Offshore Sportsbook Rating Guide
Player Advocate - Updated 3/12/2025
Blacklisted Betting Sites
Player Advocate
Sportsbook Reviews: How We Rate the Books
Our team of experts has designed a custom, rigorous review process and applies that to the online sports betting sites that we rate. We are real gamblers that thoroughly test each online betting platform and check that everything from the sign-up process to the withdrawal options meets our strict standards.
We consider an extensive range of important criteria to nail down what online sportsbook option provides the most enjoyable betting experience. Our team understands that players value convenience, security, user-friendliness and competitive betting odds.
Here’s a look at the things we consider:
Deposit Methods & Withdrawal Options
We prioritize sites that offer a variety of convenient and secure banking options for deposits and withdrawals. This includes traditional deposit options such as credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets (PayPal and Neteller) as well as popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. We also assess the speed and reliability of transactions. We thoroughly test the withdrawal methods available to make sure each online book reliably pays out.
User Experience
We believe that a user-friendly interface is crucial. We evaluate platforms based on their intuitive design, easy navigation and clear presentation of information. A well-designed interface enables players to locate their desired events, games or markets quickly and efficiently place their wagers.
Mobile Device Compatibility
With the growing popularity of mobile betting, we pay close attention to the availability and quality of a mobile betting platform. A reliable and user-friendly mobile option allows mobile users to place bets conveniently from their smartphones or tablets. We consider the responsiveness, functionality and range of features available.
Good Customer Service
We understand the importance of prompt and helpful customer service in resolving any concerns you may have. We look for online sportsbook operators that prioritize customer satisfaction and provide efficient and reliable customer support channels, such as live chat, email and phone support.
Competitive Odds
When it comes to sports wagering, we focus on books that offer competitive odds on an extensive range of professional sports leagues. We assess the depth of markets, the variety of bet types available and the competitiveness of the odds compared to other industry-leading sportsbooks.
Range of Betting Options
Any sites that offer a comprehensive range of options, including moneyline bets, point spreads, totals, futures, props and parlays, receive positive ratings from our team. A diverse selection of bet types allows players to explore various betting strategies and maximize their winnings. It’s also crucial that there is a broad menu of sports to choose from. The best sites offer tons of variety beyond major sports.
Online Casino Section
In addition to sports, we also evaluate the presence and quality of an online casino section. We consider the variety and quality of casino games offered, including online slots, table games, live dealer games and specialty games. A well-rounded operator that incorporates an online casino section provides players with a wider range of entertainment options for users.
Generous Sportsbook Bonuses & Promotions
We assess the generosity and fairness of bonuses and promotions offered by online sports betting websites. We consider the size of the bonus money amount, the variety of sportsbook bonuses and promotions available and the playthrough requirements associated with them.
By considering these key factors, we strive to provide reliable and unbiased recommendations for betting platforms that offer an exceptional gaming experience within the online gambling industry.
Our goal is to guide players toward reputable options for sports betting that prioritize convenience, security, user satisfaction and competitive offerings in the ever-evolving world of online gambling. We then assign a rating to every single sportsbook we review.
Popular Bonuses at Online Sportsbooks
Sportsbooks compete fiercely for bettors’ attention, and their bonuses are a big part of that. Here are some of the best bonuses you can find:
- Deposit Match Bonus: This popular bonus boosts your first deposit by matching it up to a specific percentage. For instance, a sportsbook might offer a 100% deposit match up to $200, giving you an immediate bankroll boost. Just check the wagering requirements to know how many times you need to bet before withdrawing.
- Bet Credits: Bet credits provide extra funds you can use to wager, but you can’t withdraw them directly. Any winnings you earn with bet credits, though, can be cashed out, giving you more opportunities to win.
- Bonus Bets: Similar to bet credits, bonus bets are funds awarded to place bets without risking your deposited money. Some sportsbooks give these as a sign-up gift or for special events, providing a risk-free way to start betting.
- Second-Chance Bets: If your first bet loses, some sportsbooks will refund your stake as a second-chance bet. This allows you to try again without putting extra money on the line. Make sure you understand the maximum refund amount and terms.
