Independent Bookmakers

Find independent bookmakers in the UK. This page highlights top independent betting sites and small UK bookmakers reviewed by our betting experts. 

Standalone bookies are known for having unique, custom-built betting experiences that differentiate them from larger operators. Each independent betting site offers singular features, betting offers, and a variety of markets and odds.

Explore independent bookies to find the one that best fits your sports betting preferences.

List of Independent Betting Sites - February 2026

Explore the top independent betting sites for February 2026. Every platform featured here is UK-licensed, tested by experts, and trusted by punters.

Whether you're seeking new independent bookmakers UK or time-tested independent bookies, you'll find safe, feature-rich options tailored to every betting style.

All independent betting sites are listed below:

Table of Contents

Independent Betting Site of the Month

Updated February 4, 2026

Bojoko's Independent Betting Site of the Month is Smarkets. 

This time, we've selected Smarkets as our top pick among independent betting sites. Smarkets is not a traditional fixed-odds bookmaker; instead, it is an exchange where odds are driven by supply and demand between bettors.

If betting exchanges are new to you, Smarkets is an excellent place to start exploring this style of betting. The platform offers an accessible entry point by giving new customers 60 days of commission-free betting, meaning the exchange takes no commission on any winnings you make during that period. This is a genuinely unique offer that independent betting sites can provide, and one you won't find among the large bookmaker groups.

As an independent bookmaker, Smarkets also has greater freedom in offering payment methods. I really appreciate that the site supports 9 deposit options, including debit cards and e-wallets.

Check back again next month to see which independent bookmaker we'll pick as the cherry on top in place of Smarkets.

Click to activate the bonus and play here »

COMMFREE

Sign up offer	0% commission for 60 days
Minimum deposit for bonus	£10

Extra sign up offer info
Wagering requirements	0x
Minimum odds to claim bonus	-
Maximum payout with free bet	-
Bonus winnings paid in cash	Yes

Basic information
Launch date	02/2010
Minimum deposit	£10
Platform	Independent / No platform
Return to player %	98%
Live casino	No
Bingo	No

Tap to activate the bonus and play here »

COMMFREE

Bonus is only available to new UK players Minimum first deposit for bonus: £10 Users making their first deposit by Skrill, Neteller, PayPal or a virtual/prepaid card will not qualify for this promotion You must enter code COMMFREE in the promo code field during registration Eligible customers will be able to enjoy trading with a commission rate of 0% on all bets that settle within 60 days from the first deposit. Full terms and Bonus terms apply. GambleAware.org.

Best Independent Bookmakers

The best independent bookmakers combine generous welcome bonuses, trusted ownership, and a solid UKGC licence with a wide range of secure payment methods. Features like Visa, Skrill, PayPal and Apple Pay make deposits and withdrawals easy, while strong Bojoko ratings show that punters value these sites highly.

We have selected the top 10 independent bookies that stand out in these areas.

The best independent bookmakers are listed below:

1. 10Bet -  100%/£50
2. Midnite - £30 in free bets
3. CopyBet - £20 free bet
4. Fitzdares - Acca boost up to 30%
5. Betfred - £50 in free bets
6. Hollywoodbets - Up to £30 back as free bets 
7. BetGoodWin - £10 free bet
8. Matchbook - £30 in free bets
9. Star Sports - £25 free bet
10. BOYLE Sports - £40 in free bets

1. 10Bet

The best independent bookmaker is 10Bet.

10Bet is one of the highest-rated betting sites on Bojoko. This sportsbook is well-known in the UK and already has millions of British punters as loyal betting customers.

10Bet stands out, especially for its high payout odds and diverse betting offers across various sports. As an independent bookmaker, 10Bet has the authority to manage its banking options. They offer minimum withdrawals as low as £1, which is quite rare in the market.

Read more about 10Bet and what our experts think on the 10Bet sportsbook review page. Or, you can skip the review and head directly to the site to claim your 100%/£50 bonus using the green button below.

