Irish Betting Sites – Review of Online Sports Betting in Ireland

The Top Irish Betting Sites 2024 – Great Bookmakers for Irish Punters

*T&C’s apply! 18+

The Best Online Betting Sites with Cash Out in Ireland

*18+, New Customers only. Bet €10* & Get €30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between €5* and €10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply. gamblingcare.ie

*T&C’s apply! 18+

*T&C’s apply! 18+

*T&C’s apply! 18+

New Betting Sites in Ireland

How Irish Betting Sites Are Reviewed and Compared

The Ireland betting sites featured in this review are thoroughly tested so that you can find the right one for you quickly and easily. Each bookmaker is properly regulated and licensed. Security is a top priority, so we assess how well the site protects your personal and financial information. The quality of the site is also important. We look at how easy it is to navigate and use, both on desktops and mobile devices.

Bonuses and promotions are another important factor. We check what offers are available to new and existing customers and how fair and attractive they are. The variety of sports covered and markets offered is, of course, paramount, as it determines the range of betting options available to you. We also compare the odds to see how competitive they are.

We assess the in-play betting and live streaming capabilities to evaluate the live betting experience. We also review the range of payment methods and their processing times to ensure that they are convenient and fair. Lastly, we assess the quality of customer care. By examining these factors carefully, you will have a realistic overview of what each sportsbook has to offer.

The Importance of Licensing in Irish Sports Betting

Currently, gambling, including sports betting, is legal in Ireland and regulated under the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015. This law governs all betting activities, both online and offline, and ensures that the industry is run in a safe and fair manner.

Sports betting is regulated by the Revenue Commissioners and it is currently responsible for issuing operating licences. To legally operate in Ireland, bookmakers must obtain a Remote Bookmaker’s Licence and they can only do this by adhering to strict standards of security, fairness, and customer protection. As such, whether looking at an established bookmaker or new betting sites, it is imperative to check that they have a valid licence.

However, the Irish gambling landscape is about to change. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is set to become the new statutory body responsible for licensing and regulation. It will focus on public safety and well-being, covering both online and in-person gambling. The GRAI will have the authority to regulate advertising, gambling websites, and apps.

The new legislation will streamline the existing laws and it will also introduce measures to protect consumers, such as a National Gambling Exclusion Register and a Social Impact Fund to address gambling addiction.

Bookmakers will continue to pay a betting duty of 2% on all bets placed by Irish customers, contributing to state revenue. Bettors in Ireland do not have to pay tax on their winnings unless the individual is considered a professional gambler, but this is a very rare situation.

How to Bet Safely and Securely in Ireland

While it is tempting to look for new Irish betting sites with the most generous odds and largest bonuses, the safety and security of a site should be your first priority. You should only bet with bookmakers that use advanced encryption technology, such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS), to protect your personal and financial information from prying eyes.

Similarly, a reputable bookmaker will provide reliable customer support to assist with any disputes, ensuring issues are resolved fairly and promptly. Furthermore, the bookmaker should have a comprehensive, responsible gambling policy and provide tools such as self-exclusion options and deposit limits to help manage your gambling.

There are several third-party organisations that play a role in ensuring fair play and security, and it is worth looking for bookmakers affiliated with them. For instance, eCOGRA certifies the fairness and integrity of games. The European Gaming and Betting Association sets high standards for responsible gaming. The European Sports Security Association monitors betting patterns to prevent fraud, while the Independent Betting Adjudication Service offers dispute resolution.

For support with problem gambling, organisations like GamCare and GamStop provide valuable resources and assistance. In Ireland, the Health Service Executive (HSE) offers support and treatment services for gambling addiction, ensuring that help is readily available for those in need.

Assessing the Quality of Irish Bookmakers

Before registering with any online bookmaker, you should first explore the website to see if it meets your preferences and needs. If it doesn’t cover the sports that you wish to bet on, you find the layout difficult or it doesn’t work on your preferred device, then there is little point in joining the sportsbook.

