World

How People Are Managing To Indulge In Sports Betting Regardless Of State Laws That Made It Illegal

Published

3 years ago

December 12, 2022

It’s no surprise that American punters have a penchant for gambling on sports and eSports, which has led to the growth of a thriving Offshore betting sector in the country. As a result of the country’s peculiar situation (which is slowly beginning to improve), most people who wished to bet on sports were unable to do so on legitimate and regulated websites. People continue to wager via offshore betting sites despite legal prohibitions on doing so.

If you live in a state like Texas and would like to indulge in a bitcoin sportsbook, where internet gambling is illegal, you may be wondering where you can legally place bets on sporting events. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the best sports betting sites in Texas so you can make an informed decision. However, a Texan may easily access websites that are not based in Texas due to the worldwide nature of the internet.

So Why Is It Against The Law In The Us To Use An Offshore Gambling Site?

There is no hiding the fact that Americans like placing wagers on sporting events, either through legal sportsbooks or illegal bookies who take bets over the phone or by word of mouth. It’s strange that most US states ban sportsbooks. Truth be told, only a handful of states really permitted any form of sports betting until quite recently.

Until recently, it was difficult for any legitimate firm in the United States to launch a gambling website due to the complexity of obtaining the necessary paperwork. After the Supreme Court struck down PASPA, states, and municipalities once again have the authority to set their own rules for gambling.

It is illegal for any business in the United States to place a wager through an offshore gambling operator. They have persisted in business, as usual, providing betting odds, lines, and casino games to customers in the United States despite the prevalence of prohibitive laws. Despite the fact that PASPA has been rescinded, no federally sanctioned sportsbook may currently accept wagers.

If you are wondering if overseas betting is legal, the response is yes. Neither offshore casinos nor sportsbooks are permitted in the United States. Some of these individuals have been able to fly under the radar for quite some time while operating outside the reach of the law, and this has led some gamblers to scratch their heads.

Is It Really Worth It?

Sports bettors in particular like the attractive odds that can be found at offshore casinos and the convenience of the offshore betting software available to them. Many gamers are willing to disregard the fact that a sportsbook isn’t physically authorized to sell its services in unlawful jurisdictions.

Unfortunately, the short-term gain from interacting with these foreign sites isn’t worth the potential future pain. While some gamblers win and obtain their prizes, there are many more instances of bettors who have rejected payments or have had to battle with a variety of barriers to getting their earnings.

It doesn’t make sense to endure all of this just to gamble on a site that may go bankrupt at any moment, the added possibility of losing all of your money due to unanticipated occurrences might make gambling on offshore sites unsafe.

Despite a few proposals in the pipeline, offshore sports betting is not going to become legal any time soon. Some offshore betting firms will be allowed to provide their casino, sports gambling, & poker services in the U.S. after a federal gaming law has been passed and the issue of offshore wagering organizations has been addressed.

What Do They Offer To US Players?

Many gamblers still use these staking companies despite the obvious dangers. Promises of a substantial winning online bonus, fantastic betting lines, and odds, and wide coverage of renowned competitions they may wager on, such as the NFL, NBA, and NHL, as well as other prominent betting choices and marketplaces inside these selections, are typically employed to attract customers in.

Some review sites give some of the finest offshore sites discounts, which is yet another reason why gamblers may feel safe depositing and playing there. These services may appear like a wonderful option for consumers desiring to lay a bet or 2 on their favorite games, including NFL and NBA.

Exactly How Risky Are Offshore Gambling Organizations?

Despite the fact that sports betting is illegal on U.S. soil, many gamblers nonetheless use offshore gambling sites. Some of these operators give good service to their consumers, and the state has never gone against bettors, so players feel safe betting with offshore betting organizations.

Since these sites aren’t legitimately licensed by any credible organization, they might be engaging in a wide range of illegal practices. These offshore websites are not subject to regular inspections and limits like the authorized US sportsbooks that are controlled by the New Jersey Department of Gambling or even other gambling divisions.

