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There was a time when the only way for a gambler in the United States to make a bet was through his local bookie or by flying to Las Vegas. This was true for both the seasoned sports bettor—one who wages on all types of games and events—or the Super Bowl Sunday amateur—the person who only bets on the big game. But those days are over. Thanks to computers and modern phone technology, gamblers from all walks of life now have the ability to wager in the comfort and privacy of their homes with legitimate, reputable offshore sportsbooks. While the local, old-fashioned bookie, you know, the one who works off credit, still exists and will always be around to some extent, the presence and overall importance of these this type of person is diminishing just about everyday. The main reason for this is the fact the offshore operations have become more than just an avenue to place a bet. For one, they have developed over the years to become full-service, customer-oriented gaming companies. And, even though they are based outside the United States, they offer gamers the ultimate in convenience, integrity and variety. Because of the Internet, offshore betting companies now have the ability to bring the action right into a gambler's home 24-hours a day, 365-days a year. In fact, when comparing the differences between a legal offshore bookmaker, like the ones featured throughout this publication, and the run-of-the-mill bookie is like night and day, if not more so. You don't have to believe me, but the you may want to listen to other gamblers who are saying this more and more each day. That's right, the full time and part-time gamblers are saying so with their pocketbooks. Their willingness to use the Internet has resulted in an unprecedented explosion of offshore betting companies. Unlike the old-fashioned bookie who just gave you the ability to be on the major sports, horse racing and the occasional big fight, today's gambler is not as confined. Instead, a person can now bet on just about every and any sporting activity out there. In fact, it doesn't even have to be a sporting event, as you can even bet just about anything and everything—from the stock market to who will win at the Academy Awards. Fact is, most of the good offshore books give you the opportunity to make a prop. And unlike the casinos in Vegas, the offshore books, in most cases, will take you on—with a slight adjustment to the odds, of course. So you can see gamblers who use the offshore companies do so for more than just a matter of convenience. They do so because offshore bookmakers offer a full menu of betting options, a competitive vig, true parlay and teaser cards, and bets the Las Vegas books won't even touch—its, reverses and action points, to name a few. One of the key reasons the offshore books have grown by leaps and bounds with gamblers in recent years is the industry has to great lengths to clean itself up. There was a time when some bad, unreputable companies were floating, but thanks to industry regulation, watch dog groups and a smarter consumer, these shady operations are, today, very far and few between. Yes, some still exist, but with the wealth of information out there, avoiding these operations is relatively easy. Just invest the same about of time and energy as you would if you were looking for a stock broker or car dealer. Simply do your homework as the more time you put in at the front end will save you frustration in the long run. Today, the major offshore betting firms, such as the ones featured in this publication, are well rooted in the industry. They are not only legitimate, reputable companies, they are active in promoting quality in the industry. Not only are they financially sound, they are reliable, well managed organizations that take great deal of pride in making sure their customers—large and small—are treated professionally. And, unlike the Nevada books, the offshore operations allow for big betting limits and will respect your privacy while doing it. The reality is, this is another area the offshore books have an advantage both, especially when it comes to convenience. Not only do you not have to stand and wait on line to collect your winnings, you can see your account credited from the comfort of your home in no time at all because they also pay out just as fast as any brick-and-mortar casino. One of the reasons the offshore books are run in a highly professional, respectful manner is that many are run by people with years of gaming experience as they spent the majority of their careers working for the Nevada sportsbooks. Most left the heat of the Nevada desert because they were getting tired of the corporate world and saw an opportunity to run an operation that offered customers the ultimate gaming experience. These entrepreneurs set out on there own and used their years of expertise and many industry contacts to establish their own gaming operations. Though one of the biggest advantages cited by most bettors to using an offshore company is convenience, many will also tell you these operations offer them a special peace of mind they could not get anywhere else. Let's be honest, betting on sports—or anything else for that matter—should be an entertaining and rewarding experience. What it shouldn't be is the nerve racking ordeal many of the "real" casinos make you feel—from their security guards, hidden cameras and suspicious looks you get as if you are doing something wrong. So, as the Internet revolution continues forward, where will you be placing your bets and making your wagers. If you're like me, it will not be in the same outdated places your dad and grand dad used. How about this? Give it one shot. The only thing you have to lose is your bet. And, let's face it, even if you do lose, you would have lost even if you made the bet with your local bookie. But, even if you do lose, I promise you this: Once you make your first wager with an offshore sportsbook you will realize what millions of people have already come to find out—it's fast, fun, easy and convenient. |