Can I just walk in to a Ladbrokes in the UK and place a bet? What if I won a large amount of money, do they ask for ID and would it then be a problem? If I were there on a 6 month visa, would it be possible to set up a Betfair account?

The question isn't necessarily restricted to only UK, but other countries where there are less lax gambling rules.

well dude, since you're a US citizen... you have to abide by US rules whilst you're overseas.

Well, dude, you can go 2 miles offshore and gamble on cruise ships. Come on, get a clue.

I'm talking about it from the bookmaker perspective: do they refuse to deal with Americans full stop? I don't want to put 200 pounds on something and have them pull **** when I try to collect a couple grand or whatever the hypothetical win is.

Are you allowed to open a Betfair account if you're overseas on a visa (work, travel, school, whatever)?

Yes. You need to be a real UK resident, not just some gai who's taking a vacay. Well assuming you want a full bevy of offshore options.

So I couldn't walk into a Ladbrokes shop and put 5 pounds on Man U?

...

why don't you ask the bookmaker you lazy ****? do we look like the book you're talking about?

You wouldn't have any problem betting in a shop. I'm pretty sure this is legal (by American and UK law) but either way, in a shop you don't need an account or ID (unless to verify you are over 18). You get a ticket just like in Vegas, you cash it if it wins. Even if you won a huge parlay, I don't think it would be a problem. Don't worry about faking a British accent.

If you were there on a 6 month Visa, you would probably be able to set up online accounts. The sites do allow Americans living in the UK to have accounts. You generally need a real address, meaning you have a utility bill with your name at that address. Many (Betfair included) will send mail to that address to make sure you actually live there, so photoshop isn't going to cut it.

The usual process would be:
-Sign up for account, no problems here assuming UK IP address
-Make your first deposit. Depending on the size and method of deposit, you might not have any scrutiny here. Or they might want copy of ID, utility bill before you can make a bet.
-Make your first cashout. Here you'll most likely get asked about ID, utility bill. (Maybe not if the amounts are small?)

I'm guessing the ID you send would be an American Passport or Driver's License which will set off flags, but you should be in the clear playing the ex-pat card with your name on a real UK address.

You will run into trouble with the advice above. But there isn't anything in this world that causes trouble so whatever.

Should probably have prefaced, this was my experience when moving to Ireland in 2006. Things may have changed.

For the betting in shops part, this article will probably put any fears to rest about shops giving a chit:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/ma...r-age-watchdog

Some places will pwn you for using a US IP later on. And the lack of a utility bill in the future could have problems as well. Additionally, they make ask for visa verification beyond just saying "Can I haz cheezeburger" from the tourist visa.

You can bet with Ladbrokes now as their anti-Bush stance has ended.
Also if you are here on a visa for 6months you can open an account with Betfair since that would be 'fair'.
Though you can't with Bet365 as your length of stay in the UK does not meet their 365 day residency requirement.
hope this helps

Agree with all that. Some wont let you log in from an American IP, some will let you log in and bet but every once in a while they will query for Americans betting and will find out.

Then they hold their nuts on you. And that is where the fun starts.