- Odds Boosts: Sportsbooks sometimes increase the odds on certain bets, especially on underdogs, to give you a chance to win more money if your pick is right. It’s a valuable way to get better returns on your winning bets.
- Parlay Insurance: Parlay bets are tricky since they require multiple legs to win. Parlay insurance returns your stake if one leg fails, reducing your risk.
These bonuses are designed to give you the best value, whether that is in the form of real money or bonus bets. Always review the terms and conditions so you know how each bonus works and how to make the most of it.
Commonly Found Types of Bets
When it comes to online betting, there are various options to build your bet slip with. Here are the most common types of bets:
Moneylines: This straightforward bet involves predicting the winning side or a possible tie.
Point Spreads: Popular in football and basketball, spread betting levels the playing field by adjusting points for each team. For example, if the Lakers have a -6.5 spread against the Knicks, you predict if they’ll win by seven or more points.
Totals (Over/Under): Applicable to most sports, this bet predicts the total points or scoring units in a game. For instance, you decide if the Eagles and Jets will score over or under 46.5 points.
Props (Proposition Bets): Covering miscellaneous outcomes, prop bets include various bets like coin toss results, odd/even final scores or player statistics. If you’re someone who likes a lot of sports betting options, you’ll want to pick a sportsbook like Bovada, which has tons of prop bets.
Futures (Outrights): These long-term wagers let you predict a team’s season performance or forecast award winners.
Regardless of which of these sports betting options stand out to you the most, it’s important to our team that each sportsbook we give high marks to has plenty to offer.
What Sports Are Offered by Online Sportsbooks?
Top online sportsbooks offer a diverse range of betting options across 20+ fan-favorite sports. Major leagues like NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL take the spotlight, with additional popular choices including soccer, tennis, golf, MMA and Formula 1. We will cover the most commonly found options in the online sports betting market in greater detail below:
- NFL Betting: During the 18 weeks from September to January, NFL bets dominate sportsbooks across the United States and beyond. Football enthusiasts can explore extensive markets with numerous game and player props. Special promotions often accompany NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl, attracting new customers.
- College Football Betting: College football is packed with excitement from August to early January. Bettors can wager on their favorite teams in regular-season games, conference championships, bowl games and the College Football Playoff. Markets include spreads, totals, moneylines and unique prop bets.
- NBA Betting: With its 82-game season and thrilling playoffs, the NBA is a primary focus for basketball bettors. The high-scoring nature of basketball allows for predictions on team and player statistics, supported by a variety of props.
- College Basketball Betting: From November to early April, college basketball features regular-season games, conference tournaments and the famous NCAA Tournament, also known as March Madness. Bettors can wager on spreads, totals, moneylines and special props for individual players and teams.
- MLB Betting: Baseball takes the stage in spring and summer, offering a 162-game season. MLB betting sites provide diverse options, including moneyline, run line and various prop bets like over/under on home runs.
- NHL Betting: The NHL’s action-packed 82-game season gathers elite hockey teams. Hockey enthusiasts can explore markets such as moneyline, 60-minute moneyline, puck line, goal totals and various game and player props on top NHL betting.
While the most popular sports betting markets are typically offered by your average online sportsbook, the best online sports betting platforms and sports betting apps will also offer betting markets for niche sports, such as darts or snooker.
Reviewing Online Sportsbooks
There is a lot to take in when you first set out to start betting on sports. Below, you can understand more about the sports betting industry and how it works.
Legalities: Where can you bet online in the U.S.A.?
Did you know that the landscape of online gambling sites in the U.S. changed dramatically following a pivotal Supreme Court ruling in 2018? That’s when the federal ban on sports betting was overturned, granting each state the right to make sports betting legal on its own.
This watershed moment opened the doors for both onshore and offshore sportsbooks to operate in different regions across the country. As a result, many states rushed to get sports betting legislation on the books. Some states have stuck with retail sports betting while others greenlit online wagering right away.
