How to Bet on Sports in States Without Local Sportsbooks

Understanding the Sports Betting Landscape

Sports betting has exploded across the United States since the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. That decision allowed individual states to regulate sports wagering as they saw fit, and in the years since, more than 30 states have launched legal sportsbooks, both retail and online. However, as of late 2025, there are still 11 states where no form of legal sports betting exists: Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. If you want to wager then you will need to know how to bet on sports in states without local sportsbooks.

The reasons for this vary. Some states, like Utah and Hawaii, have long-standing cultural or legal opposition to gambling in any form. Others, such as California and Texas, face political gridlock and competing interests between tribal gaming operators, commercial casinos, and state legislators. In places like Alabama and Georgia, religious and conservative influences have slowed progress. Meanwhile, states such as Minnesota and Oklahoma are still negotiating with tribal nations over how sports betting would be structured.

Adapting to Online Betting

For residents of these states, the absence of local sportsbooks creates a unique challenge. Fans who want to place a wager on the NFL, NBA, MLB, or college sports cannot simply download a state-regulated app like DraftKings or FanDuel. Nor can they walk into a casino sportsbook, because none exist in their jurisdictions. This leaves bettors with two main options: traveling to a neighboring state where sports betting is legal, or exploring offshore sportsbooks that accept U.S. players.

Traveling across state lines is a solution for some, but it is not always practical. For example, a resident of Dallas, Texas, would need to drive several hours to Louisiana to place a legal bet. Californians might head to Nevada, but that requires proximity to Las Vegas or Reno. For many, the more accessible option is to use reputable offshore sportsbooks that have been serving U.S. customers for decades.

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The Role of Offshore Sportsbooks

Offshore sportsbooks are online betting platforms based outside the United States but open to American players. While they are not regulated by U.S. state governments, many of these operators are licensed in international jurisdictions and have built strong reputations over decades of service. For bettors in states without local sportsbooks, these platforms provide access to betting markets, odds, and features that would otherwise be unavailable.

The appeal of offshore sportsbooks lies in their convenience and variety. Players can sign up online, deposit funds using credit cards, cryptocurrencies, or e-wallets, and place bets on virtually any sport in the world. From NFL point spreads to international soccer, from NBA player props to niche sports like darts or table tennis, these sites offer a breadth of markets that often surpasses even state-regulated books.

Another advantage is that offshore sportsbooks frequently provide generous bonuses and promotions. Because they compete for U.S. customers without the benefit of local advertising, they often offer larger welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, and loyalty rewards. This can make them attractive for bettors seeking extra value.

Of course, it is important to acknowledge the differences between offshore and state-regulated sportsbooks. Offshore platforms are not overseen by U.S. regulators, which means players must be selective and choose only well-established, trustworthy operators. Fortunately, a handful of sportsbooks have consistently proven themselves reliable, with strong track records of paying out winnings promptly and offering secure platforms.

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The Top Three Sportsbooks for States Without Local Betting

For bettors in Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah, three sportsbooks stand out as the most reputable and widely used: Bovada, BetOnline, and MyBookie. Each has unique strengths, and all three provide safe, accessible options for those living in states without local sportsbooks.

1. Bovada

Bovada has been a household name in U.S. sports betting for more than a decade. Known for its user-friendly interface and wide range of betting markets, Bovada is often the first choice for casual and experienced bettors alike. The site covers all major American sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and NCAA football and basketball, as well as international leagues.

One of Bovada’s standout features is its live betting platform, which allows players to wager on games as they unfold. Odds are updated in real time, and the interface makes it easy to place quick bets. Bovada also offers a strong mobile experience, ensuring that players can bet from anywhere with an internet connection.

In addition to sports betting, Bovada provides access to an online casino and poker room, making it a versatile platform for those who enjoy multiple forms of gaming. Its reputation for reliable payouts and customer service has made it a trusted option for U.S. players.

2. BetOnline

BetOnline is another long-standing sportsbook with a strong reputation among American bettors. Established in the early 2000s, it has built credibility through consistent service and competitive odds. BetOnline is particularly popular among sharp bettors because of its early lines and high betting limits. One feature that has created a large following is the dime line that BetOnline uses. Most US based sportsbooks like Draftkings and Fanduel use a 20 cent line. This means that you are getting a greater return for the same bet when you use BetOnline.

The site offers extensive coverage of sports, including not only the major U.S. leagues but also international competitions, esports, and niche markets. Its prop betting options are among the most comprehensive in the industry, giving players the chance to wager on everything from player statistics to unique game scenarios.

BetOnline also excels in banking options, supporting a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. This flexibility appeals to modern bettors who value speed and security in transactions.

3. MyBookie

MyBookie is a newer entrant compared to Bovada and BetOnline, but it has quickly gained popularity thanks to its marketing and user-friendly platform. Launched in 2014, MyBookie has positioned itself as a sportsbook for the everyday bettor, offering competitive odds, frequent promotions, and a straightforward interface.

One of MyBookie’s strengths is its focus on U.S. sports and culture. The site often features betting markets tied to entertainment, politics, and pop culture, in addition to traditional sports. This makes it appealing for players who enjoy wagering on more than just games.

MyBookie also provides a strong mobile experience and responsive customer support. While its betting limits may not be as high as BetOnline’s, it is an excellent choice for recreational bettors who want a reliable and entertaining platform.

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Why These Options Matter

For residents of the 11 states without legal sports betting, the absence of local options can feel frustrating, especially as neighboring states embrace the industry and generate tax revenue. California and Texas, in particular, represent massive untapped markets, and debates over legalization continue to dominate political discussions. Until those states resolve their legislative hurdles, offshore sportsbooks remain the most practical solution for millions of sports fans.

The importance of choosing reputable platforms cannot be overstated. While there are dozens of offshore sportsbooks available, not all are created equal. Bovada, BetOnline, and MyBookie have distinguished themselves through longevity, reliability, and customer satisfaction. They have consistently paid out winnings, maintained secure systems, and offered competitive odds.

Another factor to consider is the role of technology. Mobile betting has become the dominant form of sports wagering, and all three of these sportsbooks provide seamless mobile platforms. This ensures that bettors in states without local sportsbooks can still enjoy the same convenience as those in regulated markets.

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Practical Tips for Bettors in Non-Licensed States

1. Research the Platform: Before signing up, review the sportsbook’s history, licensing, and reputation. Bovada, BetOnline, and MyBookie all have established track records.
2. Understand Banking Options: Offshore sportsbooks often support cryptocurrency, which can provide faster and more secure transactions.
3. Start Small: If you are new to offshore betting, begin with small wagers to get comfortable with the platform.
4. Use Bonuses Wisely: Take advantage of welcome bonuses and promotions, but always read the terms and conditions.
5. Stay Informed: Keep up with legislative developments in your state. Sports betting laws are evolving rapidly, and legalization could arrive sooner than expected.

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How to Bet on Sports in States Without Local Sportsbooks

Sports betting in the United States has grown rapidly, but not every state has embraced it. For residents of Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah, the lack of local sportsbooks does not mean they are shut out of the action. Offshore sportsbooks like Bovada, BetOnline, and MyBookie provide safe, accessible, and feature-rich alternatives.

By understanding the landscape, choosing reputable platforms, and betting responsibly, sports fans in these states can still enjoy the excitement of wagering on their favorite teams and events. While the future may bring legalization to more states, for now, these offshore options remain the most practical and reliable path for those living in jurisdictions without local sportsbooks.

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