author Charles Greene
Last Updated on Jan, 01 2024 by: Charles Greene

Best Independent Bookmakers 2024

In recent years, countries worldwide have started to regulate online gambling extensively. Many bookmakers have enforced strict measures on their players just to adhere to new regulations. However, there are a bunch of bettors who find restrictions imposed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission hard and unfair. Maybe you’re one of them, and you’re looking for independent offshore-licensed bookmakers. Then you are in the right place. On this page, we show how to identify truly reliable online independent bookmakers and present our list of the top independent betting sites.

Top 5 Independent UK Betting Sites

  1. GoldenBet
  2. MagicWin
  3. MyStake
  4. Goldenlion
  5. LuckofSpins
Best Independent Betting Sites

Best Independent UK Betting Sites: September 2024

#
Bookies
Sports Bonus
Rating
FreshBet
100% UP TO 500 EUR
5/5
Goldenbet
100% UP TO £500 + Exclusive 20 FS
Promo code: GOLDEN23
5/5
JokaBet
Sports Bonus 150% UP TO £500
5/5
4
Velobet
150% UP TO £1000
5/5
5
7Bets.io
200% UP TO £2000
5/5
6
MyStake
GET a 100% BONUS UP TO £500
5/5
7
MagicWin
50% up to £100
4.5/5
8
DonBet
Sports Welcome Bonus 120% up to 600 €/$
4.5/5
9
Golden Pharaoh
400% BONUS +100FS+ Exclusive 25 FS
Promo code: GONZO125
5/5
10
NineWin
SPORTS WELCOME PACKAGE up to £450
4.5/5
11
Betti
100% UP TO 100 EUR
4.5/5
12
Cosmobet
150% UP TO £1000
5/5
13
SupaCasi
Exclusive Welcome Bonus 150% up to £500
5/5
14
NonGamStop
150% UP TO £500
5/5
15
Winsmania
Sports Welcome Bonus 175% up to €2000
5/5
16
DogsFortune
125% up to £3000
4.5/5
17
DuoBetz
125% up to £5000
4.5/5
18
Ninbet
Welcome Package 300% UP TO €10000 + 300 FS
4.5/5
19
GoldenLion
400% UP TO £2000 + 100 FS + Exclusive 25 FS
PROMO CODE: ALIVE125
5/5
20
Gxmble
Welcome Bonus 100% up to 500£
4.5/5
21
Winstler
Welcome Bonus 300% up to 500£
4.5/5
22
NonStopCasino
950% UP TO €7000 + Exclusive 50%
PROMO CODE: VRS
5/5
23
Black Magic
400% UP TO £1000 + Exclusive 50%
Promo Code: VRS
4.5/5
24
Gamblii
Get 200% Up to £250
4.5/5
25
JINX
Get 200% UP TO £1000
4.5/5
#
Bookies
Sports Bonus
Rating
FreshBet
100% UP TO 500 EUR
5/5
Goldenbet
100% UP TO £500 + Exclusive 20 FS
Promo code: GOLDEN23
5/5
JokaBet
Sports Bonus 150% UP TO £500
5/5
4
Velobet
150% UP TO £1000
5/5
5
7Bets.io
200% UP TO £2000
5/5
#
Bookies
Sports Bonus
Rating
MagicWin
50% up to £100
4.5/5
Tropical Wins
150% UP TO £1000
4.5/5
JokaBet
Sports Bonus 150% UP TO £500
5/5
4
Velobet
150% UP TO £1000
5/5
#
Bookies
Sports Bonus
Rating
Goldenbet
100% UP TO £500 + Exclusive 20 FS
Promo code: GOLDEN23
5/5
MyStake
GET a 100% BONUS UP TO £500
5/5
Gamblii
Get 200% Up to £250
4.5/5

What Are  Independent Online Bookmakers?

Independent online bookmakers are private companies that are not affiliated with large gambling networks. Additionally, they do not comply with bonus-related provisions and strict marketing restrictions existing in the UK and EU.

Independent online bookmakers do offer sports betting services but have full control over their business. They are more flexible than larger gambling conglomerates. As a result, they may provide a more specialised service, unique odds, bonuses and promotions, different payment methods, and features that cater to specific types of bettors or markets. For example, in the United Kingdom, bettors cannot deposit money on sports betting sites using credit cards because of existing responsible gambling regulations. Some punters find it disappointing and opt for sportsbooks licensed in other jurisdictions (Curacao, Costa Rica, or Panama).

