New Independent Bookmakers

The restrictions imposed by the UK Gambling Commission have led many newly-launched bookies to operate without a license in Great Britain. These new independent bookmakers operate similarly to UKGC licensees but with some added perks.

Players can enjoy better bonuses, no KYC restrictions, high betting limits and great promotions. These are benefits that UK-licensed sites aren’t able to offer.

The way to find the best independent bookmakers is by reading online reviews and learning how to recognise scams. Below we will explore that and everything else in between. You’ll be able to spot the best non Gamstop betting sites UK offers and compare them to find the top option. In case you’re having a hard time making a decision, then our list of independent bookmakers will be helpful.

Our team has carefully reviewed each betting site – including their odds, bonuses and payment options. So keep on reading if you want to indulge into sports betting not on Gamstop.

Independent UK Bookmakers:

Reputable Independent Online Bookmakers

Basic Introduction to Independent Betting Sites

The expression ‘independent bookmaker’ has been thrown around a lot in recent years. For some, there’s a slightly negative meaning connected to it. Let’s dispel some myths surrounding independent online bookmakers and get to the gist of things.

Are independent bookmakers licensed?

No, independent bookies are not licensed. They have chosen not to abide by rules and restrictions imposed by government regulators. This means they can provide benefits that the UK Gambling Commission doesn’t allow its licensees to offer. Including higher deposit and withdrawal limits, credit card deposits and even alternative cryptocurrencies, available at the vast majority of such betting sites.
Even though they don’t have a license, independent bookmakers aren not scammers. Their business depends on their reputation, so they handle the basics just as seriously as other sites. Customer support, fast withdrawals and transparent terms are all traits you can expect to see from top independent betting sites.

Are standalone betting sites legal?

Even though they don’t hold a license from a state regulator, independent online bookies are legal in every sense of the word. The issue is simply based on what the UK Government thinks it’s legal; but there are limits even to UKGC’s control over the market.

MPs can only draft Acts that penalize online bookmakers based in the UK. Every country has its sovereignty, which means it can’t go after a bookie beyond its own borders. These sites can often be based in the Caribbean or any other non-EU country. As a result, they’re outside the scope of British law; yet at the same time, they can still be completely safe.

Why do Some brands Choose to go Independent?

Many UK players wonder how to cancel Gamstop since they don’t feel comfortable handing over many personal details or sending their utility bills just because the regulator says it’s ‘safer’ this way. Who knows who could have access to that data?

Some brands choose to go independent because they want to offer a simple sports betting experience. But for the most part, they just want to operate outside of UKGC-imposed rules and restrictions. They might also want to offer crypto deposits or accept credit cards, which are against the locally applying rulebook. The benefits go even further, as some bookies cover a wider variety of sports since they’re not based in the UK. They target the whole world, thus including many niche or regional sports too.

Top Independent Betting Sites

Now that we have answered the most burning questions around independent betting sites, it is time to present you with our top picks. The following standalone online sportsbooks top our list as they bring significant perks to the table. So let’s check them all out in detail:

Admiral Shark Sportsbook

This is yet another top operator among the independent bookies operating online in the UK. Admiral Shark sportsbook was founded in 2020 and is owned by Cerberlot N.V. Players are able to choose among 40+ sports to bet on, including football, tennis and e-sports. There are 140+ markets on average when it comes to betting on the top leagues like the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. The sports betting section offers a 94.6% overall payout, so it’s no surprise that Admiral Shark’s odds are high. Tools like Bet Builder, Cash Out and Live Streaming are at your fingertips.

Prestige Spin Sportsbook

Prestige Spin sportsbook is one of the newest additions on the list of independent brands, but it manages to make the cut among our top picks. It began its operations in 2022 and welcomes bettors with a 200% bonus to boost their 1st deposit; whilst, esports lovers will find a dedicated esports welcome package. Credit card and crypto deposits are allowed, while withdrawals are processed seamlessly. The odds are above the market average, with a 96% average payout awaiting you. You can choose among 6 odds formats and place your bets on a wide range of sports, including football, cricket and tennis.

Goldenbet Sportsbook

When it comes to new independent bookmakers, UK is full of exciting options and Goldenbet couldn’t be left out of the mix. We’re talking about a brand new sportsbook which was established in 2022. Goldenbet sportsbook is owned by Santeda International B.V. and operating under a Curacao license. You can find more than 40 sports to place your bets on and 75,000+ pre-match markets in total. Credit card transactions are welcome and withdrawals are processed without issues. Plus, a 100% welcome bonus awaits you and if you got any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the 24/7 live chat support team.

Mister X Sportsbook

Mister X is an independent operator which was founded in 2020. Its sportsbook section features 35+ sports on which you can place your wagers and all the top leagues & events. More specifically, 150+ markets are offered on fixtures of every major competition, like the UCL and the UEFA Europa League. Plus, e-sports enthusiasts will manage to find markets on all the top hits, such as CS:GO, LoL and Dota 2. As regards features, you can take advantage of the top-level Live Streaming offered on selected matches and save a bet that doesn’t go well with the Cash Out option. As for the Mister X Casino section, it comes with slots and games powered by 80+ top providers.

Mr Sloty Sports

Mr Sloty is an independent bookmaker that was established in 2020 and since then it has made an impact in the British betting industry. Players opt for it primarily due to its rewarding welcome package that can go up to a total of €6,000. Other than that, they enjoy the wide range of sports on which they can bet on, that are more than 30 in total. Almost every sporting event comes with 200+ markets and except for football, the horse racing calendar is full of major competitions, including the Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival. The overall payout at Mr Sloty Sportsbook stands at 93.50%, which is not bad at all.

