Best Offshore Poker Sites 2023 – Claim a $1,000 Bonus Playing Online Poker Offshore
Offshore poker sites have been serving USA players for well over two decades. They fill the void left by limited regulated online poker rooms in the US. If you’re an American who loves online poker, then you’ll likely need to use offshore sites.
You can consult the following guide for important info on online offshore poker. This page discusses the best offshore poker sites, our grading criteria, legality matters, available variations, payment methods, and more.
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Best Offshore Poker Sites
- BetOnline – The best offshore poker site for a variety of reasons.
- Bovada – Great for anonymous tables and loyalty rewards.
- Everygame – Get a match bonus on your first deposit.
- Ignition Casino – Features the biggest offshore poker bonus.
- SportsBetting – Offers large weekly tournaments.
Reviews of the Best Offshore Poker Sites
The online offshore poker industry features dozens of operators and having so many options to choose from can create difficulties when it comes to finding the top offshore poker sites. You can take a shortcut, though, and consult our favorite picks below.
1. BetOnline Poker – The Best Offshore Poker Site Overall
BetOnline launched as a sports betting operation in 1991. It waited 20 years before opening its poker room in 2011. The wait was worth it because BetOnline is now the best offshore online poker site.
The site draws solid traffic as a key component of the Chico Poker Network, and BetOnline Poker offers plenty of full cash tables and many tournaments as a result. The latter include freerolls, progressive bounties, Sunday Majors, and $1 Million Windfalls (jackpot sit and go’s).
You can enjoy all BetOnline tournaments and cash games on stellar proprietary software from Connective Games. But, on the downside, the cash game rake is higher than the industry average at 5.55% ($0.1 for every $0.18). We also feel that BetOnline could run more promotions for its poker players.
What we like:
- Large welcome bonus
- Solid traffic
- High-quality software
- Lots of different tournaments
- Trusted and long-running brand
What we don’t:
- Not many poker promotions
- High rake
2. Bovada Poker – Top Loyalty Rewards Program for Offshore Bettors
Bovada has had a strange history in the US. After spawning from the Bodog brand in 2011, it existed in the US market until 2016 before selling its assets to Ignition Casino. This site returned, though, and began accepting Americans again in 2017.
It’s now one of the best poker sites for US players for multiple reasons: First off, Bovada Poker runs on the popular PWL Network alongside Ignition and has no trouble drawing in players, offering full cash games and big tournaments.
On the topic of tournaments, you can compete in a $150k guaranteed event every week, and you can play on anonymous cash game tables like at Ignition. Bovada’s lowest stakes ($0.05/$0.10) may not be low enough for some players, though, and you must deposit before seeing the cash game and tournament offerings in the lobby.
What we like:
- Great tournament action
- Anonymous tables
- Large poker bonus
- Loyalty program
What we don’t:
- Deposit required to view poker lobby
- Lowest stakes aren’t low enough
3. Everygame Poker – Plenty of Variety & Top Match Bonus
Launched as Intertops in 1996, Everygame hails from one of the online gambling industry’s oldest brands and offers a standard mix of variations that revolve around Texas hold’em and Omaha.
Everygame’s poker cash stakes run from $0.02/$0.04 to $10/$20. Its tournaments consist of small and medium events, with the largest regular tourney offering a $10,000 prize pool.
The Everygame poker bonus (code 1000ITP) provides a match on your first deposit. This online poker room doesn’t offer many promotions beyond the welcome bonus but does feature a loyalty program that awards points and cash prizes.
Everygame is on the Horizon Poker Network, which doesn’t generate lots of traffic. The cash scene can be bare at times, especially during non-peak hours. You also need to watch out for the ring game rake, which is 6.67% from $0.02/$0.04 to $2/$4 stakes.
What we like:
- Long-running and successful brand
- Great match bonus
- Loyalty program
- Daily freerolls
What we don’t:
- Highest rake on this list
- Low traffic
- Not many promotions
4. Ignition Poker – Largest Bonus Available at Offshore Poker Sites
Ignition Casino launched in 2016 after taking over the Bovada Poker operation, which temporarily exited the US market. It has proceeded to become one of the best offshore poker sites.
Ignition runs on the PaiWangLuo Network, alongside Bovada and Bodog.eg. PWL draws the most offshore online poker traffic of any US-friendly network and offers many full cash tables.
