Where to bet without a GRAI license in 2024?

Here, I have listed my selection of foreign betting sites that allow for offshore sports betting safely, and with all the advantages of offshore sports betting sites.

Betting site	Description
	22bet was originally a copy of 1xbet but it soon distinguished itself from them by having its own licence and also by offering gamblers a unique betting experience. The betting site maintains an extensive market and best-in-class odds while also offering handicaps, daily bonuses and mobile apps. More information on 22bet’s complete fact sheet.
	This sports betting provider has a European licence (from Curacaos) and offers a wide array of bets with very attractive odds. MrXbet is recognized for its credibility; winning gamblers are never turned away and payments are not blocked. More details on MrXbet's detailed information sheet.
	Perfect for beginners but very well stocked with betting options, 20bet is a recent (2020) bookmaker with a great track record. Customer support is responsive. More information on 20bet’s complete fact sheet.
	New foreign operator (2022). It has all the good points of foreign betting sites (choice, odds, limits) with the seriousness of the Curaçao licence. In addition to its classic 100% sports bonus, it regularly offers cashback. More details on BetLiveCasino's detailed review.
	Another major Russian bookmaker that accepts us without a question through a really easy anf fast registrering process. Odds are high, live streaming on major events is free with a impressive live betting offer. The operator also proposes simple and complete mobile apps. Read more about melbet in my review.
	This is a Russian betting site that accepts Irish players even with an IP address and postal address in England. The odds are exceptional, the kinds of bets are immense and large wagers are accepted. Winning players are not banished and payments are not blocked. The site also offers an excellent opportunity for live playing which is free for subscribers and many other promotions that are available to all--not just new players ;) Find more information on 1xbet’s detailed fact sheet.

While the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland only authorizes a minority of betting sites to offer their services on the Irish internet, bettors are increasingly turning to betting sites without a GRAI license.

In the previous list, I listed the sites for betting abroad, which are the betting sites, but there is another type of operator known as brokers. To find out which type of site suits you best, check out the section which foreign betting site or broker should you choose?

💡 Betting without GRAI, definition

Betting on a site without the Irish GRAI license means placing online bets on gambling sites that are not approved by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) in Ireland. Betting sites without GRAI do not comply with Irish regulations, which can pose risks for players, such as the absence of legal protection, fraudulent practices, or difficulties in withdrawing winnings.

Betting sites without a GRAI license, or non-GRAI, foreign or international, are not necessarily unlicensed betting sites that ignore regulations. They must have a gambling license to operate and offer payment systems to players. Most often, the license used is from Curaçao or Malta, which are reputable and solid international licenses. However, the sites do not always display this license to avoid being blocked in Ireland.

Is it legal to bet on an unregulated site in Ireland?

It is theoretically forbidden to bet on a site that has not paid the GRAI license and does not pay its taxes in Ireland. But no sanctions are applied to players who bet on foreign sites, this is a European right.

Betting offshore is illegal, but not punished. It is the foreign bookmakers that will be prosecuted, but don’t worry, in case of sanctions, the site will no longer accept Irish players but you will still access it via the application (or the operator will give you another alternative URL to access it, this is called a mirror site).

What are the risks of betting on a foreign site?

The first risk is selecting a site that is a scam. To avoid this, trust those who genuinely bet on international sites and discussion forums.

Why are 1xbet or SBObet banned in Ireland?

The good old days when you could access any international betting site and bet at the best odds without restriction are over. For over 10 years, operators have been constrained in their offers, markets, payout rates, communication to players, limits, etc., because they must obtain a license from the Irish administration to advertise on Irish soil.
That's why only betclic.ie or unibet.ie, which offer completely limited options, are seen on screens and billboards. Major betting sites without a GRAI license are invisible to Irish consumers, unless you search a bit. Congratulations, you are in the right place.

You understand, 1xbet or SBObet are banned in Ireland so that those who pay their heavy taxes in the country can advertise to bettors.

And as the GRAI puts pressure on these operators, little by little, they decide to stop accepting Irish players. But from time to time, these operators launch new brands with almost identical offers. By regularly checking foreignbookmakers.com, you will stay informed and can bet without limits with the biggest ones.

Do I have to declare my sports betting winnings from foreign sites?

Generally no, but sometimes yes.

Whether your winnings are from a site licensed in Ireland or elsewhere, sports betting winnings are declared in the same way.

First case: like most people, you are an occasional player

In this case, your gambling winnings, whatever they may be, are not taxed.

Second case: sports betting winnings are your primary source of income

In this case, you will be classified as a "professional player" by the tax authorities and must declare your winnings. No matter which betting site you use (and you can bet on multiple sites), the tax authorities don't care and won't punish you. However, if you don't declare, they can punish you, but they have to find out first :S.

Why bet without a GRAI license?

Despite the prohibitions of the national regulator (which, we remind you, are not enforceable), many online bettors choose to place their bets on betting sites licensed by foreign commissions. These structures are more attractive than those approved by the GRAI for various reasons. Indeed, offshore sportsbooks have qualities that no Irish betting site possesses.

Among the main characteristics that tip the balance:

More attractive odds and chances of winning;
Much higher bonuses and promotions;
A larger player community;
A variety of deposit and withdrawal solutions;
The ability to play online casino games;
The opportunity to bet on other sports themes.

Why choose a foreign bookmaker without a VPN?

You understand the benefits of offshore betting, but I want to emphasize that you should absolutely ban the idea of using a VPN when signing up with a foreign betting site.

⚠️The misguided advice given by some people who either sell VPNs or don't know better is that you can simply sign up with a VPN and access any offer. If you do this, you may be able to deposit and bet, but you will never be able to withdraw your winnings!

This is really the beginner's mistake to avoid; forums are full of examples of disappointed bettors who complain because their account is blocked and they cry scam. ALL bookmakers, whether licensed in Ireland or not, prohibit the use of VPNs and wait for you to withdraw money to verify.

How to select a betting site without a GRAI license?

I detail for you three essential points when betting on sports abroad (or in Ireland) in 2024.

Is there a mobile application?

It's not something you necessarily think about, but you would surely be tempted to take your sportsbook wherever you go. A foreign bookmaker like 22bet, for example, provides its customers with an app compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows Phone models. Of course, it will be preferable to have a foreign account to use this app with peace of mind. Nevertheless, being able to bet on the match of your choice at any time of the day and wherever you are is priceless!

Is the range of sports extensive?

Of course, the operator must offer you a range of sports that meets your expectations. A sportsbook like 1xBet provides users with a wide variety of very targeted disciplines as well as a large number of regional competitions and championships. In addition to sports, give major importance to the odds and types of bets. The more elaborate and numerous the bets, the greater the chances of winning big.

Is the website reliable and secure?

It is essential that you play reliably and securely. It is also crucial that your privacy is respected and that your confidentiality is not compromised. If you use a paid VPN, your security will already be guaranteed. However, make sure that the foreign sport betting site uses an https protocol and that the data is encrypted via 128-bit SSL technology.

Back to the list of the best sites to bet without an Irish license.