Far and away, the hybrid offshore book/local agent is the way to go. Basically, it works like this: A local guy buys a franchise from the offshore sportsbook. He takes on players, handles the paying and collection locally, and assumes the collections risk. In other words, he guarantees his players to the offshore. The models vary as to whether the agent's taking handle risk, or just acting as an agent for a percentage. You don't care about that, one way or the other. As a player, you get all the convenience of online play, plus the ease of settling up (i.e., getting your cash out of the book in the event you win), plus no cash upfront, and you pay/collect either at preset time intervals or at preset price points. It's all the benefits of an old fashioned country book, plus the added convenience of online play, 24-7. It's the nuts, man. They're hard to find, but ask around; maybe one of your friends who plays knows of such a deal and can get you vetted and included. They're damn sure worth the effort.