Account restrictions are a reality for Irish bettors who use bonuses systematically at bookmakers. Domestic operators have become aggressive about limiting accounts that show patterns associated with bonus abuse. Foreign bookmakers are substantially more tolerant — but they are not unlimited in their patience. Understanding why restrictions happen and how to avoid them allows you to claim bonuses as a normal part of your betting activity without jeopardising your account's long-term health in 2026.
Why Bookmakers Restrict Bonus Accounts
Bookmakers design bonuses to attract and retain customers who generate long-term revenue. A customer who only bets when a bonus is available, always stakes the minimum qualifying amount, and withdraws as soon as wagering is complete, costs the bookmaker money. Risk management systems at modern bookmakers analyse betting patterns continuously and flag accounts that match these profiles.
The result is typically one of three outcomes: removal from all future promotions (gubbing), stake restrictions limiting maximum bet size, or in rare cases, account closure. It is important to note that bookmakers are legally permitted to apply these restrictions — their terms and conditions reserve the right to limit or close accounts at their discretion.
Behaviours That Trigger Restrictions
Bookmaker risk systems look for a cluster of signals rather than any single behaviour. The following patterns are most commonly associated with account restrictions:
- Always betting minimum qualifying odds — using exactly the minimum odds threshold on every qualifying bet signals systematic bonus farming.
- Matched betting (hedging) — placing opposite positions at two bookmakers to lock in a profit regardless of outcome. This is detectable through staking patterns and timing.
- Never betting outside bonus periods — accounts that are inactive until a promotion is available and immediately active upon one being offered are flagged automatically.
- Consistent minimum stake on qualifying bets, maximum stake on bonuses — another pattern that signals bonus arbitrage rather than genuine interest in the event.
- Immediate withdrawal upon clearing wagering — frequent requests to withdraw immediately after completing rollover, with no further deposit activity.
How Foreign Bookmakers Handle Account Restrictions
Foreign bookmakers — particularly those without a domestic Irish retail presence — are considerably less aggressive about applying account restrictions. Several factors explain this:
First, their business model is built around acquiring customers from competitive international markets, where offers are expected to be available and generous. Second, many international bookmakers specialise in serving sharp and high-volume bettors (see our guide to bookmakers that don't restrict sharp bettors), which means their risk tolerance is higher. Third, some smaller international operators simply do not have the sophisticated profiling systems deployed by major domestic operators.
That said, the distinction between "gubbing" (bonus removal) and genuine restriction (stake limits) matters. Even bonus-tolerant foreign bookmakers may apply stake restrictions to bettors who consistently beat the market — this is separate from bonus behaviour and relates to sharp betting activity.
Related Pages
- Welcome bonuses at foreign sites — full overview of available offers
- Bookmakers that don't gub accounts — our recommended no-restriction options
- High-limit betting sites — bookmakers that welcome sharp and high-stakes bettors
- How wagering requirements work — understand what you are clearing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bookmaker restrict me for using bonuses?
Yes. Bookmakers — including some foreign ones — can limit your account or remove you from promotions if they identify systematic bonus-focused behaviour. This is more common at domestic Irish operators. International bookmakers are generally more tolerant, particularly those operating without a stake in the domestic Irish market. However, consistently matched-betting or always using minimum qualifying stakes is detectable.
What is gubbing?
Gubbing is the informal term used by bettors to describe having your account limited for promotional purposes — typically being removed from all bonus offers while your account remains open for normal betting. It is more prevalent at major domestic UK/Irish operators than at international bookmakers, which is one reason serious bettors often prefer foreign sites.
Do foreign bookmakers restrict bonus accounts?
Some do, particularly larger international operators that have developed the same analytical tools as domestic sites. Crypto-native and smaller international bookmakers tend to be the most bonus-tolerant. No bookmaker is entirely restriction-free for systematic bonus exploitation, but the risk at foreign sites is materially lower than at domestic operators.
How should I use bonuses to avoid restrictions?
Bet recreationally, not formulaically. Vary your bet sizes, markets, and stake amounts. Do not always bet the minimum qualifying odds with the maximum qualifying stake. Place some bets that have nothing to do with bonus requirements — this is your normal betting activity and signals genuine customer behaviour to the bookmaker's risk systems.
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