You can play in Ignition ring games anonymously, which protects you from bum hunters. All you need to do is join an anonymous table in the cash game lobby to take advantage. On a down note, you must play at $0.05/$0.10 or higher in Ignition ring games.
Most offshore poker sites, by contrast, accommodate low rollers with $0.01/$0.02 cash stakes. You also won’t be able to preview tables until you’ve made a deposit.
Ending on a high note, Ignition Casino features an excellent tournament lineup with big guarantees and weekly freerolls. The largest tourneys boast guaranteed prize pools worth up to $1 million.
What we like:
- Huge welcome bonus
- Anonymous tables
- Serious tournament action
- Loyalty program
What we don’t:
- $.05/$.10 are lowest stakes
- Must deposit to check out poker lobby
5. SportsBetting.ag – Weekly Offshore Poker Tournaments
As the name implies, SportsBetting.ag has earned its reputation through sports gambling. However, the SportsBetting.ag poker room is quite a draw too. It runs on the Chico Network with BetOnline and, thus, benefits from solid traffic.
SportsBetting.ag lets you play at cash stakes ranging from $0.01/$0.02 to $15/$30. Its ring game rake is high (5.55%), just like its sister site BetOnline. The tournament rake, meanwhile, is in line with the industry average at 10% on buy-ins.
Notable tourneys available here include a Sunday $150,000 guaranteed event ($109 buy-in) and $1 Million Windfalls (jackpot SNGs).
What we like:
- Big welcome bonus
- Runs large tournaments on a regular basis
- High offshore online poker traffic
- Solid range of cash game stakes
What we don’t:
- Limited poker promotions
- High cash game rake
Comparing the Best Offshore Poker Sites
You’ve seen our picks for the top offshore online poker sites. Now, we’d like to go more in-depth on how these sites compare regarding stakes, rake, live event qualifiers, and freerolls. We’ll also mention each site’s network, which factors heavily into offshore online poker traffic.
Poker Network Min/Max Stakes (CG) Rake (CG) Qualifiers to Live Events Freerolls BetOnline Chico Network $.01/.02 – $15/$30 $0.01 for every $0.18 in pot ❌ Daily Bovada PWL Network $.05/.1 – $30/$60 $0.01 for every $0.20 in pot ❌ Weekly Everygame Horizon Poker $.02/.04 – $10/$20 $0.01 for every $0.15 up to $2/$4; $0.01 for every $0.20 beyond $2/$4 ✅ Daily Ignition PWL Network $.05/.1 – $30/$60 $0.01 for every $0.20 in pot ❌ Weekly SportsBetting.ag Chico Network $.01/.02 – $15/$30 $0.01 for every $0.18 in pot ❌ Daily Are Offshore Poker Sites Legal in the US?
American online poker players don’t have access to many regulated options. That said, a common question among American gamblers is: do offshore poker sites accept US players? Many players also want to know if they can legally play at offshore online poker sites.
Offshore poker lies in a gray area throughout most of the US. The majority of states don’t take a legal stance for or against online poker. Regulated offshore poker sites don’t exist, but these operators still feel comfortable serving most states.
As a player, you have the right to enjoy these sites almost anywhere in America. Only a handful of states explicitly ban online gambling (e.g. Washington). You do need to report your annual profits (if applicable) on tax returns to stay above board. Provided you do this, you’re clear to enjoy the best poker sites for US players.
How We Choose the Best Offshore Online Poker Rooms
Plenty of legit offshore poker sites are available. Not all of these sites are the same, though, regarding tournaments, traffic, bonuses, and more. That said, we consider several important factors when judging offshore poker sites, including the following aspects.
Cash Game & Tournaments
Traffic is everything when it comes to ring games and tournaments. More players means more full cash tables and bigger guaranteed prize pools. You should head to heavily trafficked sites when seeking large tournaments and a wider variety of ring games.
Bonus & Promotions
You probably have dreams of becoming a great poker player and winning serious money someday. Of course, you should still take advantage of bonuses and promotions when possible. Ideally, you’ll get a large welcome bonus and have access to consistent promos afterward.
Safety & Security
Reputable offshore poker sites run secure apps/websites that are protected by high-level encryption technology. They’re also reasonable when handling customer complaints and being fair to players.
You can easily tell if long-running operators are honest based on their lengthy track records. New poker sites, on the other hand, have lots to prove before they should be considered completely safe.
Payment Methods
Banking options are limited in the online poker real money USA market. Nevertheless, any decent poker room will provide multiple options.