When it comes to online options, we now have a mixture of legal sports betting sites ranging from big-name, state-regulated sportsbooks like FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook to established international giants such as Bovada and BetOnline.
Of course, sports betting legislation varies widely between states. Even in states that have made sports betting legal, there can be limits. Some places only have retail options, which means in-person betting at physical sportsbooks. Some states impose betting limits that are written right into the sports betting laws, making sure players can only profit so much.
Another common restriction is on college betting. Often, in-state college sports teams or a type of bet, like player props, are not allowed. It’s great to see more locally-regulated sportsbooks available, but legal sports wagering in the United States has a long way to go before it can be considered the most convenient option.
How to Safely Use a Sportsbook
Safety is paramount when it comes to online betting. Amid the hype about onshore sportsbooks, one thing often gets overlooked — the impressive safety record and privacy advantages of offshore betting sites.
Popular sports betting sites like Bookmaker.eu, Heritage and JustBet have been catering to online sports bettors for many years, accumulating trust and reliability. These offshore sites provide an extra layer of privacy that some bettors might not even realize they’re missing with onshore sites.
On-The-Go Betting: Why Sports Betting Apps Are a Game Changer
Ever imagine being able to place a bet while waiting for your coffee or during half-time at your kid’s soccer game? Thanks to sports betting apps, that’s now a reality.
Both locally-regulated online sportsbooks and international sportsbooks have embraced the digital revolution, making betting accessible right at your fingertips. It’s a game changer that lets you carry your personal sportsbook in your pocket, ensuring you never miss a promising bet.
Online sports betting might seem overwhelming at first, but once you know how to navigate the process, you’ll find that it enhances your enjoyment of your favorite sports.
U.S. Sportsbook Reviews: The Pillars of a Great Online Betting Site in 2025
In the rapidly evolving landscape of online sports betting sites, trust and reputation have emerged as the defining pillars. With the expansion of legal sports betting sites, bettors now face a wider array of choices.
Amid this selection, not all betting websites are created equal. Here at BMR, we underscore a set of critical principles — trustworthiness, transparency, customer satisfaction and accountability — as the cornerstone of our evaluation process in identifying the best online sportsbook platforms.
Offshore betting platforms, in particular, shine in this regard. Despite the legal betting scene in the United States only opening up in 2018, many sportsbooks off shore have been in operation since the ’90s. These online books have stood the test of time and regulatory changes, building a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness that many regulated sportsbooks can’t compete with.
The Blend of Integrity & Features
After a rigorous review and testing phase, we have singled out our favorite sportsbooks that masterfully blend these principles with an array of robust features. These platforms not only offer diverse betting options and an inclusive selection of sports but also demonstrate a strong focus on American sports.
What sets these top-rated online betting sites apart is their remarkable balance of integrity and offerings. They deliver the best of both worlds, ensuring that your bets are handled with utmost transparency while also providing an engaging and diverse betting experience.
Building Reputation Over Time
Renowned online sports betting sites don’t merely offer a wide array of betting markets. They cater to all users, whether they’re desktop enthusiasts or prefer mobile sports betting.
These platforms continually innovate, adding features like live betting and streaming to provide an enhanced betting experience. Robust loyalty programs that reward long-standing customers are a common feature, further cementing their status as trusted sportsbooks.
Understanding what constitutes trust and reputation in the world of sports betting allows bettors to focus on the thrill of the game and the joy of winning. At BMR, these qualities form the heart of our sportsbook review and rating process. We strive to ensure your betting journey is not only entertaining but also brings the peace of mind you deserve.
Comparing the Top Sportsbooks — Which one is right for you?
