When Irish players talk about "foreign bookmakers", they are usually referring to sites licensed in EU jurisdictions — primarily Malta — rather than the Irish-licensed bookmakers like Paddy Power or Boyle Sports. Understanding the differences between these two categories helps you make informed choices about where to bet and what protections you have. As of 2026, both types are legally accessible to Irish players, but they operate under different frameworks with distinct advantages and trade-offs.
Irish-Licensed vs EU-Licensed Explained
An Irish-licensed bookmaker holds a licence issued by the Irish authorities under the Betting Acts. Historically this was managed through the Revenue Commissioners; under the 2024 Act it will transition to the Irish Gambling Commission. These operators are legally obligated to comply with Irish regulations including betting duty obligations.
An EU-licensed bookmaker — most commonly MGA-licensed — holds a licence from the Malta Gaming Authority (or another EU jurisdiction such as Gibraltar or the Isle of Man). Under EU law, the freedom to provide services across member states means these operators can legally accept Irish customers without holding a specific Irish licence. This has been the established legal position for over a decade.
Player Protections Compared
The practical protections available to Irish players differ between the two categories:
| Aspect | Irish-Licensed Sites | EU Foreign Bookmakers (MGA) |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Irish Gambling Commission (transitioning) | Malta Gaming Authority |
| Player dispute escalation | Irish Gambling Commission | MGA Player Support / ADR |
| Responsible gambling tools | Mandatory under Irish law | Mandatory under MGA licence |
| Self-exclusion | National self-exclusion register (developing) | Operator-level self-exclusion |
| Funds protection | Required under Irish law | Required under MGA licence |
| Complaint language | English (Ireland) | English (MGA support) |
The main practical difference is where you escalate a dispute. An unresolved complaint with an Irish-licensed operator can be taken to the Irish Gambling Commission. An unresolved complaint with an MGA-licensed operator is taken to the MGA's player support function. Both processes exist and are functional — the MGA's dispute process is well-established and has a track record of resolving player complaints fairly.
Practical Differences
Setting aside the regulatory framework, the day-to-day differences that most Irish bettors notice are:
Odds and markets: EU foreign bookmakers consistently offer better odds and more market depth than Irish-licensed sites. This is partly due to the competitive European market and partly due to the fact that foreign bookmakers are less exposed to the relatively small Irish market and can offer sharper prices.
Account restrictions (gubbing): Irish-licensed bookmakers are among the most aggressive in the world for restricting or closing accounts of profitable customers. EU foreign bookmakers tend to be considerably more tolerant of winning customers, particularly those using Asian-style market structures. This is a significant practical difference for regular bettors.
Payment methods: Both categories support standard EUR payments including SEPA bank transfer and major e-wallets. Foreign bookmakers often support a wider range of payment options including crypto and more exotic e-wallets.
Promotions: Welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions are generally more generous at EU foreign bookmakers, though terms and conditions always apply and should be read carefully before claiming.
Related Pages
- Is It Legal to Use Foreign Betting Sites in Ireland? — full legal overview
- Gambling Regulation Act 2024 — how new Irish legislation affects this
- Trusted Gambling Licences Guide — how to assess a bookmaker's licence
Frequently Asked Questions
Are EU bookmakers legal in Ireland?
Yes. Under EU freedom of services rules, a bookmaker legally licensed in one EU member state — such as Malta — can offer services to customers in other EU member states including Ireland. This has been the legal basis on which EU-licensed foreign bookmakers have operated in the Irish market for years, and the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 does not change this immediately.
What consumer protections do Irish-licensed sites offer compared to EU sites?
Irish-licensed bookmakers are subject to the Betting Acts and, increasingly, oversight from the Irish Gambling Commission. This provides a local complaints and enforcement mechanism. MGA-licensed EU bookmakers offer strong protections under Maltese law and the MGA's own player support function, which includes a formal dispute resolution process. The MGA is generally considered a rigorous regulator.
Can I use an EU bookmaker if I live in Ireland?
Yes. There is no Irish law that prohibits players from placing bets with EU-licensed operators. Players can freely open accounts, deposit, and withdraw from MGA and similarly licensed foreign bookmakers operating in the EU market.
What are my rights if I have a dispute with a foreign bookmaker?
For MGA-licensed operators, you can escalate unresolved disputes to the Malta Gaming Authority's Player Support team, which operates a formal complaints process. Many EU-licensed operators also subscribe to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) schemes. For other EU jurisdictions, the equivalent national regulator handles complaints. Check the bookmaker's terms and conditions for the specific process.