Easily Organised

The difficulties in enforcing rules in brick-and-mortar casinos have been a driving force in the rise of offshore gambling sites. Additional factors consist of: Numerous restrictions, some narrow in nature and others more general, which are imposed on operators by international gaming regulators. These measures have been put in place for everyone’s protection. There is no bearing on the subject on the part of gaming authorities in other countries so long as the site’s contacts with players are lawful. This is the case so long as the sites at issue don’t infringe on the law. Other websites may ask their users for whatever evidence of identification they like and provide any reward they like in exchange. In addition, these platforms may require users to provide whatever kind of identification they deem necessary. Since licensed apps & websites are not considered to fall within the scope of gaming commissions, no regulations pertaining to the operation of such applications and websites are imposed by these bodies.

Rewards

Offshore gambling companies provide gamers big bonuses when they wager. These bonuses allow you to play longer without paying more, increasing your chances of winning. The additional reward might be $3,000 to $5,000, according to the latest information. The bonus’s probability determined this range. You will get several recurring bonuses, special bonus offers, spins, and other wonderful advantages.

Taxless Income

Offshore gambling websites may produce tax-free income. To concentrate on becoming a casino or sports betting specialist, use this cash to pay your expenses or cover other expenses. Users who desire to master the above activities may benefit from offshore gambling sites. However, you must dedicate part of each day to education, information gathering, and testing new approaches and procedures.

You May Gamble Whenever and Wherever You Like!

Gambling software for phones, tablets, as well as other mobile devices is available from offshore casinos. If you install one of the mobile apps provided by the majority of top gaming websites, you will get a free $5 no-deposit reward to use on any of your preferred games. It just takes a few seconds to install these applications on your smartphone. It goes without saying that no such incentives are issued by gaming websites based in the United States. All online casino games are powered by HTML5. This enables all games to run properly on mobile devices and tablets while eliminating the need to download a plugin for PC play. You may engage in any game for free before wagering real money.

Digital Currencies

In addition to traditional currencies, several other cryptocurrencies may be used to make wagers at offshore online casinos. Bitcoins, Ethereum, Tether, and Litecoin are some of the cryptocurrencies that fall under this category. The United States dollar, the European Union’s single currency, the British pound sterling, as well as the Canadian dollar, are all examples of fiat currencies. Players from all over the world can visit casinos located outside of the United States since these casinos provide a wide choice of banking methods, such as bank cards and online wallets. This enables them to play at these casinos.

Bottom Line

Some benefits come with using offshore gaming sites, and these benefits apply to players of all experience levels. In addition, the level of protection and safety they offer is on par with that which is offered by gaming websites based in the United States.

World

Criminal probe focussed on Mehtas shipping business

Published

4 weeks ago

August 6, 2025

Jonathan Grilli

From Monitoring Desk

DUBAI: An Asian family linked with the shipping business is facing criminal investigation in several jurisdictions including in Dubai and Far East where the family’s companies are under active investigation now, according to the authorities in three countries.

Sanjay and Gaurav Mehta, through their companies Best Oasis Ltd in Dubai and Priya Blue Industries in Gujarat, are facing investigations over money-laundering suspicions and suspected links to the Russian oil sector, sanctioned by the western countries, sources shared.

Sanjay and Gaurav Mehta, through their companies Best Oasis Ltd in Dubai and Priya Blue Industries in Gujarat have projected an image of environmental responsibility in ship recycling. They have tout certifications, attend global summits, and positioned themselves as ESG-compliant but their business practices have come under intense probe now. Their operations reportedly involve dismantling high-risk ships, using cash transactions, and leveraging political connections to avoid accountability, a source shared looking into the companies’ affairs. The investigation is being conducted in Dubai and the Far East.

The investigators are looking at the Mehtas operations dating back to 2006 when they came to attention of the law enforcement for the first time. Priya Blue dismantled the “Blue Lady” in 2006, a vessel containing over 1,200 tons of asbestos and radioactive waste, despite protests and objections from Greenpeace. Later, the “Exxon Valdez,” notorious for a major oil spill, was renamed “Oriental Nicety” and dismantled by the Mehtas in Gujarat, drawing international attention. In recent years, their transactions have become less conspicuous but reportedly more hazardous.

