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If you’re an iGaming enthusiast who wants to explore a wider range of games and verticals, international online casino brands may offer the ideal solution. These entities can also unlock access to higher-value promotions and welcome offers.
But can you access international casinos legally, and what exactly do they offer to players? Find out all this and more in this comprehensive guide.
What Is an International Online Casino?
An international online casino is a gambling operator with multi-regional availability. Instead of accepting only local players, they accept gamblers from different regions. It has more features than your classic local casino, such as multiple languages, currencies, payment methods, and is often regulated by more than one gaming commission.
How Offshore Casinos Differ From Local Sites
Online international casino sites and your local platforms differ in various aspects, such as licenses, terms of use, deposit and bet limits, etc. You can check out some of the differences below to understand what makes offshore casinos unique.
| Offshore Casinos | State-Regulated Casinos |
|---|---|
| Often licensed by offshore, international authorities, such as Anjouan or Curacao. | Licensed by local institutions, such as UKCG for the United Kingdom. |
| Offers a wide range of payment methods, including cryptocurrencies, e-wallets, etc. | Usually focus on locally used payment methods, and aren’t allowed to process crypto. |
| In most cases, there isn’t automatic tax reporting; self-reporting is needed. | Taxes may be included or should be reported to the local authorities. |
| Has high minimum withdrawals and even rollover terms for each deposit. | Players can make low-volume cashouts, and aren’t obligated to wager all the money they deposited. |
Top International Online Casino and Sportsbook Options
Let’s start by detailing the best international casino and sportsbook platforms in each individual country. You’ll note that many of these sites are licensed offshore and operate in multiple jurisdictions.
Our Top 3 Online International Casino Picks
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Online Casinos Reviewed6
Key Criteria500+
Research Hours10+
In-House WritersPros and Cons of Playing at International Casinos
As you can see, there are a number of factors that can influence your experience when wagering at an international online casino or betting site. But what are the precise pros and cons of frequenting an overseas operator?
Pros
- Access more generous promotions over a larger number of deposits
- Benefit from a more diverse selection of games and software providers
- Easier registration processes, especially at European casinos
- More varied and localized payment methods (including supported cryptocurrencies)
- Most sites are optimized for mobile devices and seamlessly accessible through smartphone browsers
Cons
- It can be harder to verify licensing credentials at some global or offshore brands
- International sites may not be required to offer 128-bit SSL encryption
Are International Casinos Legal?
In most countries, it’s neither legal nor illegal to access an international casino site that is regulated by the Curacao gaming authorities or similar regulators. However, operators can be banned from jurisdictions, and access to their site will be blocked for players who live there.
We also advise you to check the casino’s terms and conditions to see whether gambling in your state is legal on the platform. In most cases, the online platform will forbid you from entering the site if the casino isn’t legal in your area.
There are some international casino licenses that are widely trusted and respected throughout the world. Generally speaking, licenses issued in Malta and the UK represent the gold standard within the industry, with many UK Gambling Commission-backed operators commonly accepted in the New Zealand, Australia and the US markets.
Certainly, a number of international jurisdictions embrace brands with such accreditation. Licenses issued in Gibraltar, Ireland and the Isle of Man are also coveted, especially for worldwide casino brands that are based in Europe.
When comparing international sites, we’d recommend prioritizing those that have one or more of these licensing credentials.
National Casino Licences
Of course, the UKGC is also an example of a national licensing authority and regulator. The same applies to the Malta Gaming Authority, while the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland provides a comprehensive overview of casino and sports betting on the Emerald Isle.
These regulatory bodies set and implement the rules for all domestic brands that are licensed to operate within the relevant jurisdiction. However, the current legislation in countries like Ireland and UK also allow natives to access offshore betting sites, who may be licensed by an independent, overseas agency.
Independent International Agencies and Game Fairness
Independent agencies and regulatory bodies enable licensees to target a host of global markets, although some are more trusted than others. Take the Curacao Gambling Authority (CGA), for example, which is the gold standard for offshore sites despite imposing less stringent restrictions on licensees.
Other popular and trusted regulatory bodies operate in Panama, Alderney, and Kahnawake, which also afford licensees relatively significant freedoms. For example, they can provide more generous bonuses and promotional offers, while they may not be required to participate in national self-exclusion schemes (such as GAMSTOP in the UK).
Safety at Offshore Online Casinos
Offshore casinos provide several security methods to protect your personal data and ensure safe gaming environments. Let’s see which tools you can find on international casino sites.
Are Online Casino Winnings Taxable?
This depends on your local laws and regulations. In most cases, you won’t have to pay taxes if you’re not playing professionally. However, if you’re a professional gambler, you’ll have to pay taxes in most countries, and the tax is revenue-based.
Some countries, such as the USA, may tax all winnings you get from a casino, regardless of the amount, which is why it’s crucial to learn about the local laws before starting an international gaming journey.
International Casino Bonuses & Promotions
One of the reasons why many people seek international gaming sites is the promotions page. You’ll access various bonuses to boost your gaming, such as the examples we’ll provide below.
Countries with Specific Bonus Regulations
Although some casinos may offer generous bonuses and promotions, they aren’t available everywhere. Here are several examples that pertain to bonus restrictions within different jurisdictions.
- The United Kingdom – Online gambling sites aren’t allowed to offer promos that incentivize gambling on more than one game
- Australia – Casinos cannot advertise welcome offers to attract new players
- The Netherlands – Cashback bonuses aren’t allowed in casinos that operate in the country
- Spain – Gambling brands aren’t allowed to give betting or casino credits to players
- Italy – Italian bookmakers aren’t allowed to give players more than €100 in bonus funds
- New South Wales – Advertising any form of promotion or incentive for gambling is prohibited
Popular Games at International Casino Sites
When you frequent the best international online casinos, you’ll be able to access a huge selection of games and verticals. They’ll do this to satisfy a culturally diverse player base, with some casino verticals more popular than others in various global jurisdictions. Here’s a summary of the most widely played international online casino games.
