The growth of international online betting has been accompanied by a significant variation in operator quality. While the bookmakers listed on AbroadOdds are vetted and licensed, Irish players will inevitably encounter sites not on our list. Knowing how to assess a foreign betting site yourself — before you deposit — is an essential skill. This guide covers the key safety indicators, how to check a licence, and the warning signs that should cause you to walk away.
Key Safety Indicators
A trustworthy foreign betting site will display all of the following clearly and verifiably. None of these should require effort to find.
Valid Gambling Licence
The single most important safety indicator. A licensed operator is accountable to a regulatory authority that can investigate complaints, impose sanctions, and ultimately revoke the licence if the operator behaves unfairly. The licence number and issuing authority should be displayed in the website footer. The three licences most relevant to Irish players are: Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and Curaçao eGaming. See our full licence comparison for a breakdown of what each one means.
SSL Encryption
All reputable betting sites use HTTPS — the padlock in your browser address bar confirms that data transmitted between your device and the site is encrypted. Never deposit on a site that does not use HTTPS. This is a non-negotiable baseline requirement in 2026.
Responsible Gambling Tools
A responsible operator provides deposit limits, self-exclusion options, reality checks, and links to support organisations. These tools should be accessible from the account settings and the site footer — not buried in small print. Their presence indicates an operator serious about player protection.
Clear Terms and Conditions
Bonus terms, withdrawal limits, account verification requirements, and dispute resolution procedures should all be clearly written and accessible. Vague or contradictory terms are a significant warning sign.
How to Check a Gambling Licence
Checking a licence takes under two minutes and provides a high degree of assurance. Here is how to verify each of the major licences:
Licence Verification Steps
- MGA licence: Visit mga.org.mt, go to "Licensed Entities" and search for the operator name or licence number. A current licence will show as Active.
- UKGC licence: Visit gamblingcommission.gov.uk and use the "Check a Licence" tool. Note that UKGC-licensed sites often restrict Irish players since Brexit — confirm Ireland is an accepted country before registering.
- Curaçao licence: Visit the Curaçao Gaming Control Board website and search the register. Curaçao is less strict than MGA, but a verifiable current licence is still far better than no licence at all.
- Cross-check: Compare the licence number in the site footer with the register entry. A mismatch or expired licence is an immediate disqualifying factor.
Red Flags to Avoid
These are the warning signs that a betting site may be untrustworthy or outright fraudulent. If you encounter any of these, do not deposit.
- No licence information in the footer, or an unverifiable licence number
- No HTTPS — the site does not use SSL encryption
- Unrealistic bonus offers with no clear terms (e.g., "€5,000 free, no conditions")
- No responsible gambling section or self-exclusion option
- No identifiable company — no company name, registered address, or contact information
- Withdrawal delays with no documented policy or no response from support
- Negative player history — documented non-payment cases on reputable betting forums
- Recently registered domain with no established track record
Related Pages
- Gambling licences explained — MGA, UKGC, and Curaçao compared
- Responsible gambling tools at foreign sites — what is available
- How to set deposit limits and self-exclude — practical guide
- Data privacy at foreign betting sites — GDPR and your rights
- Is it legal to use foreign betting sites in Ireland? — legal guide
- Choose the right foreign bookmaker — vetted selection
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a foreign betting site is legitimate?
Check for a valid gambling licence displayed in the website footer — typically MGA (Malta), UKGC, or Curaçao. Verify the licence number on the regulator's official website. Look for HTTPS in the URL, a clear responsible gambling policy, and transparent terms and conditions. Long operating history and verifiable player reviews are also strong positive indicators.
What is the safest gambling licence?
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the gold standard for EU-licensed operators. It requires operators to hold player funds in segregated accounts, maintain dispute resolution procedures, and meet strict responsible gambling standards. The UK Gambling Commission is also highly regarded, though UKGC-licensed sites are less accessible to Irish players post-Brexit.
Can I check if a site has a valid licence?
Yes. The MGA publishes a searchable register of all licensed operators at mga.org.mt. Curaçao licences can be verified at curacao-gaming.com. Simply search for the bookmaker name or licence number to confirm the licence is current and active.
What are the warning signs of an unsafe betting site?
Key red flags include: no gambling licence or an unverifiable licence, no HTTPS/SSL encryption, no visible responsible gambling section, withdrawal delays without explanation, no clear terms and conditions, and no identifiable company information. Avoid any site that cannot provide these basic elements.
Sources and support organisations: