International Sports Betting
Millions of people around the world place bets every day, but international sports betting comes with its own set of challenges. Different countries have different rules, and not every sportsbook is available everywhere.
Some countries have strict laws that limit where and how you can bet. Others give you more freedom, but not every site is trustworthy. The good news? There are top-rated sportsbooks that accept international players and offer solid odds, fast payouts, and good bonuses—if you know where to look.
On this page, we’ll break down how sports betting works in different countries, from the strictest to the most open. We’ll also show you the best sites that accept players in each place, so you can bet safely and legally. Whether you’re traveling or betting from home, we’ve got you covered.
Table Of Contents
International Betting Scene Explained
Sports betting is bigger than ever—and it’s happening all over the world. From massive sportsbooks in Europe to mobile betting apps in the U.S. and Asia, people everywhere are placing bets on everything from soccer and basketball to cricket and esports. But depending on where you live, the experience can look very different.
Some countries, like the UK, have well-regulated sports betting markets with dozens of licensed sportsbooks. In places like Australia and much of Europe, betting is part of everyday life, with clear rules that protect players. On the other hand, some countries—like the U.S. until recently—are just now opening up to legal sports betting, and laws can vary by state or region.
There are also places where betting is restricted or banned, but players still find ways to access international sites. That’s why knowing the legal landscape and which sites are safe is so important when betting globally.
Top International Sports Betting Sites
The following are the best international sportsbooks. These are safe sites where you can wager on sports from almost anywhere around the world.
| Rank | Top Betting Sites | Deposit Bonus | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Bovada |
Deposit Bonus 50% Up To $250 | Bet Now |
| 2 |
BetUS |
Deposit Bonus 100% Up To $2,500 | Bet Now |
| 3 |
Betonline |
Deposit Bonus 50% Up To $250 | Bet Now |
Top International Sports Betting Site Accepting USA Players
For more sites and details, read our guide to the best online sportsbooks.
Foreign Sports Betting Markets by Country
While we’re a US-focused site, we pride ourselves on covering sports betting for several regions, including overseas. Below we cover each jurisdiction or country extensively.
We go over legality, international betting options, taxes on winnings, and the ins and outs of each market. You’ll also be able to access our country-specific lists, where you can access the best sports betting sites around the world.
Canada Sports Betting
Sports betting in Canada is legal, but the rules vary by province. Each province runs its own online sportsbooks, like Ontario’s PROLINE+ and British Columbia’s PlayNow.
Since 2021, single-game betting is fully legal, so Canadians no longer have to rely on parlays. Many also use international sportsbooks that accept Canadian players, offering more betting options and better odds.
The most popular sports to bet on in Canada are hockey, football (NFL and CFL), basketball, and baseball. Soccer and UFC are growing fast too, with major events pulling in big action from Canadian bettors.
United Kingdom Sports Betting
The UK has one of the most established and well-regulated sports betting markets in the world. Sports betting is completely legal, both online and in-person, and licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.
This means bettors have access to a wide range of trusted sportsbooks offering competitive odds and strong player protections.
Football (soccer) is by far the most popular sport to bet on in the UK, followed by horse racing, tennis, rugby, and cricket. Big events like the Premier League, Wimbledon, and the Grand National draw huge betting action. In-play betting and mobile apps are also a major part of the scene.
South Africa Sports Betting
Sports betting is fully legal and regulated in South Africa. Licensed sportsbooks operate under the National Gambling Board, and both online and in-person betting are allowed. Unlike other forms of gambling, sports betting has been widely accepted and continues to grow in popularity.
The most popular sports to bet on in South Africa are soccer, rugby, and cricket. International soccer leagues, especially the English Premier League, draw huge action. Horse racing is also big, with many local and international races available to bet on. South African sportsbooks often offer a mix of local and global sports markets for bettors.