2. Midnite

Midnite is an excellent standalone bookmaker.

Midnite offers nearly unrivalled esports betting markets compared to many larger operators. They also excel with virtual sports selections. 

Midnite has an attractive new punter betting offer, providing four £5 free bets on various markets and 50 free spins for the casino. This allows you to test the waters at Midnite in a truly versatile way.

Please learn more about this site through our Midnite betting review, where you can see what our betting experts think about the brand's mobile app and interface. A little spoiler: our opinion is anything but negative.

3. CopyBet

CopyBet is a unique independent bookmaker.

CopyBet's standout feature lets users directly copy professional tipsters' picks and bets. You can even opt to play every bet a specific tipster publishes automatically. Of course, CopyBet also offers the option to place traditional single bets on various sportsbook markets. The site has competitive odds, making it easy for bettors to find value.

• Read also: CopyBet review

For new customers, CopyBet provides a generous £20 free bet free bet offer. Additionally, they have an ongoing promotion offering a 20% accumulator bonus.

4. Fitzdares

The fourth pick on our list of the best independent bookmakers is the luxury bookmaker Fitzdares.

Fitzdares describes itself with bold adjectives like "the world's finest bookmaker." While a strong claim, it's not entirely unwarranted. The betting site is undeniably stylish, high-quality, and customer-focused. And if you're fortunate enough to join the Fitzdares club, you'll gain access to the brand's luxurious clubhouses, where you can place bets while watching live sports. 

Fitzdares offers top-tier online betting, especially in horse racing markets. The brand offers the Best Odds Guaranteed and high-quality live streams. Fitzdares Sportsbook also has ongoing promotions worth checking out for keen punters. 

5. Betfred

Betfred ranks among the UK's largest independent bookmakers.

Betfred operates 1,350 betting shops and a robust online platform serving hundreds of thousands of customers daily. This private bookmaker has been in operation since the 1960s, staying well attuned to how and where Brits prefer to place their bets.

As highlighted in our Betfred sportsbook review, Betfred excels in several key areas. Its standout features include excellent live betting and live streaming options. The £50 free bet offer for new customers is also highly appealing.

6. HollywoodBets

Hollywoodbets is a South African bookmaker that first started operating independently back in 1986. The brand entered the UK online betting market in 2019 and has since built a stable position among punters.

Hollywoodbets stands out particularly in horse racing, where it offers Best Odds Guaranteed along with a range of valuable betting promotions. Another clear strength is its low deposit limits, with a minimum deposit requirement of just £5.

Learn more about Hollywoodbets and claim the site's £30 free bet offer by checking out our Hollywoodbets bookmaker review.

7. Matchbook

Matchbook is one of the best-known betting exchange platforms in the UK and operates as an independent exchange.

It has established a solid position in the market, with players rating it highly at 4.2 stars on Trustpilot. This is an unusually strong score for a betting brand, where reviews are often skewed by punters' betting results rather than the quality of the platform itself.

One of Matchbook's key strengths compared with other betting exchanges is its low 2% commission rate for UK players. This translates into a return-to-player percentage of 98%, putting it right at the top of the UK market.

As a new customer, you can choose between a £30 free bet offer or 110 days of commission-free betting, giving you 100% returns on winning wagers. Please find out more in our detailed Matchbook review.

8. Star Sports

Star Sports is the UK's leading luxury bookmaker, founded and owned by Ben Keith in 1999 under its original name Star Racing.

Over the years, the company has built a strong reputation as an independent operator, competing with the biggest corporate brands by offering a level of personalised service that larger firms simply cannot match.

The bookmaker is especially strong in golf betting, which makes it one of the best options in the UK for golf bettors. Golf each-way betting is especially popular at Star Sports, as punters can adjust the terms to match their own preferences.

The bookmaker also delivers top-quality live streams of horse and greyhound racing, giving players excellent coverage of both sports. While its live betting service is reliable, the range of sports covered is more limited than what you might find at some of the largest online bookies.

