Independent bookmakers offer a more unique experience than more corporate betting sites. You can enjoy a personal betting experience, bet in-store at an independent high street bookie, or claim unique bonuses via social media channels.
In this guide, we’ll show you why private bookmakers in the UK can sometimes out-rank more familiar names, and we’ll tell you how to make the most of the Punters Lounge forum.
What are Independent Online Bookmakers?
Independent bookmakers are privately-owned gambling companies that don’t exist within a portfolio of sister sites all offering the same thing. Independent bookies are true one-offs: they may carry a household name from the betting world. They may even be someone who cut their teeth at the racecourse or in a small chain of high-street bookies.
Independent bookies have been around since the 1960s when the UK betting laws were first relaxed. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, independent bookmakers have acquired UK betting licenses and launched websites and mobile apps offering competitive odds and bonuses.
Independent Bookmakers vs Large Betting Sites
Independent bookmakers tend to offer a more unique, personal experience than global operators. They may only offer betting to UK gamblers, but there may be more competitive odds on certain markets like horse racing. That’s particularly the case if the bookmaker has a strong background in on-course betting.
On the other hand, larger bookmakers have more capital to spend on prize giveaways and loyalty offers. There may be more live streams available and perhaps a dedicated radio station with podcasts.
- More competitive odds on most popular markets
- Established by well-respected independent businessman or racecourse bookmaker
- In-person payments at high-street betting shops
- More personal social media channel presence
- Original user experience with unique web design
- Focus on 1–2 sports, including horse racing
- WhatsApp and phone betting may be available
- Accept bets from punters who may be barred from larger gambling firms
- Fixed-odds betting and exchange betting may feature together
- Larger welcome bonuses
- Loyalty programmes with bespoke bonuses & promotions
- Big-money predictor contests and other competitions
- Enhanced odds, money back, and early payouts
- Branded TV or radio coverage of sports & horse races
Best Independent UK Betting Sites for 2024
- Bet365
- 10bet
- SBK
- William Hill
- BoyleSports
- Betfred
- QuinnBet
- Fafabet
- Fitzdares
- Spreadex
How We Review Independent Bookmakers for UK Gamblers
Want to know how we review the best UK independent bookmakers? Here are some of the criteria we check before adding a bookmaker to our list.
Even private bookmakers in the UK use a pre-designed software platform offering a full range of betting markets. However, they have some leeway in bolting on bonuses such as enhanced odds and Best Odds Guaranteed on horse races.
Independent bookies do well in offering competitive odds compared to larger companies. The prices for odds-on favourites and underdogs can offer some value if you do your research and use comparison sites. Alternatively, use the Punters Lounge forum to find good odds at lesser-known bookies.
Like the best new betting sites, independent bookmakers are free to offer a range of unique promotions and bonuses. They offer Best Odds Guaranteed on racing and money-back deals, especially if they have a reputation as a racing-friendly bookmaker.
Special betting features at independent bookmakers really depend on the quality of the back end. We look for special features that have now become commonplace at UK bookies, including Cash Out, live in-play betting, and Bet Builder. Plus, some independent bookies also offer an exchange where you can back or lay odds.
Even independent bookmakers have a budget to launch downloadable mobile betting apps for their customers. You should be able to install a mobile betting app from the App Store or Google Play Store that provides full markets, sign-up bonuses, and customer support.
Good customer service is a mainstay of all UK independent bookies. There must be a help centre offering popular FAQ, plus live chat with both bots and human service personnel. Ideally, the bookmaker should have manned social media channels where you can get help.
Independent online bookmakers should still have the requisite gambling licensing. That means holding a valid operator licence from the UK Gambling Commission if they provide markets to customers in Great Britain.
Multi-language sports betting is desirable at all new online bookmakers. With so many markets and bonuses to navigate, it’s important that more customers can enjoy the same experience.
We track the number of languages supported by a new betting site. Plus, we evaluate whether the customer service channels support multiple languages aside from English. That can cover phone support, email help, or live chat.
How to Choose an Independent Bookmaker for You
Top betting sites and independent bookies can offer something different to regular sites. Here are a few of the ways to make the right choice.
Banking Options
In the UK, independent bookmakers must allow fee-free payments using safe, legal banking methods. You should be able to use your debit card or send cash via a mobile payment app such as Boku.
In addition, smaller bookmakers may be able to offer instant withdrawals on certain payment cards, such as MasterCard. And of course, you can use a secure e-Wallet like PayPal or Neteller.
For independent bookmakers on the high street, you can go in-store to use a payment card or withdraw your winnings. You might even receive special deals by making in-person wagers.
Horse Racing Betting
Many independent UK bookmakers started at the racecourse. Since moving online, they continue to offer much better horse racing bonuses and deals. It may include odds boosts on winning Lucky 15s or Tricast bonuses when you bet on the Tote.
Live Streams
Ensure that the bookmaker has partnerships in place to offer live streaming on horse races and other sports. You can also follow games with the visual tracker and check minute-by-minute stats.
Social Media Deals
It’s worth checking out the social media channels with independent bookies to find bonuses that change daily. It’s worth signing up to the bookmaker’s Twitter or Instagram page to keep up to date.
Phone Betting
Some independent bookmakers have more latitude in taking bets and paying out winnings. For example, Fitzdares allow you to place wagers via text, phone, email or even live chat.
Find Independent Bookmakers Approved By Our Members
Don’t forget to make use of the Punters Lounge Forum when you’re hunting a top independent online bookmaker. Our members have been sharing first-hand experiences and tips for 20+ years.
In fact, there’s a special PL Bookie Chat page which is dedicated to UK online bookmakers. Here, you’ll find tips and advice, straight from the web’s biggest and best gambling community.
Find a Top Independent Bookmaker
Scour our reviews and select an independent bookmaker. Click on the link to load the website, or install the mobile app if available.
Enter Your Details
Hit the button to claim the bonus and complete the registration form. You’ll need a home address and mobile number to finish the sign-up form.
Create a Unique Username & Password
Next, come up with a username and password for logging in. You can also enter a promo code if required, and opt-in to receive bonus alerts.
Make a First Deposit
Choose a payment option to make your first deposit.
Place Horse Racing or Sport Bets
Log in and find the sport lobby or day’s calendar of events. Start building your betting slip with enhanced odds, Bet Builders, or the tip of the day.
Responsible Gambling
It’s important to stay in control of your betting, whichever gambling site you bet with. Licensed bookmakers will let you set deposit limits and request a self-exclusion period. Here are some additional resources to hunt out if you need help:
Independent Bookmakers FAQ
What are the best UK independent bookmakers?
At Punters Lounge, we rate and review only the best independent online bookmakers. Our recommended betting sites provide a safe place to gamble and offer competitive welcome bonuses.
Are independent online bookmakers safe?
Most independent bookmakers are licensed in the UK by the Gambling Commission. We will never recommend an independent bookie that is based and licensed offshore.
How many private bookmakers in the UK are there?
Several dozen independent online bookies are operating online in the UK. They are UK-licensed, with many set up by experienced bookmakers who’ve moved from land-based betting shops or racecourses.
Can I claim a welcome bonus from independent bookmakers?
Absolutely. You can claim free bets or a deposit match when you open your online betting account. Simple register, make a deposit, and receive free bet tokens to use on sports of your choice.
