Best Virgin Islanders Betting Sites

Population: 106.000
Active players: 15.000
Currency: United States dollar (USD)
Regulated gambling products: Casinos, lottery
Operator types: Casinos, online casinos, unlicensed online bookmakers
Designated authority: USVI Casino Control Commission
Status: Regulated

The United States Virgin Islands are a group of islands in the Caribbean; located in the Leeward Islands to the east of Puerto Rico, they are still an 'unincorporated' United States territory. The main islands are Saint Thomas, Saint Croix and Saint John; the capital is Charlotte Amalie on the island of St. Thomas.

They were previously part of the independent Kingdom of Denmark up to 1917; before actually being sold to the United States via the Treaty of the Danish West Indies. Sports are quite popular among the small local population; basketball and baseball prevail, as well as football (soccer in America) and cricket.

The most recognizable local athlete is by far Tim Duncan, a retired NBA legend. Gambling in the USVI is legal and regulated. However, regulation here stretches only as far as the casino industry; which caters for the large numbers of tourists that flock to the islands. Sports betting is typically illegal and out of reach.

No local operators are in place and no licenses can be acquired; however, it is not illegal to access foreign-elsewhere licensed bookies. So, online betting in the US Virgin Islands is an everyday pastime for many locals; and, naturally, plenty of international bookies accept them.

Top US Virgin Islands Gambling Sites

Sports betting might be illegal here. However, the online offering is legal and provides many options to local punters. So, in order to make it easier for you, we list the best USVI bookmakers; these stand out for the wide coverage they offer on the biggest football and basketball events. Do not miss out on their welcome offers and various special bets too.

USVI Gambling - 5 Things to Know

• 1
  The legal gambling age is set at 21
• 2
  Gambling is legal, however, referring only to casino gambling
• 3
  There are no bookmakers’ shops, and sports betting is typically illegal
• 4
  Many international bookies legally await local sign ups
• 5
  The USVI was actually one of the first in the USA to legalize online gambling in 2001

Gambling on US Virgin Islands: The Law Framework

Gambling altogether is legal, while the minimum US Virgin Islands gambling age is 21. The small print says it applies to casino gambling only. The Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission (CCC) is in place to “develop and implement a regulatory framework that permits and promotes the stability and continuity of casino gaming in the territory of the USVI”.

Lottery games are also available to the public; the USVI is actually an active member-the smallest one of the MUSL (multi-state lottery association). The two main pieces of legislation include the Casino and Resort Control Act of 1995 and the Internet Gaming and Internet Gambling Act of 2011. Local authorities had tried to legalize online gambling as early as 2001; yet, it met various legal obstacles up until 2013. It has been running smoothly ever since.

These all change when it comes to the USVI betting scene; if you want to place a bet, the US Virgin Islands offer no brick-and-mortar options. Despite the popularity sports have among locals, there are no betting parlours or even designated betting halls within casinos; it is illegal, yet there is-thankfully, a big loophole.

Betting online on operators who hold licenses from other jurisdictions is perfectly legal. And this is what thousands of locals actually do. There have also been many talks around actually legalizing sports betting too; especially after 2018, when the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was declared unconstitutional.

A few states have already brought that up and legalized their sports betting sector. It might be the case at some point here, too; apart from that, though, the US Virgin Islands online gambling sector will continue to offer its state-of-the-art services.

Essential Info for Bettors

While playing at lotteries and visiting casinos is legal, that’s not the case with the sports betting sector. So, locals and tourists do not have any brick-and-mortar options for placing their bets. Luckily, the law does not apply to offshore betting providers.

Let’s say that someone signs up with a bookie that holds another jurisdiction’s license; well, that would be perfectly legitimate. USVI online betting is not illegal and players do not face any kind of prosecution. The basic thing players have to be careful about is local bookies.

There have been reports of scam USVI betting sites, luring players and then not paying winnings out. The easiest way to avoid them is by simply sticking to any of the bookies we list; these are all totally legitimate operators, and you should expect nothing but a smooth betting experience.

How to Deposit at Online Bookies

For those looking to place an online bet, the US Virgin Islands cater for a variety of different options; applying also in terms of funding one’s betting account and retrieving possible winnings. Traditional methods are largely common here; Mastercard and Visa cards, as well as bank wires, are the most usual ones.

Still, though, many opt for e-wallets. Most betting sites in the USVI provide various deposit and withdrawal methods; Skrill and ecoPayz are among the top choices one can make here. They both come with a user-friendly interface and offer fast and secure transactions. PayPal, on the other hand, does not operate in the USVI.

Lastly, many players are already familiar with cryptocurrency betting. We cannot urge anyone to practice it since one must master it first. Many bookies are already offering it; thus, getting to know this fiercely developing money exchange ‘method’ is simply not a bad idea.

The Future of Betting in the USVI

The USVI bet scene does not actually exist; despite gambling being part of people’s everyday lives. Yes, there have been talks about legalizing sports betting too. However, no progress is apparent yet. It would not be a safe assumption to say that in a year or two, things will change.

What we do know for sure is that there is a will towards change. Betting sites in the US Virgin Islands are already accepting thousands of players; time will prove if it will eventually get incorporated into a brick-and-mortar business as well. Up till then, players will continue enjoying the online services of international bookies without any problems.

Betting Laws in the Close-by Lands

Even though the Virgin Islands is an offshore US territory, it operates under a distinct framework when it comes to online gambling. By analyzing these regulations, it becomes intriguing to compare them with those of the United States and other Caribbean countries:

United States: The US have some of the most difficult-to-follow laws because each state has its own framework. In some, it is legal, whereas, in others, it is banned altogether. On the positive side, you do not have to pay taxes on your winnings when you play on US bookmakers. 

Puerto Rico:  PR has its own distinct set of laws and regulations concerning online gambling. Although there is no specific local license available for Puerto Rico betting sites, residents have open access to online bookies and casinos. It is important to note that individuals must be at least 18 years old to participate in online gambling activities in Puerto Rico.

Antigua & Barbuda: This is a popular choice for visitors seeking gambling opportunities. Notably, the country has established its own gaming license, under which numerous independent sportsbooks run. From a legal perspective, users can join the best Antiguan and Barbudan betting sites, whether they prefer land-based establishments or online platforms.

Full List of Bookmakers in the US Virgin Islands

Despite the lack of local options, the US Virgin Islands' online gambling scene provides players with numerous options. So, we list all available bookmakers that local players may join. Be reminded these are all legitimate operators holding valid betting licenses.