Slot Games
We’ll start with the online slot vertical, which dominates the iGaming space and often accounts for more than 70% of the typical games’ library. Slots are classic games of chance that unlock different levels of volatility and variable payouts while they typically offer broad betting ranges. The most popular slots tend to be themed in nature and offer extensive bonus gameplay.
Table Games
Table games are the next most popular online casino vertical, with roulette and blackjack particularly widely played. These classic casino games have spawned a number of fun and creative iterations online, which may feature different rules that benefit players or put them at a disadvantage. Blackjack is particularly popular as it’s a game of numeracy and strategy.
Live Dealer Games
Any top international casino online will offer an extensive range of live dealer games in the digital age. These games feature a corporeal dealer via a live digital stream while they’re focused on disciplines such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps. This vertical is becoming increasingly popular, with some casinos offering up to 100 live dealer games and variations.
Poker Games
Poker is the ultimate casino game of chance, and one that enables players to deploy strategy, skill and even psychological techniques to gain a competitive advantage. Interestingly, you’ll find a diverse range of poker iterations in different parts of the world, so each site’s offering will vary wildly depending on its jurisdiction. Here are some links to help you learn more.
Crash Games
Crash games are fast-paced and a round lasts for only a few seconds. The goal is to stop the multiplier before it crashes and earn your multiplied bet. It’s the perfect game for people who seek adrenaline rushes and wish to explore some unique titles. You can discover various themes according to your preferences.
Most Popular Software Providers in the World
International gambling sites will feature games from a huge number of global software providers. However, some of these are more renowned and better represented than others, including the following:
- Microgaming: It’s fitting that we should start with Microgaming, which was the first company to supply software to an online casino when the industry launched in 1994. It has since evolved to offer a huge range of slots and world class poker network skins, while its cumulative progressive jackpot payout has breached the $1 billion mark.
- NetEnt: NetEnt is another market leader and a premium supplier of online casino games (particularly slots and live dealer games). The latter point is particularly interesting, as it encouraged Evolution Gaming to acquire the brand for SEK 19.6 billion in June 2020.
- Playtech: Playtech operates in a number of global markets, having made its name as a premier supplier of themed slots. To this end, the brand enjoys licensing arrangements with several film and TV studios, enabling them to create games based on hit AMC, Paramount, MGM, and Warner Bros franchises.
- Pragmatic Play: While Pragmatic Play is not as well known as some of the other names on this list, it has emerged as a key global player in the iGaming space. The brand’s portfolio is impressively diverse, including slots, live dealer games, bingo iterations, and even virtual sports for betting sites.
- Evolution: The provider primarily focuses on creating live dealer games and shows, but they also own other studios like NetEnt, Red Tiger, BTG, and Nolimit City. In other words, Evolution Gaming Group creates all genres of casino games.
Popular International Payment Methods
If you were to identify and visit the best online casino in the world, you’d most likely unlock a large range of trusted banking methods. This ensures greater choice and convenience for players, especially when you can access e-wallets and crypto tokens alongside Visa and Mastercard payments.
| Payment Method | Deposits | Withdrawals | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit/ debit cards | ✅ | ✅ | Fast deposits, global availability. |
| e-Wallets | ✅ | ✅ | Low transaction fees, available on most casino platforms. |
| Cryptocurrencies | ✅ | ✅ | No fees, high security, and instant withdrawals. |
| Bank transfer | ✅ | ✅ | Ease of use, instant deposits. |
| Prepaid options | ✅ | ❌ | Quick transactions, no additional accounts needed. |
International sites also offer access to localized payment options, including the aforementioned POLi in Oceana. Similar methods include DuitNow e-Wallet and TNG in Malaysia, while Canadian players can deposit and withdraw using Interac and Gigadat. Be sure to check your preferred site to review their full range of banking methods.
Currencies available at International Casinos
Typically, global and international casino brands will accept a diverse selection of currencies. The most popular options include the US Dollar, GBP, and the Euro, alongside Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand dollars.
Just remember that localized currency options may require you to exchange funds at a particular rate. It’s important to keep this in mind, especially if you want to minimize transaction costs and make the most of your bankroll.
Mobile Gaming at International Casinos Online
Any leading online casino in the international market will be accessible via mobile devices. While the majority are optimized for mobile, many of them only allow access via mobile browsers rather than native apps. Below, you’ll see our top three picks as the best international mobile casino sites.
Recommended Worldwide Mobile Casinos
How to Register at an International Casino Online
Creating an account on an international casino platform is quick, and it’ll only take you a minute or two to complete. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the experience:
- Research Casino Sites: Select your ideal international casino according to its security, availability, payment options, and reputation.
- Open an Account: Enter the site and click the Sign-Up button to start. Input your details, such as the e-mail, password, username, address, and other requested fields.
- Make a Deposit: Choose an international payment method and select the amount you wish to deposit. Wait for the transaction to appear in your casino account.
- Claim the Welcome Offer: Open the promotions page and find the welcome offer. Activate it using a promo code or simply by clicking on it to receive the reward.
- Start Placing Bets: Find your favorite casino title from the library and start placing your bets and exploring your gaming opportunities.
Play Responsibly at an Online Casino for International Players
Most international online casino brands operate within a less stringent regulatory framework, especially when compared to nationally regulated casinos. This means that there’s less of an emphasis on responsible play and potentially fewer tools to help you combat the initial signs of problem gambling. In such cases, the following resources can provide confidential advice and practical assistance regardless of your circumstances.
