Payment friction is the number one practical obstacle Irish players face when using foreign betting sites. Irish banks routinely block gambling-related card transactions, and not all e-wallet options are universally supported. This guide covers every viable deposit and withdrawal method available to Irish players at international bookmakers in 2026, with clear information on which methods work reliably and which to avoid.
Why Irish Bank Cards Often Fail at Foreign Betting Sites
Irish banks use Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) to identify gambling transactions. Many banks apply blanket blocks on MCC 7995 (betting/casino/lottery), which covers most international gambling operators. This happens either automatically or when a customer requests a gambling block through their banking app.
The solution is to use a payment method that is not processed through gambling-specific MCCs, or to use a separate financial account (such as Revolut) where gambling blocks are not applied.
Revolut — Best Option for Most Irish Players
Revolut is the most universally accepted deposit method at international bookmakers for Irish players. It works as a Visa or Mastercard and is accepted at the vast majority of foreign sites. By default, Revolut does not block gambling transactions — though users can enable a gambling block themselves in the app settings.
Revolut deposits are instant. Revolut withdrawals are available at some, but not all, bookmakers. If withdrawal to Revolut is not supported, you can usually withdraw to a bank account linked to your Revolut IBAN.
Revolut at foreign betting sites
- Accepted as Visa/Mastercard at most international bookmakers
- No gambling block by default (user can enable in app)
- Instant deposits
- Withdrawals supported at select sites
- EUR account — no conversion fees for EUR-denominated deposits
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 responsiblyE-Wallets: Skrill and Neteller
Skrill and Neteller are dedicated gambling e-wallets — they are specifically designed for online gambling transactions and are accepted at virtually every reputable international bookmaker. Both require identity verification to use and allow EUR accounts. The main disadvantage is that some bookmakers exclude e-wallet deposits from welcome bonus eligibility.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency (primarily Bitcoin and USDT/Tether) is the most friction-free payment method available to Irish players. It bypasses all banking restrictions, deposits are instant (or near-instant for USDT on TRC-20), and withdrawals are processed by the blockchain rather than by a bank. A basic crypto wallet (such as a Coinbase or Kraken account) is required, with a small amount of time to set up initially.
Bank Transfer
Direct bank transfer is available at most bookmakers as a withdrawal method and at some as a deposit method. It is the most reliable option for large withdrawals but is slow (1–5 business days) and some Irish banks may question gambling-related incoming transfers. For routine deposits, bank transfer is not the preferred option due to speed and potential blocking.
Payment Method Comparison
| Method | Deposit Speed | Withdrawal Speed | Irish Bank Issues | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut | Instant | Hours (where available) | None | None |
| Skrill / Neteller | Instant | Minutes–hours | None | Small fees possible |
| Bitcoin / USDT | Minutes | Minutes | None | Network fees |
| Debit Card (AIB/BOI) | Instant (if not blocked) | 1–3 days | Often blocked | None |
| Bank Transfer | 1–3 days | 1–5 days | Possible delays | None–small |
Getting Withdrawals to an Irish Bank Account
The fastest withdrawal path for most Irish players is: bookmaker → e-wallet (Skrill/Neteller) → Irish bank account or Revolut. Skrill and Neteller both allow free EUR withdrawals to linked Irish bank accounts (SEPA transfer). Processing typically takes 1–2 business days after the bookmaker releases the funds. For detailed guidance, see our guide on how to transfer winnings from a foreign betting site to an Irish bank.
Related Pages
- Betting sites that accept Revolut — complete Revolut guide
- Using PayPal at international bookmakers — PayPal availability guide
- Fastest withdrawal betting sites — sites ranked by withdrawal speed
- Crypto deposits and withdrawals — full crypto guide
- EUR currency betting sites — avoid conversion fees
- How to transfer winnings to an Irish bank — step-by-step guide
- Best foreign betting sites for Irish players — full overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Irish bank cards get declined at foreign betting sites?
Major Irish banks — including AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Permanent TSB — apply gambling merchant category blocks by default or on customer request. Revolut, Skrill, Neteller, and cryptocurrency bypass this restriction entirely because they are not processed through the same MCC codes.
What is the fastest withdrawal method at foreign betting sites?
E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller) and cryptocurrency are typically the fastest withdrawal methods, processing within minutes to a few hours once KYC is complete. Bank transfers take 1–5 business days depending on the site and your bank.
Can I withdraw to Revolut from a foreign bookmaker?
Some bookmakers support Revolut withdrawals directly; others only support it for deposits. Where Revolut withdrawal is not available, e-wallets or bank transfer are the main alternatives. Always check the cashier section before depositing.
Are there fees for deposits or withdrawals?
Most reputable foreign bookmakers do not charge fees on deposits or withdrawals. However, your bank or e-wallet provider may charge currency conversion fees if the site uses a different base currency. Always choose EUR accounts where available to avoid conversion costs.
What is the minimum deposit at foreign betting sites for Irish players?
Minimum deposits vary by method. Card and e-wallet minimums are typically €10–€20. Some crypto-focused sites accept deposits from as little as €5 equivalent. Check the cashier section of each site for current minimum deposit amounts.