Tim is our betting guru. Every gaming site needs one, and Tim’s our guy. He has plenty of experience in betting online and is quite successful at it. Tim’s favorite sports are hockey, baseball, and Esports. Tim believes the latter to be the future of betting.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at independent betting sites, what they are, how they operate, and ultimately provide you with all the answers you need before you sign up with any independent bookmaker, including:
Which are the best independent bookmakers?
How do independent online bookmakers operate?
What are interesting facts about independent bookmakers?
Full List of Independent Bookmakers
Over the last couple of decades, the online betting and gambling scene has experienced a massive boom, with more and more countries opting to join the trend and start legalizing online betting. It also led to stricter regulations that the bookmakers must abide by, and in some cases, these regulations became too severe even for the biggest betting brands.
As the number of bookmakers and bettors who can’t stand the new strict regulations continues to grow, so has the popularity of independent betting sites, which are essentially no different than any other bookie but don’t follow the same rules.
Independent bookmakers don’t follow the same regulations and have many benefits, namely better odds, more generous bonuses and promotions, full withdrawal and deposit options and rules, and a simpler registration process. And even though there are not as many independent bookmakers as traditional sportsbooks, thousands still operate worldwide.
Below you can find our list of independent bookmakers. They are all legal, safe and have all the features you expect to see in a solid betting site.
Independent Bookies: Our Ranking Criteria
Independent betting sites offer many advantages. However, since they don’t operate under the same regulations as those licensed by UKGC, MGA, and other strict European regulatory bodies, it’s wise to pay extra attention when deciding which independent bookmaker to register.
We’ve thoroughly tested all independent bookmakers recommended on this page to ensure that they are safe, legal, secure, and reliable, ensuring that they meet our criteria.
No Dependence on Gambling Regulators
If you want to register with an independent bookmaker, you should avoid those that various European gambling regulators regulate – since those that are, aren’t independent betting sites. By avoiding bookmakers that European regulators license, you will enjoy simpler registration and verification processes, better odds, fewer banking restrictions, and better bonuses.
No Limits and Restrictions for British Punters
All bookmakers on our list have no restrictions, including limitations on payments and withdrawals, bonus restrictions, and any restriction on what you can and can’t bet.
Self-Restriction Tools
Even though most independent bookmakers don’t offer self-restriction tools – since they don’t have to follow the strict rules that help entice responsible gambling, some still do. Self-restriction tools are extremely valuable and a must-have for any solid bookmaker, especially among independent bookmakers.
Moreover, suppose an independent bookmaker – who doesn’t have to offer self-restriction tools – has them available. In that case, it cares about its customers, which is always a great sign.
Gambling Certificates
Even though European regulators don’t license independent bookmakers, they still have to hold a valid betting license and certificate. It is the only way they can ensure their customers that they operate legally and that they’re not a scam.
Acceptance of Blocked GamStop Users
One of the main reasons why bettors look for independent bookmakers is to get around the GamStop self-exclusion limits. So, when we rank the top independent betting sites, we only include those open to players with GamStop betting restrictions.
Independent Betting Bonuses & Offers
Independent betting sites will often have generous bonuses and promotions since they don’t need to follow bonus restrictions like other licensed bookmakers. Moreover, independent bookies rarely have any limitations on bonuses and promotions, like it’s the case on traditional betting sites.
So when using independent bookies, you’ll come across welcome bonuses, deposit match bonuses, reload promotions, enhanced odds, insurance odds, and various promotions – the same as any other bookmaker. The only difference is that independent bookies have fewer bonus limits and typically have better offers.
How Does Independent Betting Work
Independent sports betting sites are well-known offshore sportsbooks based mostly in Panama or Curacao and don’t operate under the same licensing authority as bookmakers in Europe. They serve as an excellent alternative option to many European bookies, who operate under increasingly restrictive regulations, which over the years became stricter in a bid to promote responsible gambling.
As a result, many European bookies offer fewer bonuses and promotions and even have a tax on winnings. In contrast, independent betting sites do not, which makes them a far more appealing option for bettors. Moreover, since independent bookmakers don’t have to pay high licensing fees, they can offer better odds, another advantage of using any independent bookie.
Along with the tighter regulations came the imposition of higher licensing fees and the rise of taxes for operators. It led several bookmakers, who can’t stand the financial burden of compliance, to operate independently. Moreover, independent sportsbooks don’t abide by the rules of the big European authorities; since they are not willing to comply with their bonus-related provisions and strict marketing restrictions.
What Is Independent Betting?
Independent betting sites offer online sports betting and gambling services and have full control over their operations since they’re privately held with no affiliations.
As privately held companies, independent bookies aren’t required to follow the same rules, and they do so mainly for the benefit of the players. While UKGC and MGA license bookmakers have various restrictions on payment options, bonuses, and registration (verifications, independent bookies can approach those problems their way.
It allows independent bookmakers to have better bonus offers, more payment options, fewer restrictions, and a simpler verification and registration process. Moreover, they have no GamStop restrictions, meaning you can bet on them even if you’ve self-excluded yourself – granted, that comes as a double-edged sword.
