With dozens of international bookmakers accepting Irish players, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. The selection criteria that matter for Irish bettors differ from those in other markets — local payment methods, GAA and horse racing coverage, and resistance to account restrictions are all specific concerns. This guide explains exactly what to look for and how to assess each criterion objectively in 2026.
What to Look for in a Foreign Bookmaker
The best foreign bookmaker for an Irish player depends on their betting style. A recreational bettor who places occasional accumulator bets has different needs from a sharp bettor staking significant amounts on football or horse racing. That said, five core criteria apply to all Irish players.
Five criteria for Irish bettors
- Licence quality — MGA, Gibraltar, or reputable Curaçao operator
- Odds competitiveness — overround below 5% on major markets
- No-gubbing policy — no stake reductions for winning accounts
- Irish-friendly payments — Revolut, e-wallets, or crypto accepted
- Sports coverage — GAA, Irish racing, and your preferred markets
Odds Quality: Why the Overround Matters
The overround (also called the "juice" or "vig") is the bookmaker's built-in margin. A 5% overround means that for every €100 staked, the book retains €5 in the long run. Irish domestic bookmakers typically run 8–12% margins on horse racing and 5–8% on football. Most reputable foreign bookmakers operate at 3–5% on major markets.
Account Restrictions: The Biggest Concern for Irish Bettors
Account gubbing — the practice of dramatically reducing maximum stakes for profitable customers — is widespread among domestic Irish and UK bookmakers. A bettor who consistently wins may find their maximum stake reduced from €500 to €10 within weeks, effectively making the account useless.
Foreign bookmakers operating on a volume model rather than a "beat the punter" model are significantly less likely to restrict accounts. Betlabel, MrXbet, and 22bet explicitly state that they do not restrict accounts based on profitability.
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 responsiblyLicences: What Each One Means
A gambling licence indicates that an operator has met minimum standards for fairness, security, and player protection in their licensing jurisdiction. For Irish players, the most relevant licences are MGA (Malta), UKGC (UK), Gibraltar, and Curaçao.
| Licence | Strict Standards | Player Fund Protection | Dispute Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| UKGC | Very High | Yes — mandatory segregation | Independent ADR required |
| MGA | High | Yes — Player Fund requirements | MFSA arbitration |
| Gibraltar | High | Yes | Gibraltar Licensing Authority |
| Curaçao | Moderate | Not mandatory | Limited — operator managed |
Payments: Which Methods Work for Irish Players
Irish bank cards are frequently blocked for gambling transactions by AIB, Bank of Ireland, and other domestic banks. The most reliable deposit and withdrawal methods for Irish players at foreign bookmakers are:
Recommended payment methods
- Revolut — widely accepted, no general gambling block for Irish users
- Skrill / Neteller — dedicated gambling e-wallets, fast withdrawals
- Cryptocurrency — Bitcoin, USDT; instant deposits, available at most foreign sites
- Bank transfer — slow (3–5 days) but widely available as withdrawal method
Bookmaker Comparison
A direct comparison of the foreign bookmakers recommended for Irish players in 2026.
| Bookmaker | No Gubbing | EUR Account | GAA Coverage | Licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betlabel | Yes | Yes | Yes | MGA / Curaçao |
| MrXbet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Curaçao |
| 22bet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Curaçao |
| 20bet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Curaçao |
| GranaWin | Yes | Yes | Limited | Curaçao |
| Maxibet Casino | Yes | Yes | Limited | Curaçao |
| Vave | Yes | No (crypto only) | Limited | Curaçao |
Related Guides
- Best odds at foreign sites vs. Irish bookmakers — odds comparison
- Betting sites with no restriction policy — account freedom explained
- High limit betting sites for Irish players — for serious bettors
- Payment methods for Irish players — Revolut, PayPal, crypto
- Is it legal to use foreign sites in Ireland? — full legal guide
- Best foreign betting sites for Irish players — full overview
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important factor when choosing a foreign bookmaker?
Licence quality and odds competitiveness are the two most critical factors. A valid MGA or Curaçao licence ensures the operator is accountable and will pay out. Better odds directly increase your long-term returns — even a 1% difference in overround compounds significantly over hundreds of bets.
How do I know if a bookmaker will restrict my account?
Foreign bookmakers are generally far more tolerant of winning customers than domestic Irish operators. Sites like Betlabel, MrXbet, and 22bet have explicit no-gubbing policies. Avoid sites with bonus-abuse clauses that restrict stakes after a bonus period.
Can I have accounts with multiple foreign bookmakers?
Yes. There is no rule preventing Irish players from holding multiple accounts across different bookmakers. Many experienced bettors maintain 4–6 accounts to shop for the best odds on each market and reduce exposure to any single operator.
Which bookmaker is best for GAA betting?
Several foreign bookmakers now cover GAA fixtures in depth, including county championship matches that are typically ignored by smaller operators. 22bet and Betlabel consistently offer the widest GAA market selection among international sites.