Independent Online Bookmakers

Are you looking for new and independent betting sites? Independent bookmakers have been extremely popular throughout the United Kingdom since betting shops became legal in 1961. Betting shops flourished in the 1960s, and numerous huge chains of establishments were built, some of which are still among the most well-known names in the industry today. Keep reading our guide to find comprehensive information about independent UK bookmakers.

Best Independent Bookmakers

All sites are: Licensed & Certified and Expertly checked

How Do We Rate the Independent Online Bookies Betting Sites?

Our team of gambling experts have been part of the UK gambling industry for many years. We have the experience and expertise to know what UK bettors are looking for and what top independent bookmakers look like. Below are some of the criteria we consider when rating independent bookmakers UK.

• Licensing and Reliability

Players need to place bets on a betting platform with proper licensing and up-to-date security protocols. Thus, we rate bookies with valid licensure from reputable gambling authorities, such as UKGC and MGA, and additional certificates from third-party organisations to show that the site’s offerings are safe and fair.

• UK-friendly Betting Markets

Betting on current events is entertaining, especially involving subjects like the royal family, politics, and entertainment. For placing modest bets or no-risk wagers, UK-specific betting markets are beneficial.

• Range of Betting Odds

Despite the high industry competition level, a reliable UK bookmaker should offer its bettors the best odds to ensure fair gameplay. Additionally, the availability of a wide range of markets is crucial in today’s betting since players seek novel and exciting wagering options.

• Offers British Sports

The number of sports available is another factor we consider when rating independent online bookmakers. Even new independent bookmakers have a vast selection of sports bettors can enjoy on their platform. Top independent bookmakers UK should also feature British sports such as snooker, rugby union, netball, badminton, and cricket.

• Design and Layout

A bookmaker with good web design and layout is crucial for an easy user experience. When the site is easy to navigate and features attractive colours, it is much simpler and exciting for bettors to use.

• Website Speed

A trustworthy betting site should optimise its technology and run smoothly on all devices. The bookmaker’s speed will also guarantee simple and quick navigation, boosting how easy it is to use a website and resulting in satisfied bettors.

• Ease of Registration

Many gamblers prefer playing on sites where they can start placing wagers as soon as possible. However, most independent bookmaker platforms have lengthy KYC processes that lead to losing many customers.

Therefore, the highest-rated bookmakers from our list have simple and quick KYC procedures that enable bettors to start playing as soon as possible. We advise our readers to prepare the required documents in advance for a smoother process. You can also contact the bookie and let them know you have submitted the relevant documents for faster account approval.

• Available Payment Methods

Consumers have access to an ever-expanding variety of financial choices, and bookies must stay up with these advances. New UK bookies that provide a genuinely local betting service typically accept more customised payment methods like Ukash and Stripe. Additionally, they must accept all widely used payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, Paypal, and Skrill.

• Native English Customer Support Options

If bettors experience difficulties while playing at an independent online bookmaker, choosing UK bookies with UK-based offices may help them handle your issue more effectively because it might be challenging to interact with advisers who only speak basic English.

• Special Bonuses and Free Offers

Most UK bookmakers provide a free wager when players sign up as a tactic to draw in new business. Nevertheless, based on your betting habits, several of the top bookmakers in the UK may also provide free bets for regular customers. The UK bookies on this list frequently have unique cashback bonuses and deals. Several of these exceptional deals are accessible on accumulators, especially with Acca boosting features.

• Availability of Mobile Betting

Nowadays, fewer and fewer individuals than ever before use computers to browse the internet. When gambling on the go, the quality of a bookie’s mobile site or, even better, their dedicated and downloadable App can make a world of difference.

The mobile betting platform should be easy to use, the visuals should be exquisite, and the platform should be fast loading. If there is a ‘cash-out’ bets option, it must walk a fine line between being readily available and being challenging to use accidentally.

How Do Independent Bookmakers Operate Online?

Independent online bookmakers have become widely popular due to their ease of access. By simply visiting the bookie’s website, you can register an account and start playing as soon as the account gets approved. However, many players find it difficult to trust online bookies to place wagers, despite UK gambling legislation safeguarding the interests of bettors.

The UK betting industry has undergone numerous transformations since its establishment over 20 years ago. There is an adequate law in place, and recognised and reliable operators operate most websites. Even though there are still some websites to avoid, they are overwhelmingly uncommon.

