Our Verdict: JokaBet operates without a UK gambling licence, potentially exposing users to risks - it's an unregulated bookmaker that should be avoided.
JokaBet is an unlicensed online bookmaker that targets UK users despite not being regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.
This means it operates outside of UK law and offers none of the protections legally required of legitimate betting sites.
While the platform attempts to present a polished front with an array of betting markets and casino games, I noticed serious operational flaws straight away.
When I first tried to use the site, it took extremely long to load, which was an immediate warning sign.
I also noted that the bookmaker is not affiliated with Gamstop, making it accessible even to those who have opted for self-exclusion.
Overall, the site poses a high risk and should be avoided in favour of regulated, trustworthy alternatives that come with responsible gambling protocols and financial safeguards.
I searched for this company’s licensing details on the site itself, and on the UKGC public register, but I couldn’t find any valid licence.
Without a licence, bettors lack essential consumer protections.
The UKGC regulates bookmakers to ensure fairness, anti-fraud measures, and responsible gambling standards - none of which JokaBet is obliged to follow.
I always avoid these types of sites, and we never recommend them at Gambling.com, as using one can even result in personal legal risk under UK law.
But seeing as JokaBet is causing a bit of a stir in the online betting world, I decided to dig a bit deeper to see what this site is all about.
While JokaBet’s site might look modern at first glance, it’s largely a facade.
The user interface is cluttered with aggressive promotions, many of which have vague terms or hidden conditions.
Navigation is inconsistent and laggy, with broken links and long load times - indicating poor quality.
A big red flag for me is that the site uses official logos of football clubs and competitions, as well as images of players, apparently without permission from any of the relevant people or organisations.
All of this looks too good to be true at first glance - and it clearly is.
Reports indicate troubling patterns with deposits and withdrawals.
Some users claim that funds are held for weeks, with little to no communication.
Credit and debit card options are often disabled for UK users, forcing reliance on crypto transfers or obscure payment methods.
JokaBet offers minimal customer support, with the only option being an email address, which I attempted to contact.
My questions about licensing were (unsurprisingly) left unanswered.
Other users report poor response times, templated replies, and an unwillingness to resolve issues - especially when it comes to withdrawal disputes.
The lack of a UK-based support team is another red flag.
JokaBet’s mobile betting experience leaves much to be desired. While the platform offers a downloadable casino app, there’s no dedicated sports betting app.
I tried out the mobile version of the site on my mobile browser (see image above) and found that, much like the desktop version, things take really long to load.
The interface feels clunky and unpolished, compared to the best betting apps in the UK like Betfred.
Usability is further hindered by a lack of intuitive design, making simple tasks frustrating.
Overall, JokaBet’s mobile offering feels like an afterthought, failing to meet my expectations. A disappointing experience overall.
As JokaBet is not part of Gamstop, it is not required to enforce self-exclusion tools or offer support for vulnerable users.
People who’ve chosen to block themselves from UK-licensed sites can still access JokaBet, undermining their efforts to gamble responsibly.
There’s also no access to UK-affiliated services like GAMCARE, or Reality Checks.
JokaBet may appear to offer tempting odds and bonuses, but the lack of a licence means it can’t be trusted.
UK bettors should steer clear - there are far safer, regulated alternatives available that offer a better service without the same level of risk.
Consider some of the sites below if you're looking for a licensed bookmaker in the UK.
Bookmaker | UKGC Licence Number |
---|---|
39372 | |
39544 | |
39576 | |
39576 | |
54783 | |
54743 |
No, JokaBet is not a legitimate site for UK bettors. It lacks a UK Gambling Commission licence and therefore operates illegally in the UK, with no mandated consumer protections in place. it's a bookmaker that's best avoided.
Withdrawal times are inconsistent. Some users report waiting several weeks, while others may never receive their funds at all - especially when using non-standard payment methods. From reviewing the site, this isn't a bookmaker that we recommend giving your payment details to.
JokaBet is an offshore betting site that targets UK bettors despite not holding a legal gambling licence. It offers sports betting and casino games but is unregulated.
Ownership details for JokaBet are vague. Like many unlicensed operators, it’s hard to find out who the people are behind it - as the parent company lacks transparency and public accountability. This is another reason to avoid this site in favour of licensed betting options.