New Zealand Sports Betting
Sports betting is legal in New Zealand, but it’s tightly controlled. The government-run TAB (Totalisator Agency Board) holds a monopoly on legal sports betting within the country. However, many New Zealanders also use international sportsbooks that accept Kiwi players, as there are no laws preventing them from betting on overseas sites.
The most popular sports to bet on in New Zealand are rugby, cricket, and soccer. Horse racing is also a major part of the betting scene. Big events like All Blacks rugby matches and international cricket games draw a lot of action from local bettors.
India Sports Betting
Sports betting in India exists in a legal gray area. Most forms of gambling are banned under federal law, but there’s no clear rule against using international sportsbooks. As a result, many Indian bettors place bets on offshore betting sites that accept players from India. Some states, like Sikkim and Goa, have legalized and regulated local betting to a degree.
Cricket is by far the most popular sport to bet on, especially during big events like the IPL and international matches. Football (soccer), tennis, and kabaddi are also common betting options for Indian players.
Kenya Sports Betting
Sports betting is legal and hugely popular in Kenya. The industry is regulated by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), which oversees local sportsbooks and betting shops. Mobile betting is especially big, with many Kenyans using their phones to place bets through apps and mobile-friendly sites.
Football (soccer) is by far the most popular sport to bet on, with major action on European leagues like the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League. Local football leagues, rugby, and athletics also attract bets. Despite high taxes on winnings, sports betting continues to grow across Kenya.
Australia Sports Betting
Sports betting is fully legal and widely popular in Australia. It’s regulated at both the federal and state levels, with licensed sportsbooks operating under strict rules. Online sports betting is allowed, but in-play betting (live betting during a game) is restricted to phone or in-person bets.
Aussies love to bet on sports, with the most popular markets being Australian Rules Football (AFL), rugby, cricket, and soccer. Horse racing is also a huge part of the betting scene, especially during major events like the Melbourne Cup. Most bettors use mobile apps and websites for fast, easy access to betting markets.
Philippines Sports Betting
Sports betting is legal and regulated in the Philippines, with clear laws governing both local and international sportsbooks. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) oversees licensed betting operations for players inside the country. While locals can bet through authorized outlets, many also use offshore sportsbooks that accept Filipino players, as there are no laws preventing this.
Basketball, especially the NBA and local PBA games, is the most popular sport to bet on. Boxing, soccer, and esports are also big in the Philippines. Major international events draw a lot of action, and mobile betting makes placing wagers fast and easy.
Russia Sports Betting
Sports betting is legal and regulated in Russia, but the industry has gone through many changes in recent years. Licensed sportsbooks operate under strict government oversight, and all betting companies must hold a Russian license. However, many popular international sportsbooks have been blocked, leading some Russian bettors to use VPNs to access offshore sites.
The most popular sports to bet on in Russia are soccer, hockey (especially the KHL), and tennis. Basketball and esports are also growing fast. Big international events like the World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and NHL games draw heavy betting action from Russian players.
Nigeria Sports Betting
Sports betting is fully legal and booming in Nigeria. The industry is regulated by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), and many licensed sportsbooks operate both online and through physical betting shops. With the rise of mobile technology, most Nigerians place bets using apps or mobile-friendly sites, making betting accessible to a wide audience.
Football (soccer) is by far the most popular sport to bet on, with huge action on the English Premier League, Champions League, and local Nigerian leagues. Basketball and esports are also growing in popularity, but soccer remains the top choice for most bettors.
Costa Rica Sports Betting
Sports betting is legal in Costa Rica, but the system is unique. While the country is home to many international sportsbooks that serve players worldwide, local laws don’t specifically regulate online betting for Costa Rican residents. This means locals can access international betting sites without issue, but there are few government-run options for domestic players.
Soccer is the most popular sport to bet on, especially international leagues like the English Premier League and Spain’s La Liga. Local Costa Rican soccer matches also draw action. Bettors also wager on basketball, baseball, and American football, with mobile betting being the preferred method.
