Some offshore betting sites will allow you to place wagers on former President Donald Trump’s weight when he’s arraigned in Georgia. But it’s not a smart move.
The news of Trump’s arraignment plans gained attention when it was revealed that there was a possibility of his mugshot being made public. This revelation also raised the likelihood of disclosing various details like his height and weight.
BetOnline is one offshore operator offering customers the chance to bet on Trump’s weight. The site set the over/under at 273.5 pounds.
BetOnline employee Dave Mason even told the Daily Mail that 77% of wagers are on the over.
Bettors considering gambling through an offshore site should carefully reconsider, despite its apparent allure.
Donald Trump’s weight an eye-catching offshore wager…
Many Georgians are frustrated that Georgia sports betting has not become legal despite significant efforts to make it so. Unfortunately, the best way for Georgians to bet on sports is still to travel to a neighboring state that allows sports betting.
Trump and his associates are accused of violating Georgia’s racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations law, according to the charges. These alleged offenses occurred in Georgia after the 2020 presidential election and persisted for approximately two years.
Trump said he weighed 244 pounds earlier this year. As par for the course, his comments drew plenty of skepticism.
So, when the public discovered they’d soon see just how much he weighed in at, offshore betting operators didn’t waste any time. Some offshore accounts are offering other options, such as wagering on whether or not Trump will smile in his mugshot or if he’ll don a MAGA hat.
…but you shouldn’t partake
Simply put, offshore gambling is any sort of wagering that is done online with operators that reside outside of the US. Offshore gambling is illegal in Georgia.
Before certain sectors like sports betting were legalized in the US, offshore gambling sites served as a primary option for bettors. The legality of these offshore sites varies from state to state, and none of them are regulated by the US. This lack of regulation gives rise to numerous uncertainties and concerns.
Although it may appear enjoyable at first, there is a strong chance that things could rapidly decline.
Offshore gambling isn’t safe
Because it’s offshore, this type of wagering isn’t regulated. That means customers don’t have the typical protection they’d have when wagering with any of the operators regulated in the US.
Because operators aren’t regulated, customers may not be able to withdraw their funds should they win a bet. It can be an incredibly difficult process that sometimes never comes to fruition. There may be limits as to how much you can withdraw, leaving bettors scrambling to acquire their winnings.
Additionally, when you deposit funds into a regulated operator, such as FanDuel or Caesars, you know exactly where your money is going. That’s not the case with these operations.
Offshore gambling may also pave the way for problem gambling. These sites often don’t require any age limits to participate. Advertisements aren’t regulated, either, so there’s more room for underage bettors to fall victim to misleading promotional language.
Why responsible gaming is important in Georgia (and everywhere else)
The issue of problem gambling should not be taken lightly, as it poses a grave concern. Furthermore, engaging in offshore gaming contradicts the existing resources and measures implemented by Georgia.
The potential consequences of offshore gambling are severe, and the same can be said for gambling in general, including through legalized outlets within the US.
Georgia has plenty of options for those seeking help in their gambling addictions. Bettors can engage with the Georgia Council on Problem Gambling, which is the state’s official chapter of the National Council on Problem Gambling. Those wanting resources can call 800-522-4700 or visit their website.
The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities also offers help to those with gambling addictions.
Photo by Seth Wenig/AP Photo