However, some independent bookies do not have licenses. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are scammers, though this fact should alert you. It is a known fact that some scammers pretend to be independent bookmakers to steal money and personal information from punters. In our list of the top UK independent bookmakers, we’ve only included betting sites that have proved reliable and have excellent reviews from bettors and experts.

How Do We Rate Online Independent Bookmakers?

NonGamstop experts register accounts on independent betting sites, place bets, communicate with customer support, withdraw funds and then evaluate betting sites based on the following criteria.

Step 1:

License

We check if the bookmaker holds a valid license from a reputable regulatory authority. This could be the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission License, Curacao eGaming License, Costa Rica Online Gambling License, Malta Gaming Authority License and others. When a bookmaker has a license, it means they follow the ethical and legal rules existing in the betting industry.

Step 2:

Fast and easy verification

The best independent withdrawal betting sites usually require players to complete a verification process before they can withdraw funds. This rule helps to prevent fraud and to combat money laundering. Independent bookmakers usually make this procedure quick and convenient for their customers.

Step 3:

Payment Options

When we create rankings for independent betting sites, we consider the variety of payment methods offered as well as the speed of deposits and withdrawals. Top-rated independent bookmakers offer many payment options, support same-day or at least 48-hour cashouts and do not charge fees for transaction processing.

Step 4:

Bonuses and Promotions

All UK independent bookmakers offer a range of great bonuses and promotions, such as welcome bonuses, free bet stakes, cashback, and more. It can be quite a challenge to choose which one is the best in this regard because their offers are really attractive.  We’ve selected those that not only offer great bonuses and promotions but also have excellent loyalty programs for their regular customers.

Step 5:

Odds and Markets

All punters like to have more betting options and competitive odds. Therefore we assess the range of sports and betting markets offered by independent betting sites.

Step 6:

Mobile Compatibility

Many  UK punters prefer to place bets on the go. So a betting site’s mobile compatibility is a crucial factor. We believe that the best independent bookmakers either have to have dedicated mobile betting apps for iOS and Android devices or have websites optimized for mobile devices that work well on various browsers.

Step 7:

Feedback from punters

Bettors’ feedback is crucial as it provides more insights into the way bookmakers operate. We read both positive and negative feedback that punters leave on various sites and often share with us via email.

Step 8:

Customer support

A quick and responsive customer support team can address punters’ concerns right away. We’ve taken the time to assess the customer support services of different top independent bookmakers in the UK, evaluating their efficiency and friendliness. We’ve chosen bookies that provide fast and helpful support.

TOP-5 Independent UK Betting Sites

You can find many bookmakers online that claim to be independent and trustworthy. Indeed, many of them have already proven themselves to be good and even excellent. However, it is important to be careful when choosing a betting site. After all, in addition to honest and decent online bookmakers, many scammers are hunting for your money and data. Besides you may find online bookmakers with poor-quality customer service. To save you time searching and checking online betting sites, our experts have put together a selection of the best independent bookmakers you can find in the UK.

Here are our top picks for the independent betting sites :

  1. GoldenBet
  2. MagicWin
  3. MyStake
  4. Goldenlion
  5. LuckofSpins

MagicWin

magic win UI

MagicWin independent sportsbook serves as a comprehensive betting hub, designed to cater to a wide range of preferences and interests. It accepts British bettors and offers them an extensive selection of traditional sports like football, basketball, soccer, and tennis. Those seeking a different kind of sporting thrill can visit  Magic Win virtual and esports sections. Moreover, within the live betting category,  punters can place real-time wagers on matches as they progress.

Pros
  • Fast withdrawal method available
  • Great bonuses
  • Simple registration procedure
  • Round-the-clock live chat assistance
Cons
  • Limited responsible gaming options
  • Lacks a dedicated mobile application
MagicWin
4.5/5
50% up to £100

GoldenBet

goldenbet UI

GoldenBet stands out as a unique independent bookmaker with a wide range of offerings. This offshore betting site accepts UK punters and offers them more than  40 sports to bet on. Their virtual sports category allows global users to place bets on various virtual sports, including football, tennis, soccer, motor racing, ping-pong, and keno.

