Over the years, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission has modified its regulations, implementing stricter rules that limit operators’ offerings within the jurisdiction. To avoid these limitations, horse racing enthusiasts opt for non-UK sites, which has given rise to non-Gamstop bookmakers. These platforms have gained traction recently because their services are independent of the Commission’s regulations.

The top horse racing betting sites not on Gamstop for all UK punters have everything one would expect from a standard bookie, including a plethora of markets, bonuses, adequate payment methods, and more. You’re on the right page if you’re a horse bettor wanting to know if these sites are ideal for wagering on your best races. This article covers everything you should know about placing stakes with independent operators. We’ll go over their advantages and disadvantages, explaining why they’re ideal platforms for Brits.

Are Non-Gamstop Sites Better for Horse Racing?

With the widespread acceptance of non-UK betting sites, it’s not uncommon to wonder if they’re better than their regulated counterparts. Actual, such operators don’t operate under the Commission’s authority, but that raises questions about their offerings being more comprehensive than those of UK-licensed bookies. We compared various UKGC operators with independent companies to answer these questions and discovered a few things.

For starters, both have comprehensive markets when it comes to horse racing. You’ll likely find the same coverage for big-time events on these operators, meaning punters have many betting options. You can take your pick from simple markets where you bet on the winner of a race to more exotic options requiring in-depth knowledge of the horses and jockeys involved. Both also accept different types of bets, ranging from single wagers to riskier accumulators.

Regarding live betting, most UKGC bookies tend to have an edge. Their markets are extensive, depending on what events are ongoing. Some platforms have a section dedicated to horse racing where punters can find streaming services that allow them to watch various races in real-time. This function lets them track a race’s progress and adjust their betting strategies based on how it unfolds. That’s not to say you won’t find such services at standalone betting sites. However, their markets aren’t usually tailored to the United Kingdom and its surrounding countries. Instead, you’d find more betting options for international events than domestic ones.

What are their advantages when Compared with Regulated Sites?

Independent bookmakers won’t teach you how to play the card game horse races, but their offerings make your betting sessions worthwhile. Here are the advantages of using these platforms:

Markets

One of the perks of such bookies is their vast array of markets, which provides punters with an extensive selection to suit their preferences and strategies. These diverse markets not only intensify the excitement of horse racing but also offer a multitude of opportunities for bettors. On these platforms, you can enjoy each-way betting, where you place two bets in one – a bet on a horse to finish first and a “place” bet, typically covering 2nd, 3rd, or 4th place depending on the number of runners. Those looking to lock in favourable odds for a future race can place outright or antepost wagers.

Big bonuses and promotions

Another upside is the bonuses and promotions you can take advantage of. Since they’re not obligated to limit their bonus deals, they have bigger offers than UK platforms. You’d find higher percentages for match-up bonuses, ranging from as low as 100% to over 500%. For free bets, they’re usually worth more, offering more value to bettors. Some platforms include cashback deals, which might be tied to a VIP programme, and the percentage increases as bettors climb to higher positions.

Sport Betting Markets

Independent bookmakers stand tall in terms of sports betting markets. Besides horse racing, they have wagering options for different sports, from popular football and basketball to lesser-known ones like darts and snooker. Their coverage is extensive, with multiple markets for domestic and international events. They have competitive odds to make your experience even better, meaning you get better returns on your winning bets. You’ll also find live streaming, cash-out options, and bet builders on some sites.

Credit score

If you’re particular about keeping a healthy credit history even when gambling online, non-Gamstop bookies are ideal for you. Unlike UK platforms that support primarily debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, these operators include credit cards and cryptocurrencies. With both payment methods, bettors can deposit and withdraw without the transaction reflecting on their bank statements. Consequently, it has no effect, even indirectly, on their creditworthiness.

Payments

We mentioned that independent bookies support credit cards and cryptocurrencies. Besides these payment methods helping you protect your credit score, they also let you make fast payments. With Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other virtual assets, bettors can enjoy anonymity as they don’t reveal sensitive financial and personal information when making payments. Furthermore, their verification procedures are shorter, so they process withdrawals faster than UK betting sites.

Are There Any Disadvantages When Betting on These Sites?

Despite the long list of benefits, such operators have their downsides, which you must note before registering. Below are the disadvantages of such bookies:

Delay on the Live Markets

Some operators fail to quickly update their live markets in response to occurrences within a game. This slight delay can cause punters to miss opportunities to take advantage of profitable lines when placing live wagers.

Poor Customer Service

Though customer service should be one of a bookmaker’s priorities, a few operators fail to take it seriously. They might have no live chat feature, and even if they do, responses via the medium might be slow. This leaves bettors with no option but to send an email; the service team might take several hours to reply.

High Wagering Requirements

Always approach massive bonuses cautiously, as they usually have stricter conditions, including higher wagering requirements. This makes it challenging to fulfil, preventing you from getting bonus winnings. That said, peruse the promotional terms before accepting the offer.

Non-Transparent Terms and Conditions

Another downside is non-transparent terms and conditions. The fine print might be challenging to understand, and the customer service team might need to be more forthcoming when explaining these terms. Avoid such platforms, as there’s a good chance that they’re scams. Instead, choose independent bookmakers that check the right boxes. You can read reviews to learn more about their credibility.