Not all gambling licences offer the same level of player protection. A bookmaker operating with a rigorous licence from a respected regulator gives you genuine recourse if something goes wrong — dispute resolution, funds protection, and regulatory oversight. A bookmaker with a weak or unverifiable licence offers none of these. Knowing how to assess a licence is one of the most practical safety skills for any Irish bettor using foreign sites in 2026.
Licence Rankings
The main licences you will encounter when using foreign bookmakers, ranked by player protection strength:
Tier 1 — Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
The MGA is the benchmark for EU-based online gambling. Malta's regulatory framework is detailed and strictly enforced. MGA licence holders must maintain player fund segregation, operate fair games certified by independent auditors, comply with responsible gambling requirements, and participate in a formal player complaint and dispute resolution process. If a player complaint reaches the MGA and the operator is at fault, the MGA has genuine enforcement powers. All of the foreign bookmakers we recommend hold MGA licences.
Tier 1 — UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
The UKGC operates one of the strictest gambling regulatory frameworks in the world. Operators must meet extremely high standards for player protection, responsible gambling, and financial stability. For Irish players, the UKGC is most relevant for bookmakers that operate in both UK and Irish markets. Post-Brexit, the UK and EU regulatory frameworks have diverged slightly, but the UKGC remains a gold-standard licence.
Tier 2 — Gibraltar Regulatory Authority / Isle of Man
Gibraltar and the Isle of Man are small jurisdictions with established gambling regulatory frameworks. Both have been home to major operators for decades and generally operate to a reasonable standard. Player protections are not as comprehensive as MGA or UKGC, but both jurisdictions have track records and dispute processes.
Tier 3 — Curaçao eGaming
Curaçao is a widely-used licence jurisdiction, particularly for operators who cannot or do not wish to meet the higher requirements of Tier 1 regulators. The Curaçao framework has historically been less rigorous — player fund protection is less clearly mandated, and the dispute resolution process is not as robust. Some reputable operators use Curaçao licences, but as a standalone indicator it should be treated with caution. A Curaçao-only licence is a reason to look more carefully, not necessarily a dealbreaker.
No licence / unverifiable
Unlicensed sites and sites with fake or unverifiable licence claims exist. The consequences of betting with an unlicensed operator can be severe — no recourse if your account is frozen, no funds protection if the operator becomes insolvent, and no regulatory oversight. Never deposit with a site that cannot produce a verifiable licence number from a named regulator.
How to Verify a Licence
Verifying a licence takes under two minutes and is always worth doing with a bookmaker you have not used before:
- Scroll to the footer of the bookmaker's website. Licence information is required to be displayed here. You should see a regulator name and a licence number (a string of letters and numbers).
- Note the regulator and licence number.
- Visit the official regulator website directly — do not follow a link from the bookmaker's site. For MGA: mga.org.mt. For UKGC: gamblingcommission.gov.uk.
- Use the licence search or register tool to look up the number. Confirm the operator name, licence type, and that the licence is current and active.
What Our Partners Hold
All of the foreign bookmakers featured on AbroadOdds hold MGA licences (Malta Gaming Authority) as their primary regulatory credential. This is a minimum requirement for inclusion on our site. You can verify each operator's licence number directly on the MGA's website using the process above. We do not feature Curaçao-only operators.
Partners featured on AbroadOdds include Betlabel, MrXbet, Maxibet Casino, 20bet, GranaWin, 22bet, and Vave. Always verify current licence status independently before depositing.
Related Pages
- Is It Legal to Use Foreign Betting Sites in Ireland? — full legal overview
- EU vs Irish Bookmakers — regulatory comparison
- Best Foreign Bookmakers for Irish Players — our full ranked list
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most trusted gambling licence for foreign bookmakers?
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) licence is widely regarded as the gold standard for EU-based online gambling. The MGA has comprehensive player protection requirements, a formal dispute resolution process, and strict technical and financial standards for operators. All of the foreign bookmakers we cover hold MGA licences.
Can Irish players use UKGC-licensed sites?
Yes, Irish players can technically access UKGC-licensed sites, though since Brexit the UK and Irish gambling markets have diverged. UKGC-licensed sites are subject to very strict UK regulations and may have some restrictions for non-UK residents. Many UK-facing sites do not actively market to Irish players. For most purposes, MGA-licensed EU bookmakers are the more relevant category for Irish bettors.
How do I verify a bookmaker's gambling licence?
Find the licence number in the bookmaker's website footer (usually displayed as small text or a logo). Then visit the regulator's official website — for MGA, that is mga.org.mt — and use their licence verification tool to look up the licence number. If the licence appears on the regulator's official list as active and matches the operator name, it is genuine.
Is a Curaçao licence enough to be safe when betting online?
Curaçao-licensed operators occupy the lower tier of regulated gambling. The Curaçao licensing framework is less rigorous than the MGA or UKGC, with weaker player protection requirements and a less robust dispute resolution process. Some reputable operators hold Curaçao licences, but as a standalone indicator it provides less assurance. We recommend sticking to MGA-licensed operators.