Pros
  • Competitive odds across a wide range of sports
  • Supports in-play betting
  • Good selection of promotions and bonuses
  • Wide range of banking options
  • Fast withdrawal payment methods
Cons
  • Does not offer phone customer support
  • Restricted access for players from certain countries
Goldenbet
5/5
100% UP TO £500 + Exclusive 20 FS
Promo code: GOLDEN23

MyStake

mystake UI

MyStake provides an exciting platform for sports enthusiasts and bettors alike, offering an extensive range of sports for betting, catering to a wide variety of interests. With over 70 sports available, including traditional, esports, and virtual sports, you’ll find a diverse array of options to choose from.

Pros
  • Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
  • Wide range of sports and events to bet on
  • Impressive loyalty program
  • Accepts various payment methods
  • Many withdrawals methods
  • No withdrawal fees
Cons
  • Limited language options (currently only available in English)
  • Limited streaming options for live sports events
MyStake
5/5
GET a 100% BONUS UP TO £500

LuckofSpins

LuckofSpins UI

Luck of Spins stands out as a top-notch independent UK sports betting site. On this UK betting site, you will discover a vast array of markets and competitive odds covering nearly every traditional and virtual sport you can imagine. Furthermore, in addition to its status as a premier online bookie, Luck of Spins is also famous for its reach casino section.

Pros
  • Instant cashout
  • 24/7 support
  • Speedy VIP track
  • No withdrawal fees
Cons
  • Lacks telephone-based customer support
  • Limited accessibility for players from some countries
LuckofSpins
4.5/5
300% UP TO £1200 + Exclusive 50%
Promo Code: VRS

Goldenlion

goldenlion UI

Goldenlion is a highly respected online sportsbook launched in 2016 that provides a safe, diverse, and high-quality betting experience for players from over 150 countries, including the UK. The bookmaker offers many payment methods, excellent odds with cashback and promotions daily.

Pros
  • Fast withdrawals
  • 24/7 live chat
  • Straightforward Know Your Customer (KYC) process
  • Optimized for mobile version
  • Welcomes players from a wide range of countries
  • No withdrawal fees
Cons
  • High bonus playthroughs
  • Limited responsible gaming features.
GoldenLion
5/5
400% UP TO £2000 + 100 FS + Exclusive 25 FS
PROMO CODE: ALIVE125

Other Independent Bookmakers

The list above features just five of the top independent bookmakers. These five stand out as the very best online bookmakers that deserve special recognition. Nevertheless, there are five other great independent betting sites that you might find interesting to join.

Independent Gambling Options

If you are reading this article, sports betting is your top preference. However, some punters also occasionally like to try their luck in online casino games. Fortunately, there’s a wide variety of independent sites where you can both place bets on various sports and enjoy casino games such as poker, bingo, and slots. If this resonates with you, then check the following pages.

Independent  Online UK Sports Betting Sites: General Information

💳 Payment MethodsCredit/Debit cards, Visa Fust Funds, Visa Direct,  Bank Transfers, E-Wallets, Crypto
⏳ Average Withdrawal Time15  min – 48 hours
📉 Lowest Deposit£5
✅ Accepting Players on GamStopYes
⚽ Popular Sports to Bet OnFootball, Cricket, Horse Racing, eSports
💰 Betting BonusesWelcome bonus, Free bets, Improved odds, Cashback, Loyalty programme
✖ Minimum Wagering Ratex1
🇬🇧 Accepting UK Playersyes
🔐 Safety & LegalityGuaranteed

Pros And Cons Of Independent Online Bookmakers in the UK

Independent betting sites offer a convenient way to bet on your favourite sports. They have advantages like better prices and promotions, but these could come at the expense of other factors, such as customer support and proper regulation.

Benefits of independent betting sites

Let’s take a closer look at the key benefits of independent bookmakers.
Many payment methods including Credit Card
Most independent bookies offer a wide range of payment options, including e-wallets, credit/debit cards, bank transfers and cryptocurrency. Such a variety of payment methods allows you to choose the option that suits you best. This is an excellent option, particularly for bettors living in Great Britain.
Fewer restrictions
Offshore-licensed bookies have fewer country restrictions compared to bookies with European licenses. This means they accept bettors with fewer limitations and don’t tax their bettors’ winnings. Punters can deposit and bet as much as they want.
Fast and easy verification
Since independent bookies are not licensed by national regulators, often they don’t require strict ID checks when you deposit and place bets. However, you might need to verify your ID when you withdraw your winnings. Some bookies don’t ask for ID at all.
Better markets and odds
Independent bookmakers pay attention to smaller or specialized markets that UK-based brands often do not consider. This can be good for bettors who want to bet on less popular events or sports. Additionally, independent betting sites are more flexible and, as a result, can offer better odds.
Better bonuses
Standalone betting sites draw in more punters and do a better job in terms of customer loyalty. Frequent bettors can expect to receive generous rewards from bookmakers’ loyalty programs.

