International betting sites offer UK punters more options, bigger bonuses and different ways to bet compared to domestic bookies. But how do you find one that’s just as reliable as those licensed by the world-famous UKGC? We’ll give you a detailed answer to that question in a moment. But first, here’s our hand-picked list of the best international bookies that accept UK players. Each one’s been tested by our team of betting experts, so you know they’re worth your time.
Let’s cut straight to the chase – yes, you can bet with bookies outside the UK. While most of us use familiar names like Bet365 or William Hill, more and more British punters are looking further afield.
Non-UK betting sites are licensed outside the UK by regulators in places like Malta, Curaçao, or the Isle of Man. They operate under different rules from UK bookies, which can mean more freedom in how they operate.
Here’s the key thing you need to know – it’s perfectly legal for you to sign up and bet with these sites. Most of them are keen to get UK players on board. They’ll roll out the red carpet for you with bigger welcome bonuses and fewer restrictions than you might be used to.
Just because they’re not licensed by the UK Gambling Commission doesn’t mean you can’t use them. There’s no law stopping you from having a punt with these international bookies.
Ever wondered why more UK punters are branching out to international bookies? There are some serious perks that might surprise you. Let’s break down what makes these sites worth checking out.
While international betting sites have plenty going for them, there are some things you should know before diving in.
Remember, we’re not saying these drawbacks should put you off. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into before you start betting with international bookies.
Not all international bookies are created equal. Some are brilliant, others not so much. Here’s what to look out for when you’re choosing where to bet.
Just because a bookie isn’t licensed in the UK doesn’t mean it should be operating without a licence at all. The best international sites are typically regulated by respected authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Gibraltar Gambling Commission, or Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission.
These regulators might not be as strict as the UKGC, but they still make sure bookies play fair and keep your money safe. When you’re checking out a new site, look for their licence details – they should be displayed clearly at the bottom of the homepage.
Top international betting sites take security seriously, and you shouldn’t settle for anything less. They’ll use the latest SSL encryption to protect your data – you’ll spot this by the padlock symbol in your browser. The best sites also offer two-factor authentication for your account and undergo regular security audits by independent firms.
Think about it – you’re trusting these sites with your money and personal info. They should be just as careful with it as any UK bookie.
Even without UKGC rules breathing down their necks, the best international sites still care about responsible gambling. You should be able to set your own deposit limits, take time out when you need to, and self-exclude if things get too much. Good sites will also point you towards gambling support organisations – it’s about helping you stay in control of your betting.
A decent international bookie should offer way more sports than your typical UK site. We’re not just talking about football, horse racing and tennis – though they should definitely nail these basics. Look for proper coverage of US sports, not just the major leagues. The best sites also offer markets on niche sports from around the world and esports markets that actually understand gaming, not just copy-pasted odds.
It’s not just about having loads of sports – it’s what you can bet on within each one. The top international sites go deeper with their markets than UK bookies. For big football matches, you should find hundreds of betting options, including player props that UK sites don’t touch. They’ll also offer early odds for upcoming events and special bets you won’t find elsewhere.
The best international bookies make betting easier and more fun with features that actually work. Cash-out should be available in most markets, not just the popular ones. Their bet builders should be flexible and reliable. Many offer live streaming of different sports, and they’ll include helpful stats and form guides right there on the site.
Better odds are often why punters look beyond UK bookies in the first place, and the best international sites deliver on this promise. You should find higher payout rates overall, especially on big favourites. They tend to offer better prices on Asian handicaps and more value in their accumulator odds.
The best betting sites keep things simple while still packing in all the features you need. Navigation should make sense from the start – you shouldn’t need a map to find your favourite sports or markets. The bet slip should be easy to manage, whether you’re placing singles or building accas. Pages should load quickly, even during peak times like Saturday afternoons.
Things can get a bit more complicated with international sites, so good customer support is crucial. The best bookies offer round-the-clock live chat with staff who actually speak proper English. If you need to email them, they should get back to you quickly. Their FAQs should answer real questions, not just the basics about how to deposit.
These days, most of us do our betting on phones and tablets. Top international sites know this and make sure their mobile offering is spot on. Their sites should work smoothly on any device, with quick access to live betting and all the same features you get on desktop. Many offer native betting apps for iOS and Android that make betting even easier.
Remember, you don’t need to find a site that’s perfect in every single way – that probably doesn’t exist. But the more of these features a bookie has, the more likely it is to be one of the good ones. Take your time looking around and comparing sites. There’s no rush to sign up with the first international bookie you find, and it’s worth doing your homework to find one that suits your betting style.
