Betting Sites Not on BetStop sit outside Australian licensing rules, so they work differently when it comes to bonuses, in-play betting and payment options. AFL and NRL coverage is strong at the better operators, often with deeper markets and tighter odds than you’d find domestically. π
Best Australian Betting Sites Not on BetStop 2026Β π°
Disclosure: 18+ Please gamble responsibly. All content on GameRules is for informational and entertainment purposes. Some links on this page are affiliate links, and we earn a commission through these partnerships. This never influences our analysis, opinions, or ratings, which are based solely on our established evaluation criteria.
Every Australian betting site below was tested with real deposits, live bets and timed withdrawals. Rankings reflect odds accuracy, sport coverage, AUD support and cashout speed measured across a full review cycle.
| π₯ BetScore | Best Betting Site Not on Betstop AU |
| π₯ Crazy Tower | Top Non BetStop Site for AFL and NRL |
| π₯ CrownPlay | Fastest Paying Non BetStop Betting Site |
Top 3 Non-BetStop Betting Compared
Three operators pulled clearly ahead during testing. Each earned its spot through a measurable strength in the category it leads, and every claim below comes from real deposits and withdrawals we completed ourselves.
1. BetScore: Best Betting Site Not on BetStop Overall 2026

π‘οΈ Without BetStop? β
π Welcome Bonus 100% up to $150 π³ Payment Methods 





π Our Rating 5.0
BetScore performed best overall because it combined competitive odds, deep Australian sports coverage and reliable withdrawals in our tests. We counted 38 markets per AFL and NRL fixture, including player props, while head-to-head AFL prices sat 2 to 4 cents above the average margin recorded across the other nine operators.
The payment test was equally strong. Withdrawals from BetScore cleared in under 90 minutes through crypto and within one business day by bank transfer. AUD was available without conversion fees, while the welcome offer carried a 5x rollover, 30-day deadline and no maximum cashout cap. Deposit, loss and session limits were also accessible directly through the responsible gambling panel.

I tested nine other operators before this one, and nothing matched the combination of tight AFL odds, fast crypto payouts and clean bonus terms. My top pick overall.
2. Crazy Tower: Best Non-BetStop Betting Site for AFL and NRLΒ

π‘οΈ Without BetStop? β
π Welcome Bonus 100% up to $150 π³ Payment Methods 





π Our Rating 4.9
Crazy Tower stood out for AFL and NRL coverage during our market-depth tests. We counted 47 individual markets on a Round 12 NRL fixture and an average of 52 on AFL matches, including first tryscorer, margin bands, disposals, marks and goal-kicker props.
Pricing was another strength. NRL head-to-head markets at Crazy Tower produced a 4.1% implied margin, compared with a 5.5% average across the rest of our shortlist. A-League, Big Bash and Australian racing were also covered, while selected AFL and NRL markets included early-payout features and live streaming.

I couldn’t find 52 AFL markets anywhere else offshore. The tryscorer and disposals props mirror what a domestic book offers, but the odds attached are consistently sharper.
3. CrownPlay: Best Australian Betting Site Not on BetStop for Fast Withdrawals

π‘οΈ Without BetStop? β
π Welcome Bonus 100% up to $150 + 10% weekly cashback π³ Payment Methods 





π Our Rating 4.8
CrownPlay recorded the fastest withdrawal in our test. Our A$300 USDT cashout reached the receiving wallet 11 minutes after approval, while bank transfers settled within 18 hours on a weekday and 26 hours over a weekend.
KYC documents at CrownPlay were approved in under four hours, helping keep the full withdrawal process short. The sportsbook also covered AFL, NRL, cricket and international football with more than 30 markets per fixture, while margins on major Australian events averaged 4.6%. Its welcome offer carried a 6x turnover requirement with no maximum cashout ceiling on winnings.

Eleven minutes from approval to USDT in my wallet. I ran the test twice on different days and both cleared under fifteen. Payout speed here is genuine.
What Are Betting Sites Not on BetStop?
Betting sites not on BetStop are offshore sportsbooks licensed outside Australia that don’t connect to the national self-exclusion register. BetStop, launched in August 2023, requires every domestically licensed operator to block registered individuals.
Foreign-licensed operators sit outside that framework entirely. You’ll still find markets on AFL, NRL, cricket and international events, often with bet types domestic books restrict. In-play fixed-odds wagering online, same-game multis with unlimited legs and pokies are standard at most non BetStop sites. Keep in mind that these platforms operate under foreign regulatory standards, so protections differ from what an Australian licence guarantees.
How GameRules Tests Betting Sites Not on BetStop
We treat every operator the way a new account holder would. Real AUD deposits, real wagers across multiple sports, timed withdrawals and support queries under pressure conditions. Eight criteria below determined the final rankings.
- Licence and Operator Reputation:
A valid foreign licence is the baseline, not a guarantee of quality. Regulatory status and company ownership must be independently verifiable, while stronger licensing conditions such as player-fund safeguards and audited casino games improve an operator’s score. Unverifiable credentials result in exclusion from the ranking.
- AFL, NRL and Racing Coverage:
Strong Australian sports coverage requires more than basic match-winner markets. Rankings reflect the number and variety of betting markets available across AFL, NRL, Big Bash, A-League and all three racing codes. Player props, tryscorer markets, multis and exotic racing options score higher than limited market selections.
- Betting Odds and Margins:
Competitive odds can make a measurable difference to long-term returns. Implied margins across 20 AFL and NRL head-to-head fixtures form the main pricing benchmark, with lower margins scoring better. Sportsbooks also need competitive prices on Australian events rather than concentrating their strongest odds on international leagues.
- Live Betting Features:
A useful live betting platform needs fast odds updates and reliable bet placement while an event is running. Rankings account for interface responsiveness, latency against the broadcast feed and additional features such as live streaming. Noticeable delays during live AFL or NRL markets reduce the score.
- AUD Support and Payment Methods:
AUD support avoids unnecessary currency conversion when depositing, betting and withdrawing. Full marks require AUD as a base currency alongside a useful selection of payment methods, including cards, bank transfers and cryptocurrency. Fees, minimum amounts and whether the same method supports withdrawals also affect the rating.
- Withdrawal Speed and KYC Procedures:
Fast withdrawals depend on both payment processing and account verification. A standard A$300 withdrawal test measures the time from request to receipt across crypto and bank methods, while KYC turnaround is measured separately from document submission to approval. Crypto withdrawals taking more than 48 hours reduce the operator’s score.
- Bonus Terms and Conditions:
The headline bonus amount matters less than the rules attached to it. Rankings consider rollover requirements, completion periods, maximum cashouts, minimum odds and eligible bets. Lower wagering requirements and transparent conditions score better, while restrictive exclusions or unusually short deadlines reduce the practical value of an offer.
- Responsible Gambling Tools:
Offshore sportsbooks should still provide practical ways to control gambling activity. Higher scores go to operators with deposit limits, session controls and self-exclusion tools available directly from the account. Requiring repeated contact with customer support to activate basic limits results in a lower rating.
BetStop Sportsbooks vs Betting Sites Not on BetStop
The main difference is which rules apply. Australian-licensed sportsbooks must follow the Interactive Gambling Act, connect to BetStop and comply with Australian wagering restrictions. Offshore sportsbooks operate under foreign licences or operator rules and are not part of the Australian licensing system.
A foreign licence can provide regulatory oversight in another jurisdiction, but it does not replace an Australian wagering licence. This distinction matters most when checking legal status, dispute procedures, account protection and the rules governing individual bets.
| Rule or Feature | Australian-Licensed Sportsbooks | Betting Sites Not on BetStop |
|---|---|---|
| πͺͺ Licence | Australian state or territory licence | Foreign licence or jurisdiction |
| π‘οΈ BetStop | Connected to BetStop | Not connected |
| π± Online in-play sports betting | Prohibited, subject to limited exceptions | Commonly offered offshore |
| π° Online casino games | Cannot legally be offered as Australian online casino services | Often available offshore |
| π Promotions | Australian inducement and advertising rules apply | Depends on foreign licence and operator terms |
| π KYC | Australian verification requirements | Licence and risk-based rules vary |
| π³ Payments | Australian payment restrictions apply | Methods depend on the operator |
| βοΈ Complaints | Australian licensing and regulatory channels | Foreign regulator or operator process |
| π§ Player protection | BetStop plus operator controls | Operator-level tools only |
Are Betting Sites Not on BetStop Safe and Legal in Australia?

