Forget the GRAI, discover international games licences
One of the keys to trusting a sports betting site is to check its licence. The Gambling Regulatory Authority is well known to most Irish gamblers. However, the authority is quite restrictive, simply because player protection is an excuse to levy as much tax as possible. International licences are less restrictive and guarantee the bettor's online security. Here are the main ones on the list.
The GRAI and other local authorities
The GRAI stands for the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. It is the Irish structure responsible for controlling the conduct of all types of online gambling, including sports betting. On closer examination, the institution collects taxes on the backs of punters and ultimately makes it difficult for them to place sports bets. In fact, all the bookmakers under this structure are taxed, which forces them to reduce their odds and sometimes set very low maximum bets that are not profitable for the winning player. In the end, through their policies, these bookmakers stand out as the enemies of the big bettors.
Like the GRAI, there are several other local authorities, such as the Commission des Jeux de Hasard in Belgium, the Gambling Commission in the United Kingdom and the LJAr in Switzerland. All these authorities have the real mission of collecting information from players in their territories in order to levy taxes. So if you want to bet without the constraints of the Irish Gambling Authority, opt for operators with an international licence.
Curaçao e-gaming
This is the main international online gaming authority. It works hard for the security of players. It ensures the smooth operation of online money activities, reduces fraud and fights money laundering. When you see this authority's logo on a sports betting site, it is a guarantee of the security and reliability of the offer. The Curaçao e-gaming licence is issued not only to sports betting sites, but also to online casinos and various lottery gaming sites.
The largest international operators have a Curaçao licence:
#1
N°1 foreign bookmaker
| Min. deposit: €10 |
| €122 |
| 100% of first deposit |
This is the most popular foreign sports betting site for Irish players. It's comprehensive, easy to use and offers excellent odds.
New and already at the top
| Min. deposit: €1 |
| €100 |
| 100% of first deposit |
Launched in 2020, this operator applies the methods that work: wide choice, no restrictions, great odds, numerous payment methods, etc.
Adequate and comprehensive
| Min. deposit: €10 |
| €1.000 |
| 100% of the first 4 deposits |
Direct access from Ireland, without blocking. All offshore sports betting offers (+eSport +casino) immediately accessible.
Simple and sufficient
| Min. deposit: €100 |
| No bonus |
This broker offers 2 ways to access the entire international betting market:
BLACK (aggregator of Asian bookmakers) & Orbit (Betting Exchange)
Malta gambling Authority
This is another internationally highly regarded online gambling regulatory authority. This institution was created following the Lotteries Act 2001. It regulates gaming and supports the various operators in a policy of technological innovation. It guarantees the rules of responsible gambling, protects vulnerable people and prohibits minors from registering on online gambling sites. Working alongside players, the institution helps them to rationalise their gambling and avoid taking unnecessary risks. All gambling operators applying for a Malta Gambling Authority licence must agree to comply with every part of the authority's remit.
Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
This authority actually came into being in 2000. Among other things, it oversees the confidentiality of data held by users of online gambling sites. It deals with everything to do with electronic communications and issues licences to sites wishing to work with it. It handles complaints from customers of these sites and settles any disputes Through its advice, it also supports players.
Kahnawake gaming commission
Created in 1996, this authority issues licences to online gambling operators to this day. It protects fans of sports betting, online casinos, poker rooms, etc., and enables them to play under good conditions.
