Online Betting Shops & Independent Bookmakers
Online Betting Shops & Independent Bookmakers

❔ What Is an Independent Bookmaker ❔
❖ An independent bookmaker (also called a "turf accountant" in the UK) is a betting operator that works outside the control of major corporate betting chains. These are often family~run or small businesses, some of which operate online, while others are traditional racecourse bookies or high street betting shops. [ Basic UK Bookmakers Licensing Guide ]
❖ They are called “independent” because they set their own odds, manage their own customer base, and operate with financial and operational autonomy. Unlike big~name sportsbooks (like Bet365 or Ladbrokes), independent bookies aren't beholden to corporate pricing algorithms or centralized trading desks.
❖ In racing venues, an independent bookmaker might be the one standing trackside with a board and chalk, taking bets live from punters ~ though many now offer digital services too.
❔ Betting Shop ~ Or Bookmaker ~ Or Sportbook ❔
❖ A quick breakdown to help clarify the difference between independent bookmakers and other betting venues or services⏵
Comparison table of features for independent bookmakers, betting shops, sportsbooks, and casino books.
FEATURE | INDEPENDENT▾ | BETTING SHOP▾ | SPORTSBOOK▾ | CASINO [book]▾ |
---|---|---|---|---|
OWNERS | Private individual or small operator | Can be independent or part of a chain | Usually corporate (e.g. Bet365) | Corporate (focus on games, betting is extra) |
FOCUS | Betting on races, sports, often bespoke odds | General betting services | Wide coverage of sports markets | Casino games with optional betting |
ODDS | Sets their own odds | Depends (chain shops follow HQ odds) | Centralized odds systems | Uses sportsbook partner’s odds |
WHERE | Racecourses, small websites, local shops | Physical location (shopfront) | Online or app-based | Casino venue (sometimes online) |
WHO | Dave Pluck, Goodwin Racing, Chisholm Bookmakers | William Hill shop, Dave Pluck’s shop | Betfair, Betway, Paddy Power | MGM Grand sportsbook, Macauslot |
❖ As online betting continues to grow, some independent bookmakers have modernized their operations ~ offering live chat, bespoke bets, and customer-first odds ~ while still retaining the personal, less corporate touch that many punters prefer.
🔞 Online Betting Shops & Independent Bookmakers (turf accountants)
Note: This is just a list of worldwide bookmakers and betting shop establishments. I do not endorse them all. In fact, many of these bookies I have issues with.
(a-z alphabetically listed bookmakers & betting shops and exchanges with an online presence)
BETTING SHOP NEWS & REVIEWS
Association Of British Bookmakers - The Truth About Betting Shops and Gaming Machines – ABB submission to DCMS Triennial Review April 2013 PDF File ➔ Bookmakers News Roundup Via Newsnow ➔ Google News - Bookmakers ➔ IBAS - Independent Betting Adjudication Service (London) ➔ Justice For Punters (UK) ➔Avoid Bookies Account Restrictions & Bans by Caan Berry
Page Description
#page description: The aim of this page is to provide punters with a curated list of online betting shops & independent bookmakers from around the world.
#page last update: Mon Apr 28, 2025
Related Page: Free Horse Racing Commentary Radio & TV Compendium ➔
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