Most offshore poker sites accept Bitcoin as a payment option. The biggest crypto-friendly poker sites also take other cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Solana, and XRP. Looking beyond crypto, credit cards, eWallets, prepaid cards, and bank transfers can be available too.
Customer Support
All legit offshore poker sites feature knowledgeable and helpful customer service. Any offshore poker site that lands among our top picks must excel in this area.
These sites earn bonus points by providing multiple support contact methods, including live chat, phone, email, and/or Twitter. Live chat is especially important here due to its speed and ease of use.
How to Sign Up & Play at Offshore Poker Sites
You can open online poker offshore accounts relatively easily. Below, you’ll see the general steps for signing up and depositing at poker sites.
1. Choose a Top Offshore Poker Site
We highly recommend selecting one of the best offshore poker sites so that you have a good experience right away. You can use our top 6 list as a reference for the best of the best. If you’re into betting at sportsbooks, you should choose a poker room that accepts sports wagers too.
2. Download the Software or App (or Visit the Mobile Site)
All offshore poker sites give you the ability to play on a desktop computer or through a smartphone. You need to decide which is your preferred platform and act accordingly. As for smartphone/tablet poker, most offshore sites require you to visit their mobile site to play. These operators don’t normally offer apps for US players.
3. Select the Join/Sign Up Button
You can kick off the registration process by selecting the “Join” (Sign Up) button on the homepage. Doing so will lead you to a signup form.
4. Visit the Banking Section and Choose a Deposit Method
You can use offshore rooms as free poker sites within the USA for as long as you’d like. Once you’re ready to make a deposit, visit the cashier. Most offshore online poker sites take credit cards and cryptocurrencies. They may even accept a wire transfer and/or prepaid card.
5. Enter the Proper Bonus Code (Optional)
An offshore poker bonus is a great way to start at a new site. That said, you’ll probably want to enter a bonus code so that you qualify for a welcome deal. Some offshore poker bonuses are worth up to $1k or more.
6. Confirm your Transaction
The final step is to confirm your deposit amount. Once you do this, you simply wait for the funds to arrive before playing for real money.
The Best Bonuses at Offshore Poker Sites
The offshore online poker world is filled with bonuses. Of course, many offers differ from each other in terms of size and terms and conditions. The best offshore poker bonuses provide at least a 100% match, are large, and have fair T&Cs. Below, you can learn more about the common types of bonuses in online poker.
Welcome Bonuses
Most offshore poker sites offer a welcome bonus to new depositors. Operators put their best foot forward with welcome deals to attract fresh players. You’ll commonly find offshore poker bonuses worth up to $1,000 or more.
Of course, size isn’t the only factor to consider. Each welcome offer comes with wagering requirements that must be met before cashing out. You normally need to earn a certain number of loyalty points to unlock portions of the bonus (e.g. $10 apiece). Ideally, you’ll find a bonus that doesn’t require as much play to earn the money.
No Deposit Bonuses
Outside of freerolls, no deposit bonuses represent the only time that you can win free money in online poker. They’re not overly common at offshore poker sites, but they do exist. You merely need to sign up to qualify for these bonuses when available. For example, you might join an online poker room and receive $10 free.
Terms and conditions can be especially stingy regarding a poker no deposit bonus. Online casinos don’t want you to collect free money too easily. Even still, you can turn these offers into cash with the right effort.
Match Bonuses
Match bonuses match your deposit up to a certain amount. For instance, an online poker site may match your first deposit by 100% up to $1,000. If you deposit $200 under this deal, you’ll qualify for a $200 bonus.
A match bonus is the most common type of welcome bonus. It can also be available as a reload bonus, which applies to existing players. Reload match bonuses aren’t usually as impressive as welcome deals, but they’re still worthwhile.
Cash Games & Tournament Offerings
The best poker sites offshore provide big tournaments and many full-ring games. Regarding the latter, full tables ranging from $0.01/$0.02 to $5/$10 are great by offshore standards. By contrast, smaller operators usually only have full games from $0.01/$0.02 to $0.10/$0.25.
Online poker tournaments can be freezeouts, freerolls, re-buys, satellites, or knockouts. Freezeouts and re-buys with guaranteed prize pools usually constitute the biggest events.
You should note that switching from cash games to tourneys, and vice versa, requires a different strategy, and, with that in mind, we recommend learning the differences between cash game and tournament strategy.
