A gambling licence is the foundation of trust between a bookmaker and its players. Before depositing at any foreign betting site, understanding which licence it holds — and what that licence actually means — is one of the most important due diligence steps an Irish player can take. This guide explains the three licences most relevant to Irish players in 2026: the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and Curaçao eGaming.
Why Gambling Licences Matter
A gambling licence is not merely a legal formality. It represents an operator's ongoing commitment to operating standards set by an external authority. To obtain and retain a licence, a bookmaker must:
- Demonstrate financial stability and the ability to pay player winnings
- Undergo background checks on directors and key personnel
- Maintain player funds in segregated accounts (required by MGA and UKGC)
- Implement responsible gambling tools
- Participate in dispute resolution schemes
- Submit to regular compliance audits
An unlicensed operator has no external accountability. If it refuses to pay winnings, closes accounts without cause, or simply shuts down, players have no formal recourse. A licence changes that equation significantly.
MGA vs. UKGC vs. Curaçao: The Key Differences
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
The MGA is the most important licence for Irish players using foreign bookmakers. Based in Malta — an EU member state — the MGA is one of the most respected gambling regulators in the world. MGA licence holders must segregate player funds (meaning your balance is protected even if the operator becomes insolvent), provide responsible gambling tools, and participate in the European Alternative Dispute Resolution (EADR) process for player complaints.
Most of the vetted bookmakers on AbroadOdds hold MGA licences. The licence number is displayed in the footer and is fully verifiable on the MGA's public register.
UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
The UKGC is arguably the strictest gambling regulator in the world. It imposes stringent player protection requirements including affordability checks, marketing restrictions, and mandatory self-exclusion through GAMSTOP. However, post-Brexit, most UKGC-licensed operators have restricted access for Irish players or left the Irish market entirely to avoid dual regulatory compliance. If you find a UKGC-licensed site that accepts Irish players, the protection level is very high — but always confirm Ireland is an accepted country before registering.
Curaçao eGaming
Curaçao is the most common licence held by international betting sites. It is easier and cheaper to obtain than MGA or UKGC, and the regulatory oversight is less intensive. Player fund segregation is not mandatory, dispute resolution mechanisms are less robust, and enforcement action is less common. That said, many reputable bookmakers hold only Curaçao licences and have long, clean track records. Curaçao is a legitimate licence — it just provides fewer formal protections than MGA.
| Licence | Jurisdiction | Player Protection | Dispute Resolution | Fund Segregation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) | Malta (EU) | High | EADR / MFSA | Mandatory |
| UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) | United Kingdom | Very high | IBAS / ADR schemes | Mandatory |
| Curaçao eGaming | Curaçao (Caribbean) | Moderate | Limited / operator-managed | Not required |
How to Verify a Licence
Verifying a gambling licence takes under two minutes. Here is the process for each regulator:
Licence Verification Checklist
- MGA: Go to mga.org.mt → Licensed Entities → search the operator name or licence number. Confirm the status shows "Active" and the authorised domain matches the site you are using.
- UKGC: Go to gamblingcommission.gov.uk → Check a Licence → search the operator name. Confirm the licence is current and covers the relevant activity (remote betting).
- Curaçao: Check the Curaçao Gaming Control Board register. The licence number in the site footer should match an active entry. Note that Curaçao sub-licences (issued under a master licence) are common — these are valid but provide slightly less regulatory coverage.
Related Pages
- How to verify a foreign betting site is safe — full safety guide
- Responsible gambling tools at foreign sites
- Which gambling licences should you trust? — legal perspective
- Is it legal to use foreign betting sites in Ireland?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best gambling licence for player protection?
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the strongest EU gambling licence for player protection. It requires segregated player funds, mandatory responsible gambling tools, an independent dispute resolution process, and strict financial auditing. The UK Gambling Commission is marginally stricter but less accessible to Irish players.
Does an MGA licence mean a site is safe?
An MGA licence is a strong positive indicator of trustworthiness. It means the operator has passed background checks, maintains segregated player funds, and is subject to ongoing compliance monitoring. While no licence is a complete guarantee, MGA-licensed sites have formal complaint resolution mechanisms that Curaçao-licensed sites lack.
Can Irish players use UKGC-licensed sites?
In practice, most UKGC-licensed bookmakers stopped accepting new Irish customers after Brexit, as operating under both UKGC and Irish regulatory frameworks became commercially unviable for many operators. Some UKGC-licensed sites still accept Irish players, but always verify this before registering.
How do I check if a site has a valid licence?
Visit the regulator's official website. For MGA licences, go to mga.org.mt and search the Licensed Entities register. For UKGC, use the licence checker at gamblingcommission.gov.uk. Search for the operator name or the specific licence number shown in the website footer.