Overall, independent bookmakers offer many advantages to punters but require you to be a bit more careful when using them due to lenient restrictions which can work against you.
What Laws and Regulations Govern Independent Bookmakers
Compared to European bookmakers, which license UKGC and MGA license, the independent bookmakers typically hold a Curacao betting license, and while both allow the sportsbook to operate legally, there’s a massive difference between the 2.
Over the years, European regulators have increased licensing fees and imposed stricter rules, which led to fewer bonus promotions, higher taxes, and as a result, lower odds. In contrast, independent bookmakers don’t abide by the same rules of the European authorities, mainly because they don’t want to comply with the bonus and marketing restrictions.
It’s important to note that even though independent online bookmakers don’t follow the rules of European regulators, they’re still safe. They still need to operate legally and don’t engage in shady activities. However, unlike sportsbooks operating under European regulators, independent betting sites can offer better bonuses and better odds due to lower fees.
Is It Worth Using Independent Betting Sites?
As already alluded to, independent betting sites offer many advantages and perks to the players, which include, but are not limited to, easier registration, better odds, and better bonuses. But there are some bad apples among all the great independent betting sites.
Over the years, there have been cases of independent bookmakers becoming scams as they indulged in rejecting paying out players or bonuses cheating. These few have given independent betting sites a bad name. While there are likely a few more shady sportsbooks out there, it’s generally advantageous to use independent betting sites – as long as you know how to identify which are solid and trustworthy and which to avoid.
Advantages of Independent
Those who decide to bet on independent bookmakers will reap the rewards of many advantages that come with it. That includes quick registration and verification, great betting bonuses, and high limits. Here is a list of independent bookmaker advantages.
Great bonuses – independent betting sites are known to have excellent bonus offers and promotions. Moreover, UK and Scottish independent bookmakers rarely apply any restrictions on their offers.
Competitive odds – independent betting sites tend to have higher odds and more generous bonuses than other bookmakers, a huge advantage they can afford to offer due to not complying with legislation.
Simpler registration – independent UK betting sites have a much simpler registration and verification process than your regular bookmaker with very convenient KYC policies.
Better deposit and withdrawal – online independent bookmakers often allow you to withdraw and deposit money before completing the KYC verification, including the new no-KYC separate betting ties.
Winning tax – independent betting sites don’t charge any tax on your winnings, unlike other licensed bookmakers, which most do.
Overall, fever restrictions – the best independent betting sites have very few regulations, namely geo-restrictions, which might prevent you from claiming bonuses and using the bookmakers, as well as payment-related restrictions that apply in some countries.
Disadvantages of Independent
While independent online bookmakers have many advantages, there are also some disadvantages:
Gambling security – unlike traditional sportsbooks, independent sports betting sites don’t have to protect their players from gambling problems and have no systems to protect players, such as self-exclusion.
Payment options – even though new independent betting sites have few restrictions on how you can withdraw and deposit money, some payment options won’t be available – depending on the location of the independent bookmaker.
Unclear rules – since an independent online bookmaker doesn’t have to follow regulations traditional licensed sportsbooks do, their terms and rules can be a bit shady since they set their own rules. That is especially evident in the bonus offers and promotions rules, which are rarely transparent.
New Independent Bookies
The betting industry is constantly growing, so it’s easy to understand why so many new bookmakers open their doors to customers nearly monthly. And like we can see new traditional bookmakers occasionally. The same thing is happening with independent betting sites.
It is usually good since having more bookmakers at your disposal is better. Moreover, new independent betting sites often have very generous offers and bonuses to attract new customers, which offer plenty of value and should be taken advantage of.
But with new independent bookies, you never know what you’re getting yourself into, especially those with no reputation in the betting world and no online reviews to check whether they’re safe to use. So while there are advantages to using new independent betting sites, you have to ensure you’re not using one that is shady and potentially set out to scam its customers.
New Independent Bookmakers vs. Old: Which One to Choose?
If you’re put in a spot where you have to decide whether to use new independent bookies or old bookmakers, it’s often hard to choose. Both have pros and cons, and there usually isn’t one clear answer to the problem.
As noted, new independent betting sites are excellent for bettors since they often have much better bonuses, more generous promotions, and a longer list of offers than old independent betting sites. They do that to attract new bettors with enticing bonuses, which offer great value.
But with new independent bookmakers, there’s a question of whether they’re safe and whether you should trust them. Especially brands that don’t have an established reputation can seem shady and easily be shady, so you must take extra care when picking which one to register with.
In comparison, you know what you’re getting with old independent online bookmakers and whether they’re safe to use. Usually, you can find online reviews of older sportsbooks which give you a better idea of whether the bookie is for you, and if the bookmaker has been around for a long time, then it’s also likely safe and legal.
There are advantages to using new independent bookmakers, but you must be careful. So ensure it’s safe and legal to use – which is simple if you know where to look.
How to Choose the Best Independent Betting Sites
Before you set out to register with any UK independent bookmaker – whether new or old – you have to ensure it’s safe. Since independent bookmakers don’t follow the same legislation as traditional bookmakers, there’s even more room for shady sportsbooks to operate, which makes it more important to take your time and pick a safe one.
