Non UK Betting Sites
Betting on sports has been around for a long time and nowadays, British players are seeking fresh platforms where they can place their bets. These come in the form of non UK betting sites which often have expanded markets and opportunities, more payment methods, and bigger bonuses.
List of the Best Non-UK Betting Sites for Brits
- Min. Deposit £20
- Accept GamStop Players
- Free Bets Available
- 20£ Min. Deposit
- Free From GamStop
- Not Under GamStop’s Control
- Free Spins Are Available
Are Non UK Sportsbooks Legal?
Yes. Although non-GamStop betting sites don’t have the UKGC licence, they are still allowed to operate in the UK, provided they’ve a proper betting licence from an international authority. These include Curacao, Malta, Costa Rica, and others. Avoid playing at unlicensed sites to avoid potential fraud.
Common Misconceptions About Non-UK Bookies vs Reality
There are a couple of misconceptions surrounding sports betting sites outside the UK which hinder players and can cause them to not visit such sites. We’ve listed some of these misconceptions and provided arguments to show what’s the actual truth:
- Non-UK ≠ illegal for UK players: Arguably the biggest UK bookmakers misconception is that because they are not UK-based or licensed by the UKGC, they aren’t legal to use. This is untrue; an international licence simply means that the sportsbook is regulated outside the UK.
- Quality of service can’t be high if licensed offshore: International licensing authorities require all bookmakers to respect the rules and regulations to keep their licence. Because of this, the betting experience can be just as good (if not better) than at UK bookies.
- Bonuses are too good to be true: While you should avoid betting sites that offer extravagant rewards (e.g. 1,000 free bets is unrealistic), the majority of non-UK bookies do provide larger and more frequent bonuses than their UKGC-licensed counterparts.
- No ID verification = unsafe: ID verification is a useful security measure, but it doesn’t signify full safety. Established non-UK sportsbooks use modern data protection and security systems to prevent unauthorised access from malicious actors. There are also many anti-fraud measures in place.
- Limited betting markets: Due to international licensing regulations being less strict than the UKGC’s, it’s not uncommon to find non-UK betting sites with a larger assortment of betting markets. You may also find event coverage that you wouldn’t find on UKGC bookies.
Sports Available at Non UK Bookmakers
British punters can enjoy a wide assortment of sports betting options at non UK bookmakers, from football, golf, and rugby, to lacrosse, chess, and esports. We’ve selected a couple of the most prominent sports you can bet on which will come in handy if you’re a total beginner.
| Sports | Popular Competitions | Popular Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Football | UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup | Match Winner, Outrights, Total Goals |
| Basketball | NBA, Euroleague, Eurobasket | Match Winner, Total Points, Highest Scoring Quarter |
| Tennis | All 4 Grand Slams, ATP & WTA 1000 Events | Match Winner, Game Handicap, Correct Score |
| Rugby | The Rugby Championship, English Premiership, Six Nations | Match Winner, Highest Scoring Half, Draw No Bet |
| Golf | PGA Championship, US Open, Ryder Cup | Outrights, Hole in One (Yes/No), Winning Margin |
| Cricket | World Cup, T20 Series | Match Winner, Tournament Winner |
Licensing of Non-UK Betting Sites
Since non-UK based betting sites don’t have the UKGC licence, they have to get an international one to operate legally in the UK. There are a couple of choices for them to pick, with the following licences being the most common among bookies outside the UK.
Curacao eGaming Licence
Most newer non-UKGC betting sites have the Curacao eGaming licence due to its ease of acquisition. It mandates Curacao betting sites have fast transactions and extensive cryptocurrency support.
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) Licence
The MGA licence has all the benefits of the UKGC licence but without ID verification or GamStop. Powerful player protection measures are required, as are effective & optional responsible gambling tools.
Anjouan Gaming Licence
Anjouan is a relatively rare licence to see but nonetheless it enables regulatory oversight and makes the betting sites safe to use. Sites with this licence may accept more payment methods than others.
Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC)
As one of the newest international licences out there, the KGC still doesn’t have many sportsbooks tied to it. However, one big non-UK bookmaker that has the KGC licence is NationalBet.
Isle of Man Gambling Licence
Sportsbooks whose offices are geographically close to the UK may opt for the Isle of Man licence which has similar regulations to the UKGC. It requires provably fair games and minimal KYC requirements (no ID verification included).
Costa Rica Licence
The Costa Rica betting licence is another viable alternative for non-UK betting sites. It allows bookmakers lots of freedom and versatility when it comes to creating the betting experience so you’ll often find some unique markets at these sites.
How Licences Affect Player Safety
Licensing is the only way a non-UK betting site can operate within the confines of the law while also being regulated by the relevant gambling authority. A licence also necessitates anti-fraud measures, anti-money laundering features, and player protection methods. Only use licensed non-UK gambling sites.
- Deposit Protection: When you deposit cash at licensed non UK betting companies, you can be sure that it’ll end up in your bankroll. Some sites also employ security steps like 2FA to guarantee that you are currently using your account (and not someone else).
- Fair Game Guarantees: All odds in sports betting and casino games in the casino section must be provably fair, as is mandated by all international licensing bodies.
- Compliance Audits: Every once in a while, the licensing authority will conduct compliance audits to make sure the sportsbook is respecting all the regulations. These essentially signify proper functioning of all security and safety measures.
Payment Methods on Non-UK Based Betting Sites
Since non-UK bookmakers have international licences, they can support a wider range of payment methods and can be regarded as betting sites that accept credit cards for deposits and withdrawals. You can use Visa and Mastercard, as well as e-wallets, prepaid cards, bank transfers, and crypto coins.
| Payment Method | Deposit Speed | Withdrawal Speed | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin | Instant | Instant – 1 Hour | No Fees |
| Ethereum | Instant | Instant – 1 Hour | No Fees |
| Skrill | Instant | 24 – 48 Hours | 1-2% per transaction |
| Neteller | Instant | 24 – 48 Hours | 1-2% per transaction |
| Visa/Mastercard | Instant | 24 Hours on Average | Generally 0% (Up to 2%) |
| PayPal | Instant | Up to 48 Hours | 3-5% per transaction |
| Paysafecard | Instant | Withdrawals Not Allowed | No Fees |
| American Express (AMEX) | Instant | 24 – 48 Hours | 1-2% per transaction |
Recommended Payment Practices
Although licensed betting sites not in UK are safe to use, the occasional rare glitch may cause your transaction to be delayed or declined. We recommend following some reliable payment practices that will minimise this risk. You can use them at all bookmakers outside the UK:
- Small Test Deposits: Before committing a larger deposit amount, it’s best to make the minimum allowed deposit first. If it goes through properly, then you can deposit however much you want without further issues.
- Withdraw Winnings Regularly: No matter how secure a website is, there is always a tiny chance your account may get compromised. Therefore, the proper course of action is to withdraw your winnings in smaller increments and more frequently.
- Prefer Licensed Operators With an Audit History: Third-party auditing companies test various sportsbook systems to determine how effective they are. A licensed bookie that has been financially audited by one of these companies is one that you can safely use.
Types of Non-UK Sports Betting Sites
Depending on which licence they’ve got and where their offices are located, the best non-UK licensed betting sites can be divided into multiple location or feature-based categories. Most sportsbooks nowadays belong to one of the following groups:
