Over the past few years, the number of people who enjoy online gambling has grown worldwide, including in the United States. The American Gaming Association found that online gambling revenue in the country reached $6.15 billion in 2023, a 22 percent increase from the previous year.
The surprising fact is that many U.S. players choose to use alternative websites despite the expansion of the regulated market. This shift is mainly caused by a few regulatory limitations, user experience aspects, and better incentives. Still, there are more reasons, and we will discuss them further.
- Limited State Access
One of the main reasons for choosing alternative gambling websites is limited access that takes place because of state-level regulations. Currently, online betting comes in the form of comprehensive options in just a few states, such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan. In many states, online casinos remain restricted or outright banned.
This means that gamblers in other states have few options. That is why they prefer international gambling platforms, such as Velobet Casino listed on NonGamStopBookmakers.net and other non-GamStop casino sites, that accept casino fans regardless of their location. These betting services operate in legal areas, which implies that they tend to be a great solution for people in states with strict gambling laws.
- Better Bonuses and Promotions
Online casinos regulated by the U.S. tend to be tied down by strict rules when it comes to promotional offers. At the same time, the bigger part of alternative websites comes up with outstanding loyalty programs, welcome bonuses, cashback, and other benefits that local websites struggle to match. As we know, UK sites not on GamStop often lead the way in offering such perks, providing a more flexible and appealing environment for players. These attractive offers can be especially appealing to casual users or those who have smaller bankrolls.
- A Variety of Banking Options
Another fact that attracts players from the United States is the variety of payment methods on alternative websites. Many of these platforms, as noted in business insights and reports, have adopted modern payment solutions like cryptocurrencies to meet evolving consumer preferences. Meanwhile, traditional U.S. platforms still rely on bank transfers, credit and debit cards, and third-party processors — all widely known for their delays and limits.
Offshore betting websites are more popular because they have quickly added cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum, Bitcoin, USDT, and Litecoin, to their lists of banking options. They also come with a few benefits, including increased privacy, faster transactions, and lower fees.
- More Impressive Game Selection and Unique Features
U.S.-licensed casinos are often limited to software developers that meet strict regulatory requirements. This aspect ensures compliance and fairness, but it also means that gamblers can choose from a small number of options. Many alternative websites, at the same time, offer an impressive range of games, including table games, slots, and live dealer games, from international software providers that are not always accessible in the United States. In addition to that, some offshore betting platforms integrate gamified experiences, such as missions, tournaments, and quests, which make using them more fun.
- Faster Withdrawals and Easier Verification
Gambling websites in the United States tend to ask for KYC verification, and it can delay withdrawals and frustrate users. These identity checks are standard practice across regulated markets, including licensed gambling in Virginia, where operators must follow strict compliance rules. Still, many gamblers are not happy with them because they want to cash out their winnings as quickly as possible. The average withdrawal time at licensed U.S. online casinos is 2–5 business days, but by using alternative websites, you can receive your funds in 1–3 hours.
The benefit of alternative websites is that they often have streamlined verification processes or even allow their users to play anonymously. This simplicity, combined with faster payouts, makes them a better option for gamblers who choose efficiency.
- Better Odds and Higher Limits
Some casino enthusiasts also believe that alternative websites come up with higher payouts, better odds, and more flexible betting limits. Even though this might not always be true, this perception is enough to attract bettors. Many offshore gambling websites also have better lines, lower margins, and more interesting betting markets that appeal to seasoned gamblers.
- Accessibility and Global Player Pools
Alternative betting platforms often attract an international user base, and this implies busier poker rooms and more diverse games. Players from the United States who are interested in poker might find their local options boring, so they choose offshore websites that allow access to global tournaments and tables.
- Reputation and Community Trust
Even though alternative websites operate outside the U.S. regulatory framework, some of them have managed to build strong reputations over the years. Platforms regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board follow strict compliance standards, while many offshore sites depend on user-driven trust. Forums like Trustpilot and Reddit often feature reviews and discussion threads that help gamblers understand which platforms are reliable and which should never be used. Players who have had positive experiences with fast payouts, fair games, and responsive customer support are likely to stick with those platforms, even if they are not officially sanctioned.
The popularity of alternative gambling websites among players from the United States is caused by a combination of value, accessibility, and convenience. Legal and regulated platforms come with important protections, but there are also regional restrictions, limited flexibility, and slow innovation.
Until the United States offers a more player-friendly online betting environment, people will keep on choosing alternative websites. The thing is that gamblers tend to choose platforms where they can receive the best experience, which is often found at offshore casinos.