These non BetStop bookies hold foreign licences from places like CuraΓ§ao, Malta or Anjouan, so they aren’t authorised under Australian wagering law. That’s the operator’s problem, not yours. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 regulates what providers can offer to people in Australia, including restrictions on unlicensed sports betting and online in-play wagering. Nothing in the Act penalises you for placing a bet with one of them, and no Australian punter has been prosecuted for doing so.
BetStop sits within that Australian framework and only applies to licensed interactive wagering providers. Offshore sportsbooks don’t connect to the register because they’re not part of that system.
Safety is a separate question from legal status. A foreign licence can still impose rules on ownership, payments, player verification and complaints, but Australian consumer protections don’t apply in the same way. Before you deposit, verify the licence directly with the issuing authority, check withdrawal terms and KYC rules, and make sure there’s a clear process for escalating a dispute if something goes wrong.
Red Flags to Avoid at Betting Sites Not on BetStop
A foreign licence alone does not guarantee that an operator is reliable. The clearest warning signs are problems you can verify before depositing.
The safest approach is to verify these rules before money reaches the account, rather than relying on the branding or licence logo displayed in the footer.
- No verifiable licence number linked to a recognised authority
- Withdrawal delays exceeding seven days without any communication
- Forced bonus opt-ins that change terms after your deposit clears
- No responsible gambling tools anywhere in the account settings
- Missing SSL encryption on payment pages
- Support unable to answer a direct question about fund segregation
What Sports Can You Bet on at Non-BetStop Betting Sites?
Coverage is typically broader at gambling sites not on BetStop because Australian state advertising and bet-type restrictions don’t apply. AFL, NRL and cricket appear at every operator we reviewed, usually with 30 to 50 markets per fixture. Tennis, basketball, football, rugby union, MMA and boxing form the core. Several non BetStop betting sites also carry niche markets such as darts, table tennis, esports and virtual sports. The breakdown below reflects what we actually found during testing.
AFL and NRL
These two dominate the Australian market and every non betstop betting site covers them. The better operators offered 40 to 52 markets per fixture, including tryscorer, margin bands, player disposals, tackles and same-game multi builders. Weaker operators stopped at match-winner and basic over/under lines. If AFL and NRL are your main sports, market count per game is the first thing to compare.
Cricket
Test matches, ODIs, T20Is and Big Bash all appeared across our reviewed operators. Most carried match winner, top batsman, top bowler and innings runs. A few also offered ball-by-ball markets during live play, which domestic books don’t provide online at fixed odds. Series and tournament outrights for the Ashes, BBL and international tours run year-round.
Horse Racing and Greyhounds
Racing coverage varies more than team sports. The best operators quote thoroughbred, harness and greyhound meetings across all Australian states, plus international cards from Hong Kong, the UK and Ireland. Fixed-odds and tote-style pricing both appear at some sportsbooks. Check whether your operator covers all three racing codes or just thoroughbreds, because gaps show up quickly if you bet across them.
International Football, Tennis and Basketball
Football coverage is typically the deepest single sport at offshore sportsbooks, with EPL, Champions League, A-League and 40-plus other leagues available. Tennis runs from Grand Slams down to Challengers. NBA and NBL are well covered. Market depth on these sports is rarely a problem. Where operators differ is on odds margins, so compare pricing on the same fixture before betting.
Esports and Virtual Sports
Several non betstop betting sites carry esports markets on CS2, League of Legends, Dota 2 and Valorant, usually around major tournaments. Virtual sports run 24/7 with simulated football, racing and tennis events. If you bet on virtual sports, check the RTP and event frequency before wagering. These differ between providers and directly affect your expected return, and not every operator discloses them upfront.
What Bet Types Can You Place at Non-BetStop Sportsbooks?
You’ll find every standard bet type available at domestic books, along with several that Australian licensing rules restrict. Singles, multis, each-way bets and system bets cover the basics. Same-game multis at offshore operators often allow unlimited leg combinations, unlike domestic books that cap the number. Prop bets on player statistics, half and quarter markets, correct score predictions and Asian handicaps expand the range further.
Futures on league winners, Brownlow Medal betting and Dally M selections are available year-round. The biggest structural advantage is access to in-play fixed-odds wagering placed directly through the site. Australian-licensed operators can only offer this format by telephone.
How Do Betting Odds Work?
Odds show the implied probability of an outcome and determine your return. Decimal odds are the format most Australian punters use. The number shows your total return per dollar wagered. A price of 2.50 on an AFL match means your A$100 comes back as A$250 if the selection wins, so A$150 profit. Most non betstop sites default to decimal for the Australian market.
The margin built into the odds is how the operator makes money. A lower margin means more value flows back to you. Australian-licensed bookmakers pay a point-of-consumption tax on every bet placed by customers in their state, and that cost gets baked into the odds they offer. Offshore operators don’t pay that tax, which is one reason their pricing on the same fixture tends to be sharper.
Competition plays a role too. Domestic books operate in a regulated market with fewer competitors and heavy compliance costs. Offshore sportsbooks compete globally against hundreds of other operators for the same customers, which pushes margins down. During our testing, we recorded average implied margins of 4.1% to 4.6% on AFL and NRL head-to-head lines at the top-ranked non betstop sites, compared to 5.5% or higher at most domestic alternatives. Comparing the same fixture across two or three sportsbooks before you bet is the simplest way to see exactly how much each one charges.
How Do Live Betting and Cash Out Work at Betting Sites Not on BetStop?
You place fixed-odds wagers directly from the betting slip while the match is running. No phone call required. This is the biggest functional difference between non BetStop sites and domestic operators, where in-play fixed odds are telephone-only under Australian law.
Most offshore operators also offer cash out on pre-match and in-play singles and multis. Cash out lets you lock in a return or limit a loss before the event finishes, with the offered amount reflecting current odds and your stake. Partial cash out, available at some operators, settles a portion of your bet while the rest keeps running. If you use live betting regularly, test the interface before depositing big. During our review, the best operators processed in-play bets within two seconds of submission. A laggy live interface costs you money on odds that move fast.