This chart provides a side-by-side comparison of the reviewed sportsbooks, outlining their strengths and weaknesses:
| Sportsbook | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | Diverse sports offerings Attractive betting promos Positive user experience | Customer service response times may vary |
| Heritage Sports | Extensive market variety Solid reputation and reliable customer service Rebates for regular users | Limited selection of sportsbook promotions |
| Bovada | Established reputation and history Many betting options with competitive odds User-friendly mobile betting interface | Some users may find welcome bonuses relatively standard |
| BookMaker | Impressive market variety Efficient deposit options with swift transactions Regular standout promotions | Interface might be perceived as slightly dated |
| WagerWeb | Exceptional odds and comprehensive markets Unique features and loyalty program Responsive customer support | Limited standout features compared to competitors Heavily catered to crypto players |
| JustBet | Established reputation and history Impressive menu of sports for live betting | Limited standout promotions compared to some competitors |
| SportsBetting | Comprehensive sports coverage Competitive odds Unique features and promotions | Some users may find the interface less modern compared to competitors |
Consider your priorities, whether it’s diverse sports coverage, attractive bonuses or user-friendly interfaces, to choose the sportsbook that aligns with your preferences.
Tips for Selecting the Ideal Sportsbook
When selecting the ideal betting site for promotions, practical considerations can significantly impact your betting experience. You should pay attention to bonuses, as they can enhance your initial bankroll. Look for online books that are offering competitive sign-up bonuses and ongoing promotions.
Customer service is crucial. Opt for a sportsbook with responsive and reliable customer support. Quick assistance ensures a smoother betting process and addresses any issues promptly. Evaluate payment methods to ensure convenient transactions.
Check for diverse options and consider transaction speed and fees. A sportsbook with efficient payment processes contributes to seamless deposits and withdrawals.
When choosing an sportsbook, prioritize bonuses, reliable customer service and convenient payment methods. These factors play a vital role in enhancing your overall betting satisfaction.
How To Wager with Online Sportsbooks
To begin wagering on online sportsbooks, select a preferred platform from our list and follow the provided links to reach their official website.
- Registration: Create an account by entering your name, setting up account credentials and providing the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
- Deposit: Fund your new account with an amount sufficient to qualify for the sportsbook’s welcome bonus. Make sure your initial deposit meets the eligibility criteria.
- Claim Bonus: After your deposit is confirmed, claim the welcome bonus offer. Keep in mind that some online sportsbooks and mobile sports betting apps may require you to enter a specific bonus code or promo code to take advantage of a welcome offer. Some sportsbook promotions must be claimed by contacting customer service.
- Explore and Bet: Navigate the sportsbook to discover games and markets of interest. Select your desired odds and fill out the bet slip with your stake to place a bet.
Follow these straightforward steps to kickstart your online sports betting experience with ease.
Conclusion
Our comprehensive sportsbook reviews have provided valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of top betting platforms. By comparing key features such as bonuses, customer service and payment methods, readers can now make informed decisions aligned with their preferences.
Whether prioritizing lucrative bonuses or responsive support, bettors can navigate our reviews to find the ideal sportsbook. It’s crucial to consider personal priorities and choose a platform that enhances the overall betting experience.
Make an informed decision, tailor your choice to your preferences and embark on a rewarding sports betting journey with confidence.
Sportsbook Reviews FAQs
Which is the best sportsbook?
The best sportsbook depends on individual preferences. All of the legal sportsbooks in our guide offer diverse features such as competitive odds, live betting and a wide range of sports. Users should consider factors like user interface, available sports and promotions to determine the best fit for them.
Should I use more than one sportsbook?
Using multiple sportsbooks can offer benefits like accessing better odds, a wider range of betting options and taking advantage of different promotions and sign-up bonuses. However, managing multiple accounts and ensuring responsible gambling is important. It is a personal choice based on individual preferences and betting strategies.
How do I choose an online sportsbook?
When choosing an online sportsbook, consider factors like reputation, licensing, available sports markets, odds competitiveness, promotions, user interface and customer service. It is important to identify any unique features that align with your preferences and betting style.
How accurate are sportsbook odds?
Sportsbook betting odds are generally accurate as they are based on complex algorithms, statistical analysis and market trends. However, discrepancies can occur, presenting opportunities for astute bettors. It is essential to compare odds across multiple sportsbooks to make more well-informed betting decisions.
What sportsbook has the best payout?
The sportsbook with the best payout can vary based on individual bets and odds. Researching reputable sportsbooks that offer competitive odds and diverse betting markets can help maximize potential payouts.
