In this article I will compare the new advanced offshore industry to the cumbersome street bookie, which is soon sure to be an extinct animal. I will prove that if you are not wagering offshore, you are being left behind. In my opinion, comparing the two is similar to comparing the carburetor to fuel injection, a dial-up modem to high speed DSL, or a hammer to a nail gun. Although an argument can be made for either, in the grand scheme of sports investing, using an offshore account provides many benefits, and more importantly advantages that can make you a more profitable sports investor. I will now examine some of the most important benefits and advantages.

Convenience - 24-hour service is very important. From the benefits of reviewing opening or overnight lines, to having the ability to jump on a soft line, local street bookies are no match for the convenience an offshore sportsbook can provide. Not having to wait until game time to place a wager can considerably improve your profits.

Bonuses and Promotions - There is plenty of competition in the offshore industry, and most offshore books are more than willing to go the extra mile to get you registered and keep you playing with them. Deposit bonuses, reduced vig, and referral programs are all ways to keep a little extra cash in your pocket.

Security and Legality - Knowing you are going to get paid and knowing you are doing it legally is key to strategic sports investment. Keep in mind that you should be doing your "homework" before depositing funds anywhere. But a few simple questions or a quick review of their business practices can curb any concerns you have.

Playing Within Your Means - With an offshore account you do have a set bankroll. The bankroll is undoubtedly an important part of sports investing. The advantages here are plenty. It is easier to plan ahead and play within your means when you can only lose so much.

Futures and Props - There is no comparison between a traditional street bookie who uses a pen, paper, and calculator and an offshore sportsbook, which operates with the latest technology to the lines that can be provided. From buying points, to halftime lines, to money lines, offshore sportsbooks give you more variety on what you can play.

Avoiding Disputes - Most offshore sportsbooks tape all incoming calls. If a dispute arises, there is always concrete evidence of what wager was placed. Or if playing over the Internet, printing your plays is a sound way to confirm what you played.

Privacy - What you do in your own home is your business. And dealing with an offshore is your way of assuring your privacy. Rather than having to meet someone to pick up your winnings, getting a direct deposit to your bank account or a check in the mail is your way of keeping your business to yourself.

Internet Options - We can be available when, where, and in any way that you want. Because it is of low maintenance for the offshore sportsbook, low wager limits can now be applied. If you are more a "recreational" player, you can easily find offshore sportsbooks that have limits as low as one dollar. If you want to track line moves or print lines from your account for your review, this can be done easily.

Immediate Updates - You no longer have to go week by week. You now have the convenience of winnings being deposited and available for payouts almost immediately following the game. This also reduces the amount of time and effort you must put in to keep track of wins and/or losses.

Parlays and Teasers - If you are one of the many that plays these regularly, which I don't necessarily encourage, you will love playing them with an offshore account. Playing parlays with money lines or multi-sports teasers is just another option available. Calculating your potential payouts is also just a click or phone call away, quickly and accurately.

If these top ten reasons for abandoning your local street bookie are not valid reason enough, you will not be able to beat this final reason. Take an offshore on a test run for free or minimal investment. Some books offer a small cash start-up to test their online systems, and you can try them risk free or with a small post up fee.

In conclusion, the offshore industry is helping us make a better profit on our sport investment dollar. Keep in mind that all these perks will not be helpful if you don't do your handicapping or go with a reputable sports service. Say good-bye to having to play everyday. Say good-bye to the weekly meetings, and say good-bye to game time only wagers. Say hello to anytime, anywhere convenience of winning with confidence, security, privacy and convenience. If you haven't been offshore yet, now is the time to jump on the boat.