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.
Trump’s arraignment plans made headlines after news broke that his mugshot could be released. And with that would come different measurements, such as 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.
It may seem like an intriguing wager, but potential bettors should think twice before gambling through an offshore site.
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.
The charges against Trump state that he, along with others, violated the state’s racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations law. These issues allegedly took place after the 2020 presidential election and continued for nearly two years in Georgia.
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.
Offshore gambling sites stood as one of the main ways bettors could wager before certain sectors were legalized within the US, such as sports betting. The legality of these offshore sites is a state-by-state case. But no offshore site is regulated by the US., which raises plenty of questions.
It may seem like a fun option, but there’s the possibility that it goes downhill quickly.
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)
Problem gambling is a serious matter. And offshore gaming goes against resources that Georgia has in place.
Offshore gambling can have dire consequences. Gambling in general, even through legalized outlets within the US., can as well.
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
