Account restriction — known colloquially as gubbing — is one of the most frustrating experiences for serious Irish bettors. Domestic bookmakers routinely reduce stakes for profitable customers to fractions of a euro within weeks of consistent winning. The foreign bookmakers on this page operate differently: they profit from volume and tight margins, not from restricting winners. This makes them viable long-term options for bettors who actually win.
What Is Gubbing and Why Does It Happen?
Gubbing is the practice of reducing a bettor's maximum permitted stake — often to near-zero — after the bookmaker identifies them as a profitable or sharp customer. A bettor who has a €500 maximum stake on Premier League matches may find it cut to €2 after a run of winning bets, with no explanation given.
It happens because most domestic bookmakers set prices with a high enough margin to profit from recreational bettors, but not from those who consistently identify value. Rather than improving their pricing model, these bookmakers limit exposure to sharp customers.
Why Foreign Bookmakers Are Different
Foreign bookmakers operating in competitive international markets typically run on tighter margins and higher turnover. Their pricing models are built to withstand sharp money — they adjust lines quickly based on betting patterns rather than restricting individual accounts. This is the standard model in Asian betting markets, which has influenced many international operators.
Signs of a no-gubbing bookmaker
- Explicit statement in T&Cs that stakes are not reduced based on profitability
- Positive community reputation for long-term account longevity
- Fast line movement (indicates they adjust prices rather than limiting customers)
- No "bonus abusers" clauses that inadvertently catch winning bettors
- High published maximum stake limits that are consistently honoured
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The following foreign bookmakers have established reputations for accepting winning bettors without account restrictions.
No-Gubbing Site Comparison
| Bookmaker | No Stake Limits | Max Stake (Football) | Fast Line Movement | Licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betlabel | Yes | High | Yes | MGA / Curaçao |
| MrXbet | Yes | High | Yes | Curaçao |
| 22bet | Yes | High | Yes | Curaçao |
| 20bet | Yes | Medium–High | Yes | Curaçao |
| GranaWin | Yes | Medium | Yes | Curaçao |
| Maxibet Casino | Yes | Medium | Yes | Curaçao |
| Vave | Yes | Medium | Yes | Curaçao |
How to Protect Your Account Long-Term
Even at no-gubbing bookmakers, certain behaviours can draw scrutiny or lead to limits. To maximise account longevity:
Best practices for protecting accounts
- Bet across a variety of markets, not exclusively on the most liquid pre-match football
- Avoid exclusively taking the best available price (line shopping is fine, but constant best-price activity can be flagged)
- Do not use no-gubbing sites as the lay side of systematic arbitrage operations
- Claim bonuses but do not exclusively bet on qualifying markets to clear wagering
- Maintain accounts across multiple bookmakers to spread your betting activity
Related Pages
- High limit betting sites — for bettors needing large maximum stakes
- Best sites for sharp bettors in Ireland — advanced bettor guide
- Best odds at foreign sites vs. Irish bookmakers — odds comparison
- How to claim bonuses without account restriction
- How to choose a foreign bookmaker — full selection guide
- Best foreign betting sites for Irish players — full overview
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "gubbing" mean in betting?
Gubbing is slang for account restriction. When a bookmaker gubs you, they drastically reduce your maximum stake — often from hundreds of euros to as little as €0.10 — making the account effectively useless for meaningful bets. It typically happens when a bettor shows a consistent profit over time.
Why do some bookmakers restrict accounts while others don't?
Most domestic bookmakers rely on a "beat the punter" model where limiting winners is a significant part of their profit strategy. Foreign bookmakers that operate on high volume with tighter margins profit from turnover rather than from individual losses, making them more tolerant of winning customers.
How do I know if a foreign bookmaker has a no-gubbing policy?
Check the terms and conditions for any clauses about stake restrictions or account limitations. Sites like Betlabel and MrXbet explicitly state that they do not restrict accounts based on profitability. Community forums and bettor reviews are also useful for verifying real-world account longevity.
Can I still get restricted for other reasons?
Yes. All bookmakers can restrict accounts for terms violations, suspected fraud, arbitrage betting (using no-gubbing sites as the lay leg in arb strategies), or bonus abuse. No-gubbing policies specifically refer to restrictions placed on winning bettors; they do not exempt customers who violate terms.