Brazil Sports Betting
Sports betting is legal in Brazil and growing fast. The government passed a law in 2018 to regulate fixed-odds sports betting, and licensed sportsbooks are now entering the market. While full regulations are still being finalized, many international sportsbooks already accept Brazilian players and offer local payment options.
Soccer is by far the most popular sport to bet on, especially Brazil’s own leagues and international events like the World Cup and Copa Libertadores. Bettors also wager heavily on basketball, volleyball, and MMA.
Colombia Sports Betting
Sports betting is fully legal and regulated in Colombia, making it one of the most organized betting markets in Latin America. The country was the first in the region to set up a clear licensing system for online sportsbooks, all overseen by Coljuegos, the national gaming regulator.
Soccer is the most popular sport to bet on, with heavy action on both local leagues and international competitions like the World Cup. Bettors also enjoy wagering on basketball, tennis, and cycling. With easy access to licensed online sportsbooks, mobile betting is now the go-to option for most Colombian players.
Mexico Sports Betting
Sports betting is legal and well-established in Mexico, with both land-based and online sportsbooks operating under government licenses. The industry is regulated by the Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB), and many international sportsbooks also accept Mexican players, offering a wide range of betting options and local payment methods.
Soccer is by far the most popular sport to bet on, especially Liga MX and major international tournaments like the World Cup and UEFA Champions League. Bettors in Mexico also enjoy wagering on boxing, baseball, and American football (NFL).
Peru Sports Betting
Sports betting is legal and growing fast in Peru. The country recently passed new laws to regulate both online and retail sportsbooks, bringing more structure and safety to the market. Licensed operators are overseen by Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR), ensuring fair play and secure transactions.
Soccer is the top sport for betting in Peru, with heavy focus on local leagues, Copa Libertadores, and international events like the World Cup. Bettors also enjoy wagering on basketball, volleyball, and tennis.
Argentina Sports Betting
Sports betting is legal in Argentina, but it’s regulated at the provincial level, meaning each region sets its own rules. Provinces like Buenos Aires have fully licensed online sportsbooks, while others are still developing their systems. Many international sportsbooks also accept Argentine players, offering more options beyond local sites.
Soccer is by far the most popular sport to bet on, with heavy action on Argentina’s Primera División and international events like the World Cup and Copa Libertadores. Bettors also enjoy wagering on basketball, tennis, and rugby.
More About Legal and Regulated International Sports Betting Markets
Many countries in Europe, most notably the United Kingdom, have a fully regulated and legalized online betting industry.
In countries with regulated gambling, citizens can wager on sports freely on the web without fear of breaking the law.
These countries also allow bookmakers to set up shop inside their jurisdictions, providing the government with tax revenue.
Countries like the UK, which liberalized online sports betting early in its existence, have benefited from becoming early adopters.
Benefits Of Regulated International Betting Markets
The most important benefit of sportsbook regulatory agencies is the security and legal recourse that citizens in these countries receive if something goes awry.
Bettors can use the legal system to recover funds if they feel they have been wronged by an online bookmaker or have not been paid their withdrawal requests.
Payment processing is also much easier in these jurisdictions.
Since credit card companies, banks, e-wallets, and other payment processors have a legal climate to operate under, there are many more options for players in regulated markets.
International Sports Betting Sites in Unregulated Markets
Unregulated betting markets is a term we will define as a country where companies host online sports betting sites, and where betting online for citizens is either not legal (a gray area) or criminalized in some form.
However, if a market is unregulated, it doesn’t mean it’s not viable for sports betting.
A perfect example of this would be the United States, where online sports betting isn’t regulated everywhere, but there are still hundreds of online sportsbooks that service US residents.
Issues With Unregulated Betting Markets
Those betting in unregulated markets will have little recourse if they have a disagreement with a sportsbook operator. If a sportsbook chooses not to pay, there’s almost nothing that can be done.
Another issue in unregulated jurisdictions is with payment processors. It varies depending on the region, but as a general rule, deposit and withdrawal options will be much scarcer in unregulated markets.
