenly decide to close down and take your money, there’s very little your local authorities can do about it because they don’t fall under their jurisdiction.
Talking about authorities, it might not be completely legal for you to even gamble or gamble with offshore companies. If you do so and get caught you could end up in hot water yourself. Make your mind up about whether it’s worth the risk. Be sure to refer to the latest law enforcement details for your locality, most don’t punish or have the resources to punish the individual player – moreover, they’ll just try to shut down the website. That’s not to say they won’t make an example of you, if you’re consistently getting caught using offshore gambling sites in a locality where it’s illegal then they could throw the book at you to set an example to deter others from doing so.