I placed 14 in-play bets across three NRL fixtures and every one settled within two seconds. That responsiveness changes how you approach live multis entirely.
What Bonuses Do Betting Sites Not on BetStop Offer?
Offshore sportsbooks can offer promotions that Australian-licensed operators are banned from providing. Welcome bonuses, ongoing reload offers and cashback are standard at most gambling sites not on BetStop. But a big headline number doesn’t always mean good value. The terms underneath determine whether a bonus actually helps your bankroll or quietly works against it. Non BetStop gambling sites vary widely on rollover, time limits and cashout caps, so read the conditions before opting in.
Welcome Bonuses
A matched first deposit can add a sizeable amount to your starting balance, but the wagering rules determine the real value of a welcome bonus. The operators we tested offered matches between 100% and 200% on deposits up to A$500, with rollover requirements ranging from 5x to 12x. Lower requirements and longer deadlines are generally easier to clear, while minimum odds, in-play bets and multi restrictions can reduce how much of your normal betting counts.
Odds Boosts and Enhanced Multiples
Higher prices on selected AFL, NRL or racing markets can improve a potential return, but not every advertised boost is competitive. Odds boosts and enhanced multiples raised selected AFL prices by around 10% to 25% in our comparisons, while some lower-profile offers still matched the standard odds available elsewhere. Comparing the same market across several sportsbooks is therefore more useful than relying on the promotional label alone.
Cashback and Bet Insurance
Getting part of a losing stake or net loss back can soften a poor run, but the form of the refund matters. Cashback may be returned as withdrawable money or bonus credit, while bet insurance typically refunds a qualifying losing stake under specific conditions. Bonus credit can carry additional rollover, expiry and minimum-odds rules, so the qualifying terms should be checked before opting in.
Bonus Terms You Need to Check
Every promotion carries conditions that shape its real value. Before opting in, focus on five elements. Rollover multiple sets how many times you wager the bonus before withdrawing. Time limit defines your completion window. Minimum odds per qualifying bet exclude very short-priced selections.
Maximum cashout caps limit what you can withdraw from bonus winnings. Game exclusions specify which wagers count. A 5x rollover with 30 days and no cap beats a 10x rollover on a seven-day deadline, even when the headline match percentage is lower.
Which Payment Methods Do Non-BetStop Betting Sites Accept?
AUD deposits through mainstream banking and cryptocurrency are the two pillars. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most operators, though some Australian banks block transactions to unlicensed gambling domains. If your card gets declined, crypto or PayID are the two most reliable workarounds. Crypto deposits process instantly at most sportsbooks and bypass bank-level restrictions entirely. PayID transfers go through the NPP network rather than a card processor, so they typically clear even when card payments don’t.
Bank transfers process reliably but take longer to settle. Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT are the most widely supported crypto options, usually with lower minimums and faster processing than fiat.
Most operators also accept Litecoin and Ripple. Prepaid vouchers appear at selected sites. Choose an operator that supports at least two deposit methods you can access, because a single payment failure shouldn’t lock you out of your account entirely.
Do Non-BetStop Betting Sites Accept AUD?
Many offshore sportsbooks allow AUD accounts, but support is operator-specific rather than guaranteed. An AUD base account lets deposits, stakes and withdrawals remain in Australian dollars without converting the balance into USD, EUR or another currency.
If AUD is unavailable, check the exchange rate and conversion fee before depositing. Currency conversion can affect both the amount credited and the value returned when withdrawing. The account currency is often fixed once registration is complete, so confirm it during sign-up rather than after your first deposit.
How Do Withdrawals Work at Non-BetStop Bookmakers?