Cons of independent bookmakers

Even though independent betting sites have advantages, they also come with downsides. Read about these drawbacks and you will understand if this type of bookmaker is right for you.
Lack of UK License
Independent betting sites don’t have a UKGC license, which means they might not adhere to strict standards for being fair, responsible with gambling, and protecting your data, unlike bookmakers with a UK license. Of course, some independent bookmakers stick to these rules, while others might not treat bettors fairly.
Unclear rules
Independent bookies make their terms and conditions and use their definitions for bonuses and promotions. They are not always clear. As a result, bettors could be confused or misled.
Unclear process for handling complaints
Some independent online bookies don’t have clear procedures for resolving complaints. They may not give bettors information on how to submit a complaint or take a long time to respond. However, many of them operate under IBAS, so bettors can take their complaints there if necessary.
Absence of self-exclusion tool
If you are struggling with gambling issues, it’s best to avoid independent betting sites. They often lack self-exclusion tools, which could lead to significant financial losses and worsening of gambling addiction.
Liquidity
Independent small bookmakers may lack the financial resources, which can lead to liquidity challenges. This, in turn, can affect the availability of high-stakes betting.
Some UK payment methods are excluded
Independent online bookmakers provide services to people worldwide. Because of this, certain payment methods commonly used only in the UK are not available on offshore betting sites.

Sports bettors have an array of options when betting online. The most popular sports bets include:

How to Avoid Fraudulent Independent Betting Sites

Make sure to make safety your top priority when dealing with independent betting sites. First, check if the bookmaker is licensed in another jurisdiction and take additional steps to protect your security. For example, look for “https://” in the website’s URL and a padlock symbol in the address bar. This indicates that the site uses SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information.

Carefully read the terms and conditions and spend some time reading other bettor’s reviews. Test the customer support system by sending inquiries. Good sites typically provide prompt and helpful responses. If something about a betting site raises suspicions, trust your instincts and choose another bookmaker.

Online Betting with Independent Sites Summarised

Independent bookmakers in the UK run their own sports betting sites. They’re more flexible than UK-regulated bookmakers, offering better markets, odds, promotions, and a variety of payment options. They can be especially interesting for those bettors who are into less popular sports or cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

However, not all independent sites are safe. Some could be scams, so be cautious and research them well. Also, we don’t recommend independent bookies to people who struggle with gambling control, as many such sites don’t offer responsible gambling tools like self-exclusion or deposit limits.

Otherwise, using reputable independent betting sites can be a lot of fun, especially for people in the UK who are tired of excessive regulations in their daily lives.

Independent Bookmakers: FAQs

Is it safe to bet with independent bookmakers?

Yes, betting with independent bookmakers is safe, if you choose reputable and trustworthy ones. However, some independent bookmakers could not be reliable or could be fraudulent. Check for licences, carefully read their terms & conditions, and do not overlook feedback from bettors and experts. Do your research before registering with an independent betting site.

Do independent bookmakers have mobile apps?

Yes, most independent bookmakers offer mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. Some also have mobile versions of their sites, so you don’t even have to download a mobile app.

Which independent UK gambling sites have the best odds?

The competition among bookmakers is very intense, so the odds keep shifting. Today one bookmaker will offer you the best odds, tomorrow another. You need to constantly monitor the top-value odds before placing your bet. Since various UK online betting sites might specialize in specific sports, it’s a smart move to join several of them. Overall, the independent bookies we’ve suggested on this page tend to provide the most competitive prices across all sports markets. In our view, those are the best betting sites you can find if you are looking for a new betting experience.

Where can I resolve a dispute If I have some problem with an independent bookmaker?

First, you need to reach out to their customer service to register your complaint. At that point, your problem might be solved. If not, you can contact the Independent Betting Adjudication Service (IBAS). IBAS is an impartial third-party organization that assists in resolving disputes between customers and bookmakers. You can find their contact information on their website.

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Charles Greene

Hi I’m Charles Greene your humble author of gamstopfreebookies.com. I’m an avid sports and money fan, and my main goal from a young age was to combine the two (sorry I never realized it as a footballer). At the age of 20 I found a great opportunity to make money from my passion for sports, it was betting.

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