To get the full picture of what this independent bookmaker has to offer, take a look at our detailed Star Sports bookmaker review.

9. BetGoodWin

BetGoodWin is owned by Goodwin Racing and has operated as a private bookmaker in the UK for over 25 years. Today, it is one of the most popular standalone betting sites in the country.

Like many private bookmakers, BetGoodWin's roots are on the racecourses, gradually moving online over time. The strong focus on horse racing is reflected on the platform with features such as Best Odds Guaranteed, ensuring punters always get the best available starting price.

Another standout feature, now rare among betting sites, is telephone betting. With this service, you can call the bookmaker directly and place your bets while speaking to a real person – a great customer-friendly touch.

Read more about this brand and place your next bet by visiting our BetGoodWin bookmaker review.

10. BOYLE Sports

BOYLE Sports is one of the largest independent bookmakers in the UK. Founded in Ireland back in 1982, the brand has grown into a giant presence both on the high street and online.

In July 2025, BOYLE Sports announced a £100 million investment in the UK market, promising to open 200 new betting shops and create 1,000 jobs. On top of this, the company signed a multi-year shirt sponsorship deal with Premier League side West Ham United.

There is little doubt that BOYLE Sports ranks among the best and biggest independent bookmakers around, and UK punters can count themselves lucky to have easy access. Learn more about the brand's online presence in our BoyleSports betting review.

Best Independent Bookmakers - Summary

We ranked the best independent bookmakers in the UK by looking at who owns them, the licences they hold, the value of their sign-up offers and how betting experts rate them on Bojoko. These brands range from long-standing private bookies to newer names making their mark online.

The best independent bookmakers are listed in the table below:

How We Rate Independent Bookies

We rate independent bookies by these six factors:

• Betting offers and sign-up bonuses
• Betting odds and markets
• Deposit and withdrawal methods
• Functionality and availability of a betting app
• Customer support and live chat
• Usability with PC and mobile

We give rating points to independent betting sites using the same online bookmaker reviews methodology as any other individual betting site. Being a standalone bookie doesn't automatically earn extra points. However, an independent site can provide better promotions that enhance its overall score.

What Are Independent Betting Sites?

Independent betting sites are online bookmakers that use their own betting platforms without relying on white-label or third-party solutions. This makes them more unique and allows them to offer better solutions for punters.

Independent bookmakers do not have sister sites and are distinct from corporate betting platforms. These brands often run standalone betting shops or offer personal betting options, such as on-site betting at horse racing tracks. By focusing primarily only on one site, the bookmaker can allocate all of the resources to making it the best possible betting site.

Independent betting sites frequently feature impressive layouts, implementing their vision of what a betting site should look like and how it should operate. They often provide personalised customer service and flexible betting options, including telephone betting, WhatsApp betting, or the ability to place bets and claim offers through live chat or social media.

New Independent Bookmakers UK

New UK betting sites launch regularly, and the list of new bookmakers 2026 is quite comprehensive. 

Here we highlight some of the newest independent betting sites in the UK, fresh brands that bring their own identity, features and approach to online betting.

New independent bookmakers in the UK are listed below: 

Free Bets at Independent Sports Betting Sites

Independent betting sites offer plenty of great free bet promotions. These include traditional free bet offers, cashback, lossback, and loyalty rewards.

Below, you will find a tool that compares two independent online bookmakers and their free bet offers. CopyBet's and Betfred's offers surpass the market average, with a free bet value of over £50. You can claim the free bets using the button below or, if you prefer, click to compare offers from another independent bookmaker.