Poker Variations at Offshore Poker Sites
Texas hold’em is usually the best online poker for real money variant. It’s the most popular adaptation and draws the most players. However, many offshore operators go beyond hold’em to provide more variations.
The offshore scene collectively features Omaha, 7-card stud, and other variants, including Caribbean stud. The following table illustrates what you can look forward to when playing offshore online poker.
7 Card Stud Texas Hold’Em Omaha BetOnline NL, FL NL, FL HiLo-PL/FL, Hi-PL Bovada NL, FL NL, FL, Casino Variant HiLo-PL/FL, Hi-PL Everygame N/A NL, FL HiLo-PL/FL, Hi-PL Ignition NL, FL NL, FL, Casino Variant HiLo-PL/FL, Hi-PL SportsBetting.ag NL, FL NL, FL HiLo-PL/FL, Hi-PL The Best Payment Methods for Offshore Poker Sites
You can have plenty of fun playing at free poker sites for USA players. Eventually, though, you may get the urge to play at real money offshore poker sites. You’ll have access to multiple deposit methods when doing so.
Credit cards are popular because they provide instant deposits, but some card-issuing banks sometimes reject online gambling-related transactions. Cryptocurrencies are a good workaround because they’re decentralized and don’t involve third-party banks. Other banking options available include gift cards, eWallets, and wire transfers.
Our top three online poker deposit methods include:
- Bitcoin – Decentralized payment method with low fees.
- Credit card – Delivers instant deposits with little effort on your part.
- Prepaid card – Works similar to credit cards and is a good option when available.
Offshore Poker Apps & Mobile Sites
All offshore poker sites are mobile compatible through apps and/or mobile sites. The latter is much more common, though, in the USA. After all, offshore operators can’t provide apps through the US-facing Google Play or App Store.
Some online poker sites may provide a real money poker android app on their website. But this scenario is an exception rather than commonplace. In most cases, you’ll play through an offshore poker room’s mobile site. You visit their website through an iPhone or Android to use this option.
More on Poker Online…
Online poker is a broad subject that includes more than just Texas hold’em, Omaha, and other variations covered so far. It also includes house-banked video poker and decentralized poker. Here’s a closer look at the various versions of the game.
- Best poker sites – This entire page covers the offshore poker industry and top sites.
- Video poker – Video poker is a house-banked casino game that’s based on draw poker. Several video poker variations exist at offshore casinos.
- Decentraland ICE poker – ICE is a metaverse poker game that runs on the Decentraland network. It rewards you with tokens for playing and completing daily challenges.
The Best Offshore Poker Site
BetOnline is our favorite offshore poker site. It has the perfect mix of heavy traffic, high-quality software, frequent tournaments, and reputability. The cash game rake is a little higher than Ignition (our #2), but it’s not enough to overshadow the good aspects.
That said, we urge you to try BetOnline above all other offshore poker sites. You can sign up here and score a 100% match bonus of up to $1,000 (code NEWBOL) as a new player.
Best Offshore Poker Site
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Claim Now FAQs
Is online poker legal offshore in NY
New York doesn’t have any specific laws aimed at offshore online poker. Therefore, some offshore poker sites serve New Yorkers.
How to cash out from offshore online poker sites?
Offshore poker sites generally let you withdraw money through bank transfer, check, or cryptocurrency. To cash out, you visit the banking section, choose a withdrawal method, and enter your withdrawal amount.
Are there any legal poker sites in the US?
A handful of states offer regulated online poker, including Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The majority of states treat mobile poker as a gray area, hence the popular offshore sites.
Do offshore poker sites accept us players?
Yes, many offshore online poker sites take Americans. BetOnline, Ignition, and Everygame are a few US-friendly offshore poker rooms.
If online poker is illegal in my state and I play on offshore sites, how do I file taxes?
The US government requires you to file taxes on any gambling winnings. Therefore, you’re in a legal conundrum either way. The best bet is to avoid gambling online wherever it’s illegal.
Can you play at offshore poker sites in the US for real money?
Yes, some of the best online poker for real money is available in American states. A handful of states do ban online gambling, though, so you should check your local laws.
Are offshore poker sites legal?
The legality of offshore online poker varies based on the state. Most states don’t take a legal stance on mobile poker, meaning the game lies in a gray area.
Jeremy Olson has been writing about online gambling since 2006. He started out covering online poker and eventually transitioned to casino games and sports betting.
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