Independent Betting Sites – September 2024

Who are Independent Bookmakers?

They are licensed by overseas authorities, usually based in small, offshore countries, privately owned, unaffiliated and do not operate under additional white-label brands.

An independent online bookmaker is not licensed or regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). This results in a different level of customer protection compared to legal sportsbooks. Unregistered bookmakers often disregard Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, which are anti-money laundering measures designed to protect customers from fraud. They may accept payment methods such as credit cards and Bitcoin I, which are prohibited in the country.

Furthermore, these sites may need to have inadequate Responsible Gaming tools. For instance, during our examination, we found cases where the Self-exclusion function was only available for five years, and activating it required writing an email and waiting an indefinite period for a response.

Examples of Independent Betting Sites in the UK

Independent platforms are privately owned online bookmakers that offer sports wagering services and retain complete control over their business. They are not registered with the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Instead, they are licensed offshore. Therefore, it is important to proceed carefully when dealing with grey-area bookies. They can make their own rules and often have some shady practices. 

Let's look at the main characteristics of three of these examples of online sportsbooks.

Velobet

It is an independent company operating in the UK. It is owned and operated by Santeda International BV and registered in Curacao. Unlike UKGC-licensed bookmakers, they accept credit card and bitcoin payments and other methods. Otherwise, they are very much like an offshore bookmaker. Feel free to take advantage of their overly generous welcome offer with an amount you won't find on the legal market. If you are willing to take the risk, the wagering requirement is fifteen (!) times the deposit and bonus amount on a minimum of 3 events, each with odds of at least 1.3. You must complete it before you can withdraw.

Sportbet

Another independent bookmaker that accepts Bitcoin deposits (only) and has a significant bonus but with rollovers starting at x5. Launched in 2018, they are operated by Reedll Ltd, licensed on the Island of Mwali in the Moros Union. So, they need to follow Know Your Customer procedures. Aside from the emphasis on crypto betting, the site has a limited line (less than 20 sports), there are few sports, the interface could be more explicit, and you have to use the search bar to find what you are interested in.

7bet

The platform accepts players from the United Kingdom, whom the Gaming Control Authority licenses under the Ministry of Finance of Lithuania. Available payment methods include Skrill and credit/debit cards. All calculations are in Euros. The site offers a selection of almost 50 sports and the usual tools such as Bet Builder, Book a Bet, and Cash Out. There are no bonuses to start with, though.

The Main Criteria by Which We Choose Independent Bookmakers

When choosing online platforms for review, we evaluate each using several criteria, which we present below. To be clear, our list is not sponsored in any way, and we strongly recommend that you only bet with sportsbooks that are fully licensed and regulated by the UKGC.

✅ Sign Up Process

This process can vary, depending on the extent to which they have chosen to adhere to Know Your Customer guidelines. Some will only require an email address and password to be created, while others will require further details, such as your address and telephone number. 

➡️ Deposits

Generally, independent bookmakers will accept a smaller range of payment options than regulated competitors. They are also much more likely to accept credit cards and Bitcoin payments, both of which are forbidden.

⚽ Betting Markets

Another consideration is the line and the range of events and markets available within those sports. The number and quality of outcomes between independent bookmakers can vary considerably. Some grey-area sites are just finding their niche, offering around 50 sports and even rare disciplines in Esports.

📈 Betting Odds

High odds work just as well as attractive bonus amounts; overseas platforms are willing to keep margins as low as possible to attract new players. They can also do so because they operate in jurisdictions with light tax regimes.

🏆 In-Play

This is standard for any online bookmaker; during our review, we came across sites that emphasised this section rather than pre-match.

📱 Mobile Betting

This is not usually available to punters of independent betting sites. Desktop versions are generally adapted for mobile devices, but more resources are needed to develop standalone apps. This is where legal UK bookies have an undeniable advantage.

🎁 Bonuses and Promotions

Bonuses and promotions are similar in type but differ in amount and currency. It is important to remember that the bigger the offer, the higher the risk and the more complex the wagering requirements. For clarity, always look at the rollover and calculate your chances in percentages. This is what we always do when evaluating.

📞 Customer Support

Legal sites operate in a highly competitive environment and have strict rules about customer service. Independent sites are less concerned with their reputation, and we have seen cases where a response is only available by email and no waiting time is given.

What Is The Difference Between Independent Bookmakers and Regular Ones

All sites look the same to newcomers. There is a selection of sports with different betting markets, live, and even casino sections. Both offer welcome bonuses in various forms and loyalty programmes for regular players. Nuances are hidden in currency, payment methods, terms and conditions, verification processes, and personal data protection. Let's take a closer look at the differences between the two.

👑 Ownership

Independent bookmakers are privately owned small businesses rather than part of a larger group of companies. For example, UKGC-licensed LC International Ltd owns Ladbrokes but also owns and operates Coral, Bwin, Sportingbet, Foxybingo, and other gambling sites. Conversely, independent betting sites tend to have a single brand.

📒 Licensing 

The critical difference between them is the need for UKGC licensing. Independents are licensed in offshore locations, most often in Mwali or Curacao. This means that they need to be more secure when betting.

💳 Payment Methods

The UK Gambling Commission banned the use of credit cards on gambling sites from April 2020. Credit cards and cryptocurrencies are welcome on overseas sites, but do not have to abide by this rule. Some independent bookmakers only accept Bitcoin, while regular ones increasingly offer a more comprehensive range of options, such as debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, Apple Pay, and others.

🔞 Personal Details

UKGC partners require personal details and documents to comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. These details include name, date of birth, and address, together with documentation to support these details, such as a copy of a driver's licence, passport, or utility bill. KYC procedures are designed to prevent money laundering and fraud.

However, unregistered sites can choose which regulations to follow, and some may not require customers to provide more than an email address.

Pros and Cons of Independent Bookmakers

Let's clarify that illegal bookmakers are unsafe to bet with, and choosing a properly UKGC-licensed and regulated betting site is a better idea. The information below is what remains when comparing the two.

What Bonuses Do Independent Bookmakers Have?

Independent sportsbooks offer various promotions, including welcome bonuses such as matched first deposits or Free bets, refunds if your bet loses, early cashout promotions, crypto deposit bonuses, and various loyalty programmes. We do not give specific examples and amounts because we do not encourage gambling in the illegal sector.

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