Bojoko rating	3.8
Welcome bonus	£20 free bet
Wagering requirement	1x (D)
Minimum deposit for bonus	£20
Minimum odds	2
Max conversion	£500
Payout percentage	94%

Play here »

New UK customers only. The qualifying bet should be either a Single or Acca (2+ selections) bet, start at £20, have 1.9 or greater odds and must be settled within 7 days of opt-in. The Free bet include: 1 x £20 Free bet any Live or Pre-Match event. Max payout – £500. 7-day expiry. To unlock the offer, complete the first deposit via the banking app secured by Truelayer. Profit boost: One boost per day; claim required. 1 day to claim (by 23:59 UTC+3). Max stake £30. Single bets only. No Free Bets. Profit Boost valid for 24 hrs. Max payout £1,000. Credited within 24 hrs Full terms and Bonus terms apply. GambleAware.org.

Bojoko rating	4.6
Welcome bonus	£50 in free bets
Wagering requirement	1x (D)
Minimum deposit for bonus	£10
Minimum odds	2
Max conversion	-
Payout percentage	93%

Play here »

New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via debit card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. Full terms and Bonus terms apply. GambleAware.org.

Payments at Standalone Betting Sites

Standalone betting sites offer multiple payment methods for punters with different preferences. You can make payments with Visa, Revolut, and Apple Pay when betting at an independent bookie. 

Three payments that are available at standalone betting sites are listed below:

Visa

Visa is a popular payment method found on virtually every UKGC-licensed betting site.

You can deposit with Visa if the site is part of a large publicly traded company or an independent bookmaker. If you're wondering which are the best bookmakers that accept Visa, you can find out via the link.

Visa's advantages in this competitive market include ease of use and widespread recognition. The service is also cost-effective for consumers, as it rarely incurs additional transaction fees on betting sites.

Revolut

Revolut, the UK fintech bank, is a trending payment option for betting sites.

Revolut works similarly to Visa, allowing deposits to be made by entering your Revolut debit card details on the betting site. It has gained a lot of popularity as a standalone betting site.

I prefer using the virtual card on the Revolut mobile app. It's incredibly convenient, quick, and always accessible. Our dedicated page explains more about Revolut and helps you find the betting sites that take Revolut. 

Apple Pay

Apple Pay is one of the best payment methods for punters who value mobile payments.

You can link Apple Pay directly to several independent bookmakers, like Fitzdares. Once your betting account is linked to Apple Pay, you can make deposits quickly with just a few taps. Check out all best betting sites with Apple Pay here.

One of Apple Pay's top benefits is its security. Your payment card and method are safeguarded on your Apple device, which you can access only via face or fingerprint recognition.

Telephone Betting at Independent Betting Sites

Telephone betting is often associated with independent bookmakers, and for good reason. While most major corporations and betting site groups have phased out this service, many private bookies still offer the option to place bets over the phone.

Several brands featured on this page continue to support "phone-a-bet" services, giving punters a more personal and direct way to wager.

If you'd like to explore this topic further, we recommend reading our comprehensive telephone betting guide.

Independent vs Major Betting Sites

Whether you're exploring independent or major betting sites on Bojoko, you can trust that each is safe, reliable, and an excellent choice for betting.

Of course, sites differ in features and strengths. One may excel in certain areas while another shines elsewhere. Ultimately, you'll make the decision on which bookmaker suits you best and find the best value, whether it's from a smaller or larger bookie.

A comparison of key features between independent and major betting sites is outlined in the table below:

Independent Casino Sites And Bingo Sites

Many independent betting sites offer a sportsbook and the chance to play casino games, so they can also be considered independent casino sites.

At Bojoko, we have ranked and reviewed the best independent UK casinos. According to our casino experts, the top 5 independent casinos are Betway, Casumo, Netbet, The Sun Vegas and Kwiff Casino. 

The selection of independent gambling sites isn't limited to sportsbooks and casinos. Many standalone bingo and poker sites are also available. On our independent bingo sites UK page, we've ranked the best standalone bingos and compared their features with major bingo sites.

FAQ

Article by:

Teemu Mattila

With a career starting in 2015, Teemu has an extensive background in content writing, collaborating with global companies in Finnish and English. Since 2022, he has been working with Bojoko, focusing on sports betting and casino content, combining his passion for sports and the iGaming industry.

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