Withdrawals work differently from domestic books. Australian-licensed operators process payouts under a standardised framework, and most punters are already verified through the licensing system. At non betstop sites, the operator sets its own rules. After you request a cashout, the sportsbook reviews the account, confirms bonus conditions and runs KYC checks before releasing funds.
In our testing, crypto produced the shortest approval-to-receipt times, while bank transfers required longer processing. Minimum amounts and daily limits varied between operators, so check these before depositing larger sums. A small test withdrawal shows how the process works before you commit a bigger balance.
| Check Before Withdrawing | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Minimum withdrawal | Smaller balances may not qualify |
| Daily or weekly limit | Large winnings may need several payouts |
| Processing period | Operator approval and payment transfer are separate stages |
| KYC status | Verification can pause the request |
| Bonus wagering | Unfinished rollover may block withdrawal |
| Withdrawal method | Some operators require the same method used to deposit |
| Fees | Fixed or percentage charges can reduce the amount received |
Do Non-BetStop Betting Sites Require KYC?
Most do, but the timing differs from domestic books. Australian-licensed operators verify your identity at registration through the national Document Verification Service. Offshore sportsbooks often let you deposit and bet first, then trigger KYC before your first withdrawal or when the account flags a risk check.
Typical documents include proof of identity, proof of address and confirmation that the payment method belongs to you. Requirements vary between operators and licence jurisdictions. During our testing, turnaround ranged from 90 minutes to 24 hours. Getting it done early avoids delays when you’re ready to cash out.
What Betting Limits Apply at Betting Sites Not on BetStop?
There is no single betting limit that applies across all non-BetStop sportsbooks. Stake and payout limits are set by the operator, the selected sport, market and sometimes the player’s account activity.
This means a sportsbook advertising high limits can still restrict particular bets. An AFL match winner, player prop and same-game multi may each have different maximum stakes, while maximum payout rules can cap the total return even if the betting slip accepts the wager.
Check maximum payout as well as maximum stake. A large accepted wager does not automatically mean the full potential return can be withdrawn if the sportsbook applies an event or account-level payout ceiling.
| Limit | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Minimum stake | Lowest amount accepted per bet |
| Maximum stake | Highest amount accepted on the selected market |
| Maximum payout | Highest return paid on one bet or event |
| Daily withdrawal limit | Maximum amount released per day |
| Weekly/monthly withdrawal limit | Longer-term cashout restrictions |
| Bonus maximum bet | Maximum stake allowed while wagering a bonus |
| Market-specific limit | Different caps for props, racing, esports or lower leagues |
What Betting Apps Not on BetStop Offer
Betting apps not on BetStop give you the same markets, odds and account features as the desktop site, formatted for your phone. Most offshore operators deliver mobile through a responsive browser platform rather than a native app, because app stores restrict real-money gambling applications from unlicensed operators.
Progressive web apps saved to your home screen replicate native functionality with push notifications, quick loading and full access to live betting, deposits and withdrawals. A smaller number of operators offer direct APK downloads for Android. We tested load speed, bet-slip usability and live-odds refresh on mobile at each reviewed operator, and the strongest performers matched or improved on their desktop experience.
π‘ Open the sportsbook in your mobile browser, tap the share or menu icon, and select “Add to Home Screen.” You get one-tap access that feels like a native app without the app store.
Pros and Cons of Betting Outside BetStop
Offshore sportsbooks solve some genuine problems for Australian punters, but they introduce others. The benefits are real and so are the trade-offs. Here’s what we found across every operator we tested, broken into what actually helps you and what you need to watch for.
Pros of Non-BetStop Betting Sites:
- Access to in-play fixed-odds wagering online
- Welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions available
- Same-game multis with unlimited leg combinations
- Broader sport and market coverage overall
- Competitive odds with lower average margins