International bookies open up a whole new world of betting possibilities. Here’s what you can expect to find at the best ones.
International football betting goes way beyond the Premier League and Champions League at international sites. You’ll find markets for leagues you’ve never heard of, plus much better coverage of competitions like the MLS and Brazilian Serie A.
The odds at football betting sites are often better, too, especially on Asian handicaps and goals markets. Plus, you’ll find unique player props that UK bookies don’t offer – like shots on target and successful dribbles.
This is where international sites really shine. While UK bookies treat basketball as an afterthought, international sites give it the attention it deserves.
You’ll get proper coverage of the NBA, with loads of player props and quarter-betting. But it doesn’t stop there – they also cover European leagues, Asian basketball and even college hoops with the same depth.
Tennis betting is massive worldwide, and international bookies know it. They cover every ATP and WTA event, plus Challenger tours and even ITF tournaments.
Live betting on tennis is usually better, too, with more markets and faster updates. You can bet on things like total aces and double faults – markets that are hard to find at UK sites.
Cricket is another sport where international sites often do it better. They don’t just focus on England matches and county cricket – you’ll find markets for every international game, plus domestic leagues from India, Australia, and beyond.
The IPL coverage is particularly good, with loads of in-play markets and competitive odds.
While UK sites might have the edge on domestic racing, international bookies often offer better coverage of international meetings. You’ll find markets for races in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan and the USA, often with live streaming included.
This is where it gets interesting. International sites offer markets on sports you might never have considered betting on:
International bookmakers give you all the usual betting options you get with UK bookies – and then some. Let’s run through what you can expect to find.
You’ve got your standard singles and accumulators, of course. But international sites often let you build bigger accas with more selections than UK bookies allow.
Asian handicaps are a big deal at international sites. While UK bookies might offer basic handicap betting, international sites go deeper with quarter-goal lines and alternative handicaps. You’ll find these mainly on football, but also on other sports like basketball and ice hockey.
System bets like Lucky 15s and Yankees are available, too. But you’ll also find more exotic options like Round Robins and full cover bets with up to 20 selections.
Live betting is usually spot on, with more in-play markets than you’d find at UK sites. Fast markets are common – you can bet on things like the next throw-in or corner in football matches.
Player props are another area where international sites go big. Instead of just goals and assists in football, you can bet on passes completed, shots on target, and even successful tackles.
The best part? Most sites let you combine different bet types using their bet builders. Want to mix match result, both teams to score, and player props in one bet? No problem.
One of the biggest perks of betting with international bookies is the bonuses they dish out. Without UKGC restrictions holding them back, these sites can be way more generous with their offers.
This is where international sports betting sites really flex. Instead of the typical £30 in free bets you might get from a UK bookie, international sites often match your first deposit up to £200 or more. Some even offer multiple deposit bonuses when you first join.
The wagering requirements are usually more reasonable, too. While you might need to roll over your bonus 10x at a UK site, international bookies often set this at 5x or less.
Free bets work a bit differently at international sites. Rather than getting a set amount like £10, you’ll often get a percentage of your stake back as a free bet when you lose. And unlike UK sites, many let you keep the stake if your free bet wins.
This is something you rarely see at UK bookies anymore. International sites will often give you cashback on your losses – sometimes as much as 10% weekly. The best part? It’s usually real cash, not bonus funds with wagering requirements.
Price boosts are common at international sites, but they’re typically more generous than UK offers. Instead of boosting odds from 2/1 to 3/1, you might see boosts from 2/1 to 5/1 or better. They’re available in more markets, too, not just the popular ones.
Most international sites boost accumulator winnings, and they’re usually more generous than UK equivalents. You might get up to 100% extra on winning accas, compared to the typical 10-20% at UK sites. Plus, they often let you include more selections in your boosted bets.
Acca insurance is standard, but international sites take it further. You’ll find insurance on things like first goalscorer bets (money back if they score second), tennis (refund if your player loses in five sets) and loads more creative offers.
This is another area where international sites shine. While UK bookies have mostly ditched their VIP schemes, international sites still reward loyal punters properly. You can earn points for every bet, climb through VIP levels, and get perks like:
Just remember – bigger bonuses usually mean bigger wagering requirements. Always check the terms before you claim any offer. But if you’re happy with the conditions, you’ll get more bang for your buck with international bonuses.
Just because a betting site isn’t licensed by the UKGC doesn’t mean it’s operating in the wild west. The best international bookies are regulated by trusted authorities that keep them in check.
The MGA is probably the most respected regulator outside the UK. They’re known for being strict with their licensees and taking player protection seriously. Sites with an MGA licence have to follow rules almost as tough as the UKGC’s.
If you spot that MGA logo at the bottom of a betting site (it’s particularly common for European betting sites), you can be pretty confident you’re in safe hands. They regularly check their licensed sites and won’t think twice about pulling a licence if a bookie steps out of line.
Based in Canada, the KGC has been regulating online gambling since 1999, making it one of the oldest authorities in the game. It has a solid reputation for being fair but firm with its licensees.
Their rules around player funds and fair gaming are particularly strict. Sites licensed by the KGC have to keep player money in separate accounts and undergo regular audits.
Lots of international betting sites are licensed in Curaçao. While their rules aren’t as strict as Malta or the UK, the better Curaçao-licensed sites still maintain high standards.
The key is looking for sites that choose to go above and beyond the basic requirements. The good ones will still offer strong player protection and fair gaming policies.
Gibraltar is another heavyweight in the betting world. Their licence is tough to get and even tougher to keep. They focus heavily on player protection and responsible gambling.
Sites licensed in Gibraltar have to prove they’re financially solid and can pay out big wins. They also need proper customer support and clear complaint procedures.
Remember – a licence from any of these regulators is a good sign, but it’s not the only thing to look for. The best sites will combine solid regulation with a good track record of treating punters fairly.
First up, pick your site and hit the ‘Register’ or ‘Sign Up’ button – it’s usually in the top right corner. You’ll need to enter some basic details:
Most international sports betting sites will create your account straight away. Unlike UK bookies, many let you deposit and start betting before you send any ID documents.
When you do need to verify your account (usually before your first withdrawal), it’s pretty straightforward. Most sites accept:
Top tip: Make sure you enter your real details when you sign up. There are some no-verification betting sites but be aware that if a site doesn’t check straight away, you’ll need to prove who you are before you can get your hands on any winnings.
That’s really all there is to it. Choose your deposit method, grab your welcome bonus if there’s one on offer, and you’re ready to start betting.
Just remember to always read the site’s terms and conditions before you join – especially the parts about bonuses and withdrawals. Every bookie has different rules, and it’s better to know them upfront
International betting sites give you loads more banking options than UK bookies. No more being stuck with just your debit card – you’ve got a lot more choice about how to move your money around.
Remember when UK sites banned credit cards for betting? Well, most international bookies still take them. Handy if you want to deposit that way, but be careful – it’s easy to get carried away betting with credit.
Just like UK sites, international bookies all take debit cards. They work exactly the same way you’re used to, and most sites process Visa and Mastercard deposits instantly.
This is where international sites really stand out. While UK bookies have gone cold on eWallets, international sites welcome them. You can use:
The best bit? Withdrawals to eWallets are usually much faster than card withdrawals.
Fancy using Bitcoin or Ethereum to bet? Many international sites now accept crypto deposits. It’s super private, the fees are low, and withdrawals at crypto betting sites can be lightning-quick.
Here’s how the different payment methods stack up:
| Payment Method | Deposit Time | Withdrawal Time | Deposit Fees | Withdrawal Fees | Min Deposit |
| Credit Cards | Instant | 3-5 days | 0-2% | £0 | £10 |
| Debit Cards | Instant | 3-5 days | £0 | £0 | £10 |
| Skrill | Instant | 0-24 hours | £0 | 0-1% | £10 |
| Neteller | Instant | 0-24 hours | £0 | 0-1% | £10 |
| PayPal | Instant | 0-24 hours | £0 | £0 | £10 |
| Bitcoin | 10-30 mins | 0-24 hours | £0 | £0 | 0.001 BTC |
Remember, each site has its own rules about payment methods. Some might charge fees where others don’t, and withdrawal times can vary. Always check the banking page before you sign up if you’re planning to use a specific payment method.
Betting with international bookies opens up a whole new world of opportunities. You’ll get better bonuses, more sports to bet on, and tons more ways to deposit and withdraw your money.
Sure, they work a bit differently to UK sites, but that’s often a good thing. As long as you stick to properly licensed bookies and keep an eye on those T&Cs, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the best of both worlds.
Remember – you’re free to bet with these sites, they’re keen to have you, and they often offer better value than UK bookies.
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