If government laws are strictly enforced against online sports betting, there’s little reason banks or payment processors would risk operating in unregulated or illegal regions for sports betting.
Betting Without Borders: Final Thoughts on International Sports Betting
Sports betting is a global game, but how you play depends on where you are. Every country has its own rules, risks, and top sportsbooks. Some places offer fully regulated markets with trusted sites, while others leave bettors to find safe international options on their own.
Now that you’ve seen how sports betting works around the world, you can approach it smarter—whether you’re betting at home or abroad. The key is knowing the laws, choosing trusted sites, and understanding what sports drive the action in each country.
Wherever you are, if you bet smart and stay within legal options, international sports betting can give you access to better odds, more markets, and unique experiences.
Questions About International Sportsbook Markets
Some common questions
How Do I Tell If Online Sports Betting Is Legal In My State, Country, Or Jurisdiction?
The best course of action is to do your research online. Placing bets and accepting wagers can be a serious crime in some countries, but this is quite rare in Western nations. For the most part, placing a bet online and not acting as a bookmaker won’t be a problem in most areas. In general, betting online will provide more anonymity and is much safer than betting with local bookies.
How Does Law Enforcement Works In Unregulated Betting Markets?
Even if online sports betting is expressly illegal in certain countries or states – these laws are almost never enforced.
Sites may be blocked via a firewall, but for the most part, governments aren’t tracking down online gamblers because it’s not worth their time or energy.
They may look to seize domain names of sportsbook sites or charge operators criminally if they can do so, but going after individual bettors is almost never a priority.
Remember, just because online sports betting isn’t regulated in your region, it doesn’t mean that placing a bet online is a crime. It may well be, but once again, there hasn’t been a country in the world that has decided to prosecute individual online sports bettors.
Are Regulated Sportsbooks Safer Than Non-Regulated Sportsbooks?
For the most part, yes. Regulated sportsbooks will have stricter regulation and oversight compared to those in unregulated betting markets. Still, there are excellent options for those in unregulated markets. 90 percent of sports bets placed in the United States are done unregulated or “illegally.”
There are plenty of sports bettors in the country getting paid when they win, whether that be with their corner bookie or betting on offshore sportsbooks.
Why Are My Cashier Options Different Depending On The Sportsbook I Choose?
Cashier options will differ by the sportsbook, along with deposit and payout speeds. International gambling sites will have different methods due to the laws in their areas or the areas where their customers are located.
Most regulated sportsbooks are dominated by e-wallets, such as Neteller, Skrill, and in some regions, even PayPal. These companies are the top gambling processors on the internet.
Credit, debit cards, and bank wires are all accepted at regulated sites as well, and they are the primary option on unregulated sites. Bitcoin deposits and other crypto-currencies have become the best option at overseas sportsbooks due to not being connected to the banking system and because of their low transactional cost and high speed compared to other methods.
Will The Regulatory Agencies Help Me If There Is A Dispute With A Sportsbook?
It depends on the region. In countries with regulated sports betting, there is a better chance of a gaming commission stepping in and mediating a dispute and forcing the bookmaker to pay if there is wrongdoing.
With offshore betting sites, for the most part, you’re on your own. If the situation warrants, we at SBS or another top sportsbook review site will lower their rating or issue a warning. Ultimately, however, it’s up to the sportsbook to decide to pay. By the way, here’s what to do if a sportsbook is not paying you.
Can I Bet On International Sports Betting Sites If I’m In The USA?
You can bet at many international sports betting sites from the USA. A good start is our list of top US-friendly sportsbooks. The general rule for US bettors is that you can wager at the site if you can access it. You will know right away when you call up the site. Most sites will display a notice on your screen if they do not allow betting from your area. If you access a site and still have doubts, go to the sportsbook’s terms and conditions section. There you should find a list of prohibited states or countries. Or you can ask the site through their support staff.
