Irish bettors increasingly turn to cryptocurrency as a payment method at foreign betting sites. The reasons are practical: domestic banks sometimes block gambling transactions, card deposits can be delayed or declined, and withdrawal times via traditional banking can stretch to several days. Crypto bypasses all of these friction points. For Irish players using foreign bookmakers in 2026, crypto is often the fastest, most reliable deposit and withdrawal route available.
Why Irish Bettors Use Crypto at Foreign Sites
The primary driver is banking friction. Several major Irish banks have implemented transaction blocks or spending limits on gambling-related card payments in recent years. Even when deposits succeed, many banks decline transactions to foreign bookmakers because the merchant category code triggers an automatic block. Cryptocurrency transactions operate entirely outside the banking system, making this problem irrelevant.
Speed is the second major factor. Bank transfers to foreign sites can take 1–5 days to credit. Crypto deposits are typically credited to your betting account within minutes of blockchain confirmation. The same applies to withdrawals — rather than waiting three business days for a bank transfer to clear, a crypto withdrawal can arrive in your wallet within the hour.
Which Cryptocurrencies Are Accepted
Most foreign bookmakers accepting crypto support at least Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). The range has expanded significantly, with many sites now accepting:
Commonly accepted cryptocurrencies at foreign betting sites
- Bitcoin (BTC) — the most widely accepted; best for larger deposits due to higher transaction fees on small amounts
- Ethereum (ETH) — faster than Bitcoin; widely supported and highly liquid
- Litecoin (LTC) — fast confirmations and low fees; good for smaller deposits
- Tether (USDT) — stablecoin pegged to USD; eliminates exchange rate risk; TRC20 network is very cheap to send
- USD Coin (USDC) — another regulated stablecoin; accepted at growing number of sites
- Ripple (XRP) — fast and cheap; accepted at select bookmakers
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Visit Betlabel 18+ | Gambling involves risk | Play responsiblyHow to Deposit Crypto at a Foreign Betting Site
Depositing cryptocurrency is straightforward once you have a crypto wallet and some funds. The typical process:
First, purchase cryptocurrency from a regulated exchange such as Coinbase, Kraken, or Binance — all accessible from Ireland. Transfer the crypto to a personal wallet (hardware wallet or software wallet) for security. In your betting account, navigate to the deposit section and select your cryptocurrency. The site will display a unique deposit address. Copy that address, send your crypto from your wallet, and wait for blockchain confirmation. Most sites require 1–3 confirmations before crediting your balance.
Withdrawals work in reverse: request a withdrawal in the bookmaker's cashier, enter your personal wallet address, and the funds arrive after network confirmation. Never enter an exchange deposit address as your withdrawal destination unless you specifically want to sell immediately — use a personal wallet address to maintain control of your funds.
Crypto Betting Site Comparison 2026
| Bookmaker | BTC | ETH | USDT | Withdrawal Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betlabel | Yes | Yes | Yes | Under 1 hour |
| MrXbet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Under 1 hour |
| Maxibet Casino | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1–3 hours |
| 20bet | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1–3 hours |
| GranaWin | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1–3 hours |
| 22bet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Under 1 hour |
| Vave | Yes | Yes | Yes | Under 30 min |
Best For
Related Pages
- How to choose a foreign bookmaker — full selection guide
- Payment methods at foreign betting sites — all deposit and withdrawal options
- Legal status of foreign betting sites in Ireland — regulatory context
- No-KYC betting options — privacy-focused sites
- Best foreign betting sites for Irish players — full overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Is crypto betting legal in Ireland?
Betting with cryptocurrency is not specifically prohibited under Irish law. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 focuses on operators and their licensing obligations rather than the payment method used by players. Depositing and withdrawing using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins at a foreign licensed bookmaker is not a criminal offence for Irish bettors. However, any winnings — whether paid in crypto or fiat — may be subject to Capital Gains Tax depending on your circumstances. Consult Revenue.ie for the latest guidance.
What cryptocurrencies can I use at foreign betting sites?
The most widely accepted cryptocurrencies at foreign betting sites accessible to Irish players are Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Tether (USDT). Tether is particularly useful because it is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, eliminating the exchange rate risk of depositing in a volatile asset like Bitcoin. Some crypto-native bookmakers also accept USDC, BNB, Ripple (XRP), and Dogecoin.
Are crypto withdrawals faster than bank transfers?
Generally, yes. Crypto withdrawals process on the blockchain rather than through banking infrastructure. Bitcoin transactions typically confirm within 10–60 minutes. Ethereum and Litecoin are often faster. USDT on the Tron network (TRC20) can confirm in seconds. Compare this to bank transfers, which can take 1–5 business days, or card withdrawals that typically take 2–3 days. Most crypto-accepting bookmakers process the withdrawal immediately, with network confirmation time being the only variable.
Do I pay tax on crypto betting winnings in Ireland?
Betting winnings themselves are not taxable in Ireland for most recreational bettors. However, if your cryptocurrency increases in value between when you received it as a withdrawal and when you convert it to euros, that gain may be subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) at 33%. Revenue Ireland treats cryptocurrency as a chargeable asset. For example, if you withdraw €500 worth of Bitcoin and it rises to €600 before you sell it, the €100 gain may be taxable. Keep records of all crypto transactions.