Irish players have long looked beyond domestic bookmakers for better odds, fewer restrictions, and a wider range of sports markets. This guide covers every aspect of betting on international sites from Ireland — from the legal framework and trusted licences to payment options and how to avoid account gubbing. All bookmakers listed are fully licensed and have been assessed for reliability, odds quality, and Irish player accessibility in 2026.
Why Irish Bettors Choose Foreign Bookmakers
The Irish betting market is dominated by a handful of domestic operators that have, over time, become increasingly restrictive toward winning customers. Account gubbing — the practice of reducing maximum stakes for profitable bettors — is common among Irish-licensed bookmakers. Foreign bookmakers, particularly those licensed in Malta, Gibraltar, and Curaçao, operate with a fundamentally different commercial model: they welcome sharp bettors and rarely restrict accounts based on profitability.
Beyond restrictions, the odds difference matters. International bookmakers typically offer overrounds of 3–5% on major markets, compared to 6–10% on many Irish platforms. On GAA or horse racing, the gap can be even wider, making a significant long-term difference to returns.
Is It Legal to Bet on Foreign Sites from Ireland?
Yes — Irish law imposes no restriction on individuals using foreign-licensed betting sites. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (GRA) regulates gambling operators, not players. As an Irish resident, you are free to open accounts and place bets on any licensed international bookmaker.
The GRA has introduced a new Irish Gambling Regulatory Authority (IGRA), which will oversee domestic operators and may in future require foreign operators to obtain Irish licences to advertise in Ireland. However, this does not affect your right to use these sites.
What the law says
- Betting on foreign licensed sites is not illegal for Irish residents
- Winnings from betting are not taxable income in Ireland
- The GRA governs operators, not individual players
- A site holding an MGA, UKGC, or Gibraltar licence is operating legally
How to Choose a Foreign Bookmaker
Not all international bookmakers are equal. The most important factors for Irish players are licence quality, odds competitiveness, payment method compatibility, and account restriction policies.
Ready to bet on international markets?
Betlabel offers Irish players competitive odds, fast EUR withdrawals, and a wide range of sports markets — with no account restrictions.
Visit Betlabel 18+ | Gambling involves risk | Play responsiblyQuick Comparison
The table below summarises the key features of the seven bookmakers we recommend for Irish players.
| Bookmaker | Licence | EUR Account | No Gubbing | Crypto |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betlabel | MGA / Curaçao | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MrXbet | Curaçao | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maxibet Casino | Curaçao | Yes | Yes | No |
| 20bet | Curaçao | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GranaWin | Curaçao | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 22bet | Curaçao | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vave | Curaçao | No | Yes | Yes |
Deposits & Withdrawals for Irish Players
Payment friction is one of the most commonly reported issues Irish players face when using foreign betting sites. Irish banks — including AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Ulster Bank — frequently block gambling-related card transactions. The most reliable deposit methods for Irish players in 2026 are Revolut, Skrill, Neteller, and cryptocurrency.
Sports Coverage: GAA, Horse Racing & More
Foreign bookmakers cover the full range of sports available to Irish bettors, including GAA football and hurling, Irish horse racing (Cheltenham, Leopardstown, the Curragh), Premier League, Champions League, Six Nations rugby, and golf majors. Many offer more GAA markets than domestic operators, including in-play betting on county championship matches that are often ignored by Irish bookies.
Safety, Licences & Responsible Gambling
Every bookmaker listed on AbroadOdds holds a valid gambling licence. While Curaçao licences are less strict than MGA or UKGC, all listed sites have a verified track record of paying out Irish customers and offer standard responsible gambling tools including deposit limits and self-exclusion.
Explore by Topic
- Is it legal to use foreign betting sites in Ireland? — full legal guide
- How to choose a foreign bookmaker — selection criteria explained
- Welcome bonuses at foreign sites — how they work for Irish players
- Payment methods for Irish players — Revolut, PayPal, crypto and more
- GAA and horse racing on foreign sites — best markets and odds
- How to verify a foreign site is safe — licences and player protections
- How to register at a foreign betting site — step-by-step guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use foreign betting sites in Ireland?
Yes. Irish law does not prohibit individuals from placing bets on foreign-licensed betting sites. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 governs operators, not players. You are legally permitted to use any licensed international bookmaker from Ireland.
Why use a foreign betting site instead of an Irish one?
Foreign bookmakers typically offer better odds, higher bet limits, wider sports markets, and less account restriction (gubbing). They are particularly popular among sharp bettors and those who bet on GAA, horse racing, or niche sports.
Do I pay tax on winnings from foreign betting sites in Ireland?
No. Irish players do not pay tax on betting winnings, whether from Irish or foreign bookmakers. Betting winnings are not considered taxable income under Irish tax law as of 2026.
Which gambling licences are trustworthy?
The most reputable licences are the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and Gibraltar. These jurisdictions enforce strict player protection, fair play, and financial security standards.
Can Irish players deposit with Revolut or PayPal?
Some Irish banks and e-wallets block gambling transactions. Revolut allows deposits to many international bookmakers, while PayPal availability varies by operator. Crypto deposits are the most friction-free option for Irish players.