What you need to know about Independent Bookies

Independent bookies are nothing complex, even if you’re a beginner. Just to be certain you’re on the right path, we’ve put together a comprehensive table; which will tell you everything you need to know about new independent bookmakers. Don’t worry, we’ve spent time on flaws as well.

What are the strengths of New Independent Bookmakers

If you’ve never played at independent online bookmakers, you’re probably wondering ‘how to get around Gamstop?’ Well, we believe this niche has a set of distinct advantages, ones that could change the way you bet online.

Not part of an exclusion scheme

Since Gamstop participation is mandatory according to UK laws, entering an exclusion scheme would mean you’re banned from all bookmakers. Sometimes, you just want to take a break, or some features of a bookie are annoying to you. Regardless, it’s not worth denying yourself the opportunity to join a different site later on. Independent betting sites, on the other hand, do have an exclusion scheme, but it’s not connected to other bookmakers. They do promote safe gambling and have staff dedicated to assisting players in need, but it’s not as strict and rigid as the Gamstop program.

Better bonuses and a VIP program

The intentions behind the Gamstop scheme are, without a doubt, upstanding, but some of its principles and rules may be a bit overboard. That’s why you’ll rarely find UK-registered betting sites that offer more than £10 as a deposit bonus. The UKGC is against using big amounts to entice punters, but at the same time – they’re allowing players to spend their own funds. Independent betting sites on the other hand, do not limit themselves. That’s why you’ll often find 200% match bonuses with as much as £300 in bonus money. You will also find great VIP programs designed to please all loyal members.

No Gambling Restrictions

As a means of promoting safe gambling, the Gambling Commission limits the amount of money you can deposit, as well as the time you can spend playing. This is definitely helpful to someone who’s struggling, but casual players often find themselves being part of the same group. Independent bookies won’t restrict you in this way. They provide resources and useful information, in addition to self-exclusion programs, but they don’t impose them. It’s everyone’s choice how much they want to deposit and play. Independent bookmakers are also willing to negotiate deposit amounts, especially for high rollers.

Credit Cards & Cryptocurrencies

Independent betting sites UK players have access to offer much more payment options than traditional bookies. If you’re into making deposits with Bitcoin or Ethereum, these bookmakers readily accept crypto payments. Unfortunately, the UKGC sees them as a volatile asset and forbids bookmakers from accepting them.

While the volatility part is apparent, cryptos are a great way to anonymously take punts and segment your sports betting budget from the rest of your money. What’s even worse is that the UKGC forbade the use of credit cards for gambling in 2020. On the contrary, independent brands are betting sites that accept credit cards and gladly allow you to fund your account using your credit card.

Drawbacks of using Independent Bookmakers

Just because new independent bookmakers have a lot of advantages, it doesn’t mean they’re perfect. Settling for this type of betting sites has its fair share of flaws. Consider them before creating an account and placing your first bet.

No License

There’s a reason why so many bookmakers choose not to have a license. Yes, players can benefit from it, but it’s mostly for the bookies to be able to save money by not having to run background checks and complete any other tasks required by the UKGC. That’s why you’ll find that betting sites not signed up to Gamstop don’t have to face the same consequences as licensed sites do in the UK. For this reason, you need to be careful. Use our tips on how to spot a scam and ensure that any online reviews you see are legitimate.

Restrictions on Large Withdrawals

Unlike UKGC-licensed brands, gambling sites not covered by Gamstop can apply whatever withdrawal limits they want. In theory, this means they can be a high roller’s paradise and pay out any amount a player wants. But in some situations, bookies use deceptive marketing and say they allow max withdrawals of up to £50,000. At first glance, this looks like you could withdraw that amount whenever you wanted to. In reality, this is most often a monthly limit, or a restriction you can only get rid of by advancing through a relevant VIP program.

Trustable companies owning Independent UK Bookmakers

When it comes to independent UK bookmakers, reputation is everything. An easy way to find out whether a site is good or not is to look at the operator. Betting companies not on Gamstop often have several websites under their name. If all of them are good, there are high chances the next one will be stellar, too. These three companies are our top picks:

MRSL N.V.

A relatively new company, operating the Mr Sloty sportsbook, MRSL N.V. has decided to take an innovative approach to online sports betting. While they do cover football betting not on Gamstop, as well as horse racing and cricket; they provide a global flavour too. This means regular odds on NBA, NFL and NHL matches, as well as lower leagues and even winter sports. Gone are the days of punters being one-sport specialists. With real-time statistics and algorithmic tools, there’s no reason why you should be limited to exotic bets on just one sport. Companies like MRSL N.V. change the landscape and make us rethink what it means to be an independent betting firm.

Santeda International B.V.

Santeda International B.V. has a licence from Curacao eGaming, but they also have a Cyprus-based subsidiary. What sets them apart from most independent betting companies is their devotion to props and live betting. All their betting sites have a modern design which allows for odds to be updated within a millisecond, compared to what’s actually happening on the pitch. One thing we also like about this company is their willingness to not just copy-paste the same design. Each online bookmaker under their control has a slightly different design, while sharing the same smoothness. They also use SSL encryption across all their domains.

Cerberlot N.V.

Founded in 2019, Cerberlot N.V. has burst into the scene and quickly became one of the top independent bookmaker operators. Multi-bets are their bread and butter, as well as a number of other features related to bet boosting, editing and more. Cerberlot definitely isn’t afraid to give bettors freedom, along with additional tools they need to succeed. One of our favourite features across all its betting sites, such as Admiral Shark, is the compact design. They’ve managed to squeeze in so much in such little crevices and tables. Regardless of the layout, everything else seems clean too.