What Laws and Regulations Govern Independent Bookmakers?

UK sports betting began flourishing in the 19^th century. But, the UK government outlawed all forms of gambling, except horse racing, within its jurisdiction. In 1961, the British government legalised and established a regulatory authority for land-based bookmakers. The illegal gambling companies that were in operation before then got a license and established themselves as large corporations in the newly launched industry. This is where the likes of Corals, Ladbrokes, and William Hill surfaced.

In 2001, the government further increased the profitability of independent bookies by changing the gambling tax from turnover tax to gross profit tax. This eliminated the customer’s betting duty and gave way to Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs). The increased profitability of betting shops enabled them to expand their operations.

The Gambling Act’s implementation in 2005 marked the most recent significant change affecting UK bookmakers. It was made into law in 2005 and started operating fully in 2007. The Budd Report, as it was known, was an evaluation of the UK gambling landscape that began in 2001.

One of the many effects of this new Gambling legislation was that it would be much simpler for independent bookmakers to set up new betting shops since they would no longer need to demonstrate a market for a new location.

In April 2018, the Act allowed maximum stakes per spin were decreased in response to decades of immediate concern about the effect of FOBTs on UK problem gambling. While the full effects of this legislative change are still uncertain, many bookmakers, including hundreds of independent UK bookmakers, anticipated that they would close their doors throughout the UK.

How to Find the Best Independent Bookmakers Online

Local and international bookmakers advertise that they have the top sports betting selection in the UK gaming market. However, because they are primarily concentrated on foreign markets, a significant portion of them are not effectively adapted for the ordinary UK customer. Below are some of the key features of the best independent bookmakers UK:

• Valid Licensing from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)

A good UK bookmaker should have an active license from UKGC. This ensures that the rights of the UK bettor are protected and that the operator adheres to industry regulations.

• Accepts the British Pound

A decent betting site should allow its customers to transact with GBP.

• Supports UK-friendly Payment Options

Apart from accepting other payment options, an independent UK bookie should support popular UK payment options like Paysafecard and PayPal

• Consists of British Sports

Of course, many gamblers love betting on popular sports like basketball, football, tennis, and horse racing. But other British sports like cricket, badminton, darts, rugby union, snooker, netball, or drone racing also have plenty of betting markets.

• Offers Other Gambling Products

Other than sports betting, the best independent UK bookmakers also provide their customers with other gambling options, including casino games, virtual sports, esports, live casinos, and bingo

• Uses British Terms

Even though it is simple to distinguish between real and American football, a poorly translated bookmaker may quickly ruin your immersion.

• Acca and Odds Boosting Offers

Among the most popular incentives among UK bettors are special betting offers on accumulators, such as insurances and Acca boosts. The most popular UK bookmakers ensure that their odds increase regularly and cashback incentives are available to loyal bettors.

• Free bet offers for existing customers

Along with the free bet you receive when joining new independent bookmakers, it is always fantastic to be able to earn additional free bets during your betting activity. This is a crucial component of the top bookmakers in the UK.

• Special betting markets

Royal specials, entertainment, and politics are rapidly gaining popularity among players since they allow you to use a few free bets and provide a wide range of highly coveted underdog possibilities. They are a pleasant option whenever you want to make a tiny stake in an entertaining market.

• Fractional Odds

Since determining the accurate worth of odds can be challenging, reputable independent online bookmakers will lay them out in simple and understandable language.

How to Become a Member of Independent Betting Sites

Millions of bettors worldwide now prefer using independent online bookies over all others. This is because they are not only the simplest and most practical choice but also safe to use. It is straightforward to place bets online, and you can do it while sitting at home. Simply follow the steps below:

• Go to any of the sites on our list of independent bookmakers
• Complete the online application form with all the relevant details. You have to provide accurate information related to your name, date of birth, residence, email address, contact number, username, and valid password
• Submit the online application and wait for approval
• Once approved, you can browse through the site to select your preferred sport to bet on

Independent Online Bookmakers UK FAQ

What Do I Need to Open an Online Bookmaker Account?

You must complete the online application that requires you to submit your name, address, and financial details.

What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing an Independent Online Bookmaker in 2023?

When selecting an independent UK bookmaker, some vital factors are the available bonus offers and promotions, licensing, security protocols, sports and betting markets, betting odds, payment options, and customer support.