# Is this the real betting site? Ten checks for look-alike and unlicensed sites

> Ten checks to tell a licensed betting site from a look-alike or unlicensed one, using the GRAI register and the Act.

Source: https://bookieledger.com/licence/checklist-spot-a-look-alike-site/
Updated: 2026-11-07

A look-alike site copies a licensed brand's name or design without holding the licence. Ten checks help you spot one: licence number, register match, trading name, domain, company details, payment methods, age label, advert details, claims of approval, and where to report. Impersonating a licensee is an offence under section 111(2).

## What is a look-alike site?

A look-alike site copies the name or look of a licensed brand without holding its licence. Presenting yourself as a licensee is an offence under section 111(2) of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, in force.

We name no specific sites, and nothing here says that any site is a look-alike.

**Bottom line:** a look-alike borrows a licensed brand's identity.

## What are the ten checks?

**Ten checks for look-alike and unlicensed sites · Source · Checked 7 November 2026**

| No. | Check | Pass if | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Number and licensee | Both are shown on the site | Section 110(1)(a)(ii) |
| 2 | Register match | Number, activity RB and dates match the card | [GRAI licence register](https://www.grai.ie/register/licence-register) |
| 3 | Trading name | The brand is listed among the card's trading names | Register card |
| 4 | Domain | The address matches the one in the licensee's terms; the register's domain field is empty | Register card |
| 5 | Company details | Name and address agree across footer and terms | Operator terms |
| 6 | Payment methods | Credit cards are not accepted | Section 165 |
| 7 | Age label | 18+ is stated | Sections 158 and 169 |
| 8 | Advert details | An advert that brought you here shows a number you can match | Section 110(1)(b) |
| 9 | Claims | No claim of approval by the regulator is made | Register entry only |
| 10 | Reporting | You know where to report a suspect site | GRAI Enforcement page |

Check 8 uses section 110(1)(b), which requires a licensee to state its registration number in its advertising. Whether that is identical to the register's Licence Number is not confirmed, so match the number as shown.

**Bottom line:** a match on number, trading name and domain is the strongest signal.

## What if a check fails?

If three or more checks fail, do not deposit. Report a suspect site to GRAI through its [Enforcement](https://www.grai.ie/enforcement) page. Advertising complaints can go to the [ASA](https://adstandards.ie/).

Run the full [register check](https://bookieledger.com/licence/check-grai-register/) before you act.

**Bottom line:** stop at one failure on the licence, and report what you find.

## Sources

- [Irish Statute Book](https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/act/35/enacted/en/html), sections 110, 111, 158, 165 and 169.
- [GRAI licence register](https://www.grai.ie/register/licence-register), read 7 November 2026, and GRAI Enforcement.

**Bottom line:** the Act and GRAI pages support each check.

## Where to go next

- Read [can unlicensed sites operate legally](https://bookieledger.com/licence/can-unlicensed-sites-operate-legally/).
- Follow [the licence number on operator sites](https://bookieledger.com/licence/licence-number-on-operator-sites/).
- Run the [checklist before you deposit](https://bookieledger.com/licence/checklist-before-you-deposit/).

**Bottom line:** each link stays inside this site.

## What changed?

No changes recorded since first publication on 7 November 2026.

**Bottom line:** this is the first version of the page.