In 2025, Best Oasis allegedly acquired and dismantled at least four vessels linked to sanctioned entities, including Iranian and Houthi-controlled networks. These weren’t obscure ships; they were designated under U.S. terrorism sanctions for their involvement in oil smuggling and arms transport. According to investigators, here are the details of the sanctioned ships dismantled by Best Oasis in 2025: IMO: 9155808, Name: NOLAN (SOLAN), Sanction: SDN (SDGT), Beaching: 31 Jan 2025, Plot 16; IMO: 9221657, Name: BLUEFINS, Sanction: SDN (SDGT); Beaching: 26 Feb 2025, Plot 16; IMO: 9105085, Name: CONTRACT II, Sanction: SDN risk, Beaching: Arrived mid-2025, Plot 27; IMO: 9209300, Name: GAMA II, Sanction: SDN (SDGT); and Beaching: Pending/Planned, Plot 34

All four vessels were reportedly dismantled in Alang on plots leased by proxy firms connected to the Mehtas. These short-term leases, approved on a ship-by-ship basis by the Gujarat Maritime Board, reportedly make regulatory oversight nearly impossible. Once dismantling is complete, plot registrations often lapse, leaving no long-term record, according to documents shared by the investigators in Dubai.

Rahul Mistry, a shipping compliance researcher, noted this as a growing pattern: “This is a pattern we’ve seen more frequently in the last two years sanctioned hulls arriving under the radar, processed fast, with no digital trace.”

Payments for these vessels reportedly bypassed normal financial channels. According to sources familiar with the deals, transactions were settled in cash, either on-site or through offshore handlers. One source described entire ship values being paid in foreign currency bundles, avoiding Indian and Dubai banking disclosures, said one of the investigators familiar with the matter.

A retired port official Mr. Akin Yadav, familiar with Alang and Gujarat Maritime Board approvals stated that short-term leases are routinely used to avoid scrutiny, adding, “It was never meant to be a permanent workaround. But it’s become one.”

Political connections also reportedly play a role. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Gujarat State Minister Jitu Vaghani have been linked to approvals granted for Best Oasis and its proxies. While there’s no direct evidence of personal gain, sources allege that both men used their influence to expedite approvals, slow down inquiries, and shield the companies from enforcement.

Despite these activities in India, Best Oasis is expanding under new branding. A recent joint venture in Japan with Hiroshi Abe is being marketed as a clean, regionally responsible recycling partner for Japanese shipowners.

Mariko Fujita, a Tokyo-based maritime consultant, observed, “They’re presenting themselves as a new entity with no reference to past controversies. But none of the underlying ownership or structure has changed.”

In Alang, the situation reportedly remains much the same. Plot numbers are reassigned, cash continues to circulate and the same network of breakers and handlers is reportedly involved. Individuals like Jayant Vanani (also known as Budhabhai Patel) and Ramesh Mendapara are frequently named in connection with specific beachings, including “Contract II” and “GAMA II.” Both have been previously linked to other shadow transactions involving distressed or sanctioned tonnage.

Several yards allegedly connected to Best Oasis, including Shantamani Ship Breakers and Sai Baba Ship Breakers, reportedly operate with minimal inspection, despite numerous reports of irregularities in worker safety, hazardous waste disposal, and compliance with Indian scrapping codes.

This system, according to multiple sources, appears to be intentionally designed to operate in plain sight with just enough paperwork to pass basic scrutiny but not enough to trigger meaningful enforcement. There is no indication that regulatory bodies including customs, port health officers, or environmental oversight panels have conducted full inspections of any of the sanctioned vessels listed. Most were reportedly cleared and dismantled within days of arrival.

Rahul Mistry said: “This isn’t merely a loophole; it’s reportedly a business model. Best Oasis and Priya Blue are allegedly running a high-volume, low-visibility operation that filters sanctioned, end-of-life ships through legal instruments to appear legitimate on paper. This reportedly involves routing untaxed funds and shielded actors through a well-connected political and industrial network. As global scrutiny of ESG practices intensifies, many of these activities are allegedly being whitewashed through new partnerships and branding, but the underlying mechanisms reportedly remain unchanged.”