It takes some time, especially since you must look through the long list of independent bookmakers and pick the right one. However, doing so is fairly simple as long as you know what to look for.
Safety and Security
The most important thing to check at any independent online bookmaker before registering for an account is whether it’s legal, safe, and has the needed licenses. Even though independent betting sites don’t have the same licenses as traditional bookmakers, they still have them – at least those you can trust and are safe to use.
It also helps to check online reviews to see what others say about the old or new independent betting sites you intend to register with. Signing up for a betting account is the first but most important thing you’ll do on your betting journey, so make sure you do it right and on a reliable sportsbook.
License and Regulation
The best way to ensure that the independent bookie you want to register with is safe and secure is to ensure that it has a license to operate and that a reputable body regulates it. It will guarantee that a certain authority looks over the bookmaker and ensures everything is working in order.
Coverage
Besides ensuring that the independent bookmaker you intend to register with is safe, you must also pick one with competitive odds and solid market coverage. Those are two key things a good bookmaker must have since you want to bet with fair prices on whatever you want – so make sure that you check the coverage of the independent online bookmaker you intend to sign up with.
Convenient Payment Options
Independent betting sites have fewer restrictions regarding withdrawals and deposits, but they will restrict which payment options you can use. For example, PayPal won’t be available to Irish independent bookmakers and UK independent bookmakers, while Trustly won’t be available on Swedish bookies.
So before you sign up for independent bookmakers online, check its banking options and ensure that it offers the payment or withdrawal method you want to use.
Quality of Customer Support
Although often overlooked, the quality of customer support is a key feature of all good independent betting sites. Admittedly an average bettor will rarely need to contact customer support, but if you have a problem and want to resolve it quickly. Without any issues, then you’ll want to have solid customer support available.
The History of Independent Bookmakers
There is no exact date when independent bookmakers first appeared, but it has happened gradually alongside the European regulator’s decision to implement stricter restrictions. When regulatory bodies started increasing taxes, imposing restrictions on how many bonuses and promotions the bookmaker could offer, and adding much tougher registration and verification processes, many bettors weren’t too happy with the changes, and they started looking for alternative betting sites.
And while there were few options at the start, the increased demand led to a boom of independent betting sites, which decided they wouldn’t follow the European regulator’s rules and restrictions and offer bettors what they wanted.
Nowadays, there are thousands of independent bookies anyone can use and reap all the rewards that come with it. While the list of available independent bookies includes reputable brands, some shaky sportsbooks give independent bookies a bad name.
Independent Bookies Overview
Before we conclude our article, here are some interesting facts about independent bookmakers you might not know about.
Key features to look at independent betting sites include; great odds, bonus offers, plenty of payment and withdrawal methods, a mobile app, and in-play betting options.
Betfred, BoyleSports, Midnite, and NetBet are the most popular independent betting sites.
The most accessible payment methods on independent betting sites include PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, and crypto deposits.
You can bet on any sport you like on independent betting sites, including football, basketball, horse racing, and esports.
Independent betting sites don’t have any limitations on which bets you can place, so you can freely bet with moneyline, Asian handicap, outrights, props, and more.
Independent bookmakers accept all players with little to no restrictions, regardless if you’re from London, Salisbury, Berlin, West Yorkshire, Stockholm, or Liverpool.
Independent bookmakers have a bad name due to a few bad apples but are generally safe to use.
Responsible Gaming
From BetZillion’s insider perspective, responsible gaming is often overlooked as a nuisance. Still, ensuring that all betting and gambling activities are socially acceptable is necessary for the industry’s sustainability. But most importantly, practicing responsible gaming is important to protect yourself.,
It’s no secret that betting and gambling are highly addictive and can lead to serious problems if not approached correctly. European regulators have implemented many rules and restrictions to help bettors gamble responsibly, including the self-exclusion.
Since independent bookmakers don’t follow those rules, you have to approach using them carefully. Most won’t have self-exclusion tools and will accept GamStop players. Still, as long as you bet responsibly and never wager with more than you can afford to lose, you should be safe.
Bottom Line
That concludes our article on independent betting sites, teaching you everything you need to know about using independent bookies and how they operate. Equipped with all that knowledge, now you know where to find the best independent bookmakers and start betting – but remember to gamble responsibly.
It’s hard to pick one best independent betting site since there’s a lot of competition among very strong contenders for the title of the best independent bookie. Yet some of the biggest names include BoyleSports, BetFred, and NetBet.
How does independent betting work?
Independent betting sites are bookmakers that operate as private betting operators and are owned by organizations that take bets on sports without any affiliation with any agency.
What are new independent bookmakers?
New independent bookmakers are independent bookies who have recently started offering their services to bettors. There are many new independent bookmakers, mainly because it’s easy for new operators to provide their services as such, and in most cases, they operate successfully.
Tim is our betting guru. Every gaming site needs one, and Tim’s our guy. He has plenty of experience in betting online and is quite successful at it. Tim’s favorite sports are hockey, baseball, and Esports. Tim believes the latter to be the future of betting.
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