❓ FAQs about independent bookmakers
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👨💼 What are independent bookmakers?
As their name implies, independent bookmakers are betting companies that are not influenced by the same rules that regular bookies have to follow. Many types of wagering companies may fall into this category, and even though the experiences they offer are similar, it is still important to distinguish them from one another. The most common types of independent online bookmakers are:
Unlicensed betting sites.
Offshore wagering sites.
Privately owned licensed companies.
Small-scale betting companies.
The service of some private bookmakers is outstanding, but the choice of the company matters.
It is worth mentioning that not all unlicensed and offshore independent bookmakers should be considered unworthy and risky. Nevertheless, it is essential to check the reviews on each grey site you are about to join. Not only will this allow you to filter out risky sites with poor reputation scores, but you will also be able to learn more about each bookmaker’s benefits and drawbacks.
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🏆 The best independent UK bookmakers
Choosing a regular sportsbook may be difficult, while finding one of the decent independent UK bookmakers is even more tricky. This happens because you need to add several additional steps to the normal process of choosing a bookie. With independent online bookmakers, you will also need to take into account the following aspects:
the bookie’s license;
its reputation score;
its list of accepted countries;
its list of accepted currencies.
Most independent online bookmakers operate internationally and are usually licensed by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (CGCB) or other offshore authorities. For our lists, we have only selected trusted sportsbooks that accept players from the UK.
In case you don’t know where to start, we have prepared multiple lists of private bookmakers we are willing to recommend to our readers. On these lists, you will only find independent betting sites that accept players from the United Kingdom and take corresponding payment methods for deposits. We have personally tested every site we recommend to ensure their high quality.
Independent Betting Site
Number of Sports
Benefit
Launch Year
Withdrawal Limit
Welcome Bonus
Ostlers Racing
15+
A long history of successful operation
2010
£1,000 per transaction
No bonus
MegaBet
25+
A trusted brand with many positive reviews
1987
£2,000 per day
A deposit bonus of up to £200
ToalsBet
20+
A decent application for mobile devices
2018
£500 per day
£10 worth of free bets
ScotBet
20+
A long-running history of successful brand operation
1961
£6,000 per day
£40 worth of free bets
Corbett Sports
15+
High withdrawal limits
2017
£10,000 per day
A deposit bonus of up to £200
Demi Reed
To find more new independent bookmakers, you could search for offshore sites via your browser. You’ll quickly find whole collections of such sportsbooks.
2022-08-07
Anthony Ball
If you wish to select such a sportsbook on your own, double-check its reputation on independent platforms.
2022-08-03
Taylor Hughes
Most such sites don’t have big budgets for ads, so finding them might require some effort.
2022-08-04
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🎁 Bonuses in independent online bookmakers
One of the ways for independent UK betting sites to stand out from the crowd of major companies that primarily rely on their vast marketing budgets relates to offering attractive promotions. In most cases, deposit bonuses and other types of offers are more generous at independent bookmakers for two reasons. First, they have lower taxation levels, allowing them to give up a part of their revenues on bonuses. Secondly, they value new players more than major operators.
Deposit Bonus A bookmaker promotion requiring the user to make a deposit to get the bonus. The terms for bonuses are also usually better with independent sports betting sites due to the same reasons. With deposit bonuses, the minimum sum you will have to cash in is generally lower in independent sportsbooks than with major betting operators. Even though smaller betting sites have fewer capabilities and lower budgets, they also have lower costs, allowing them to impress the punters with some fantastic offers.
💵 Free bets
Free bets are perhaps the most common form of a bonus offered at new independent bookmakers internationally. As its name implies, a free bet grants you an opportunity to place a wager without risking any funds on your balance. These bets are usually awarded for depositing specific sums according to the bonus terms. For most punters, it is a nice risk-free way to place their first wager on a new platform.
⚜️ Welcome bonuses
Welcome offers are also prevalent among independent bookmakers all around the world. The actual bonus might include different rewards, starting with free bets and ending with simple deposit bonuses or cashback offers. In any case, it is usually the bookmaker’s most generous promotion that will bring you the most benefits as a new player. Almost every welcome bonus also requires you to make a deposit.
VIDEO
If you’re struggling with activating a bonus at an independent bookmaker, feel free to follow the guide below.
1
Register
2
Launch
3
Claim
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❓ FAQs about independent bookmakers
Are independent sites unlicensed?
As we have explained in the article, some of these sites operate without legal licenses. Others are registered in offshore legislations with milder taxation policies and better conditions in general.
Is it safe to bet on such sites?
It strongly depends on the site itself. Some bookmakers that operate without a license are still trusted and respected companies loved by punters from all around the globe. At the same time, shady businesses that take all the advantages they can from their users also exist. Thus, choosing worthy sites and double-checking their reputation before joining is important.
How do I check a site’s reputation?
To check the reputation score of your independent bookmaker, you will need to find it on one of the players’ review platforms. Many platforms allow regular punters to post their fair, independent, and unbiased reviews, allowing other users to avoid dealing with an unworthy betting company.
How do I sign up?
The process of joining an independent sportsbook is the same as with major betting operators. First, you must go to their site and click on the Registration button. Then, you will need to fill out all the necessary information and submit it. Normally, you will also need to confirm your email address and read the Terms of Service before using your account with all the features.
Which deposit methods do they accept?
Even though independent bookmakers are small companies, their cashiers are usually very similar to the ones of larger providers. On most of these sites, you will be able to use credit and debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid vouchers, or even cryptocurrencies for your transactions. However, on international sites, some payment methods that are only popular in your particular country might not be accepted.
Is it legal to play on such sites?
Yes, the UK legislation does not imply pursuing punters who enjoy services of offshore or even unlicensed betting sites. Most laws are aimed at regulating the providers of such services, not the users.
Do these sites cover enough betting markets?
It is individual for each bookmaker, but in most cases, they have pretty broad coverage. If you’re a casual punter, you will easily find your favourite team’s matches on almost any bookmaker’s site. However, if you’re interested in a second-tier local league, it is better to check its availability in a specific sportsbook before joining.
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