Under section 205(c)(2) of the Social Security Act, every US citizen, plus temporary and permanent workers, must get issued a nine-digit number by the Social Security Administration, an independent agency of the US government. Even though social security numbers were introduced in 1936 to track individuals, over time, they became a de facto bit of information used for tax purposes.

Online gambling is a fledgling sphere that has exploded in popularity over the past four years, primarily due to the US Supreme Court repealing the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act that implemented a nationwide ban on sports betting. Thirty-two states (not counting the District of Columbia) have implemented legal sports betting in some capacity now, and ten more are likely to do so in 2023.

Due to the US’ federal anti-money laundering laws, anyone getting transferred $600 or more must provide their social security number for taxation procedures. Most sportsbooks these days request only a driver’s license or photo ID before allowing anyone to use their services, chiefly to verify that their customers are over the legal gambling limit. However, online, many operators ask for the last four digits of a user’s social security number in case that individual wins over $600 so that the bookie can report their winnings to the IRS. This seemingly mandatory step for all US bettors can get easily avoided by Americans if they follow the short guide presented below.

How to Bet Online Without SSN

The answer to the question of how to bet online without an SSN is simple. Anyone who wants to circumvent the $600-SSN-rule must opt to play at non-US sites operating outside the country, and as such, they do not have to enforce America’s federal laws. These get referred to as offshore sports betting apps and have been the choice of millions of American players since the mid-1990s when internet gambling got birthed.

Most offshore online bookmakers operate from regions like the Caribbean and South America. They have a home base in countries that have legalized Web betting, running their operations as a legal business in that territory. For example, Curacao is a popular destination for many operators because it does not hold them liable to pay any taxes on revenues generated from outside of Curacao’s borders.

Americans who win big at offshore hubs should report these winnings as income to the IRS if they plan on using it in the US to avoid legal problems. The main steps involved in getting started with such a website are:

•       Picking a Trustworthy Sportsbook – It is best to stick to recommendations provided by top review hubs. Such sites will likely have years of industry experience and implement high-end security features.
•       Create an Account – Registering with an offshore sportsbook should not take more than a couple of minutes, and it will happen with the operator asking for various personal info, but not an SSN.
•       Deposit – To bet, one must first fund their gambling account with betting cash. Most premium online sportsbooks have robust cashier tabs that feature a long list of payment providers. Deposits made through any offered pick should be instantaneous.
•       Receive a Bonus – Getting a promotion on sign-up is commonplace in the digital gambling sphere, and most offshore sportsbooks will supply a deposit match upon account creation. Learn the stipulations of such an offer before claiming it.
•       Bet – With a funded account, all left is to select markets that tickle a gambler’s fancy and wager on them, putting years of sports knowledge to use.

What Are the Best No-SSN Sportsbooks?

Hundreds, if not thousands, of offshore gambling platforms accepting Americans exist. Ones established in Curacao, Costa Rica, and Panama are most familiar to veteran US internet bettors, and these sites do not require SSNs on sign-up or before withdrawals. Per most industry experts, the top ones are Bovada, BetUS, BetOnline, MyBookie, and SportsBetting.AG.

It is vital to point out that these are not shady operators. They are super credible services. BetUS has been around since 1994. And Bovada is the US arm of Bodog, the globally famous sports betting brand that revolutionized internet betting and formed one of the top MMA organizations of the 2000s.

The ones mentioned in this subheading have odds competitive to those found at top US-based online sportsbooks and offer far more generous bonuses. For instance, BetUS’ highlighted promotion is a registration deal that can yield up to $3,125 in gambling funds through a 125% deposit match.

Are Betting Sites Without SSN Legal?

There is no history of authorities in any US state actively seeking to prosecute citizens that choose to test their luck and sports instincts at foreign sites as long as they report their winnings as income if they are above a specific sum.

It should also be noted that reputable no-SSN sites provide a high-quality service that incorporates identical security measures like those implemented by renowned US betting brands.

This article was written in collaboration with NFL gambling experts.