- Crypto deposits and withdrawals supported widely
- Faster withdrawal processing through cryptocurrency
- Account-level responsible gambling tools still provided
Cons of Non-BetStop Betting Sites:
- No Australian regulatory body handles disputes, so if something goes wrong
- Some Australian banks actively block transactions to unlicensed gambling sites
- Consumer protections are weaker than domestic licences
Responsible Gambling Outside BetStop
Gambling sites not on BetStop sit outside the national register, but that doesn’t remove your ability to manage how you bet. Most reputable operators provide deposit limits and session timers directly within the account settings. These tools let you set boundaries without contacting support.
If betting stops being enjoyable, or if it’s affecting your finances, relationships or wellbeing, reaching out to a support organisation is a practical step you can take right now. Self-exclusion through the operator locks your account for a chosen period and can be requested via live chat or email.
For Australian residents seeking support:
- Gambling Help Online: gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Lifeline Australia: lifeline.org.au
- Gamblers Anonymous Australia: gaaustralia.org.au
Conclusion: What Should You Know Before Using a Betting Site Not on BetStop?
Betting sites not on BetStop operate outside Australia’s licensed wagering system, so the differences go beyond bonuses and market selection. Licence status, settlement rules, KYC, withdrawal limits and dispute procedures all need to be checked separately because Australian regulatory protections do not apply in the same way.
Our highest-rated operators performed best in testing for sports coverage, odds, payment processing and transparent terms, but offshore status remains an important trade-off. A foreign licence does not replace an Australian licence, and access to features such as online in-play wagering does not mean those services are legally authorised to be provided in Australia.
If you are registered with BetStop because you want or need self-exclusion, an offshore sportsbook should not be used to bypass that protection. For other readers comparing betting sites, focus on verifiable licensing, withdrawal rules, market settlement and the protections available if something goes wrong.
FAQ: Betting Sites Not on BetStop Australia
BetStop is Australia’s national self-exclusion register. Once you sign up, every domestically licensed operator must block your account within 24 hours. Foreign-licensed operators don’t connect to it. You choose an exclusion period starting at three months, and you can’t cancel early. For those asking how to cancel BetStop, you submit a revocation request through the BetStop website after your minimum period ends. Understanding how to get off BetStop starts with confirming your exclusion end date through your original registration.
Yes. Well-regulated offshore operators offer account-level self-exclusion through the responsible gambling section of your profile. You select a cooling-off period or permanent closure. Some require an email to support, others provide a one-click option. This applies only to that single operator, so if you hold accounts at multiple non BetStop sites, you need to request exclusion separately at each.
The top-ranked operators we tested returned margins below 4.5% on AFL and NRL head-to-head markets. Feature matches like Friday night AFL or State of Origin were priced tighter than midweek fixtures. Comparing the same market across three or four operators before placing your bet is the most reliable way to secure value.
Yes, and most allow unlimited legs on a single fixture. During testing, we built same-game multis with up to 12 legs on NRL matches. Check whether your sportsbook restricts correlation between certain legs, as some operators block conflicting selections even when the builder appears to accept them.
The regulatory body that issued the licence determines what happens. Under credible licensing frameworks, the operator must return player balances from segregated accounts within a set period. Enforcement depends on the jurisdiction, so keep balances small and withdraw regularly.
No. Gambling winnings are not taxable for recreational punters under Australian tax law, regardless of the operator’s licence type. The ATO treats recreational profits as windfall gains. Professional punters who derive primary income from systematic wagering may face different treatment and should seek independent advice.