The website should be designed in a way that you find appealing and intuitive. Navigation is hugely important, especially if the site covers multiple global sporting events. Therefore, look for a well-organised menu that makes it easy to find sports, markets, and betting options.

How easy it is to get started at the site is also important. A straightforward and quick registration process is a must and ideally, the site will streamline the process while ensuring that all necessary security checks are in place.

Overall, a high-quality website with a user-friendly experience will greatly add to your enjoyment. As such, be sure to take the time to carefully evaluate a site before signing up.

How to Register for Online Betting Sites Ireland

Registering for online betting sites should be straightforward and typically involve just a few steps. First, you’ll need to visit the bookmaker’s website and click on the “Sign Up” or “Register” button. This will take you to a form where you’ll enter personal details, such as your name, address, date of birth, and email address.

Next, you’ll create a username and password. Some Irish betting sites may ask you to set security questions for added protection. After completing this, you’ll need to verify your identity. This usually involves uploading a copy of a government-issued ID and a recent utility bill to confirm your address.

Once your identity is verified, you’ll be asked to choose your preferred payment method for deposits and withdrawals. After completing these steps, your account will be ready, and you can claim any welcome bonuses on offer and start betting.

Bonuses and Promotions at Top Betting Sites

As mentioned above, it is tempting to look for the bookmaker with the biggest bonus offer, and bonuses are certainly important when choosing a new online bookie. At the best online betting sites Ireland licences, bonuses and promotions not only offer more chances to win but can also help your bankroll go further.

Sign-up offers are incentives provided to new customers when they register with an online bookmaker. They can come in various forms, including:

When choosing a sign-up bonus, consider factors such as the amount offered, wagering requirements, the validity period, and minimum odds. Wagering requirements dictate how many times you need to bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw your winnings. Ensure the validity period is long enough to meet these requirements and check the minimum odds to understand which bets qualify for the bonus.

After claiming a sign-up bonus, a good online bookmaker will offer several more bonuses to members:

Bonus offers and promotions tend to be updated on a very regular basis, so it is always worth checking a bookmakers’ promotions page and opting in to marketing communications.

Understanding Deposits and Withdrawals at Irish Bookies

Depositing and withdrawing funds at Irish online bookmakers should be a straightforward process, thanks to a variety of payment methods on offer.

Debit cards are among the most popular options, with Visa and Mastercard widely accepted. They offer a quick and easy way to fund your account and most people already possess one. Withdrawals to debit cards are also simple, though they can take a few days to process.

Bank transfers are another reliable method, especially for larger transactions. While they provide a secure way to move money, the processing times are longer, with deposits and withdrawals taking several days to complete. However, some banks do offer speedier transfer services online and these are popular.

PayPal has gained popularity due to its speed and security. As an e-wallet, PayPal allows for instant deposits and faster withdrawals compared to traditional bank methods, often completing transactions within 24 hours. Its widespread use and trustworthiness make it a favoured option among Irish bettors.

paysafecard is a prepaid card that offers a secure way to deposit funds without the need to link to a bank account or credit card. This method is ideal for those who prioritize privacy and security, as it allows for deposits without sharing personal banking details online.

Revolut, a digital banking app, has also become increasingly popular in Ireland. It offers fast and easy transactions, and many new betting sites Ireland has to offer now accept Revolut for both deposits and withdrawals.

Choosing the right payment method depends on your preferences for speed, convenience, and security. Be sure to check the bookmaker’s payment policies for any fees or limits associated with each method so that you are not caught out. Before joining a bookmaker, it is worth taking the time to look through the available payment methods to check if there are a few that you are comfortable using.

Top Sports to Bet on in Ireland

A wide range of sports are bet on in Ireland, but some are more popular than others. At the leading sports betting sites Ireland has to offer, the most popular sports to bet on include football, horse racing, Gaelic games, rugby, and golf.

Football is the leading sport for betting in Ireland. Bettors can place bets on various markets, such as match outcomes, goal scorers, and specific events within a game, like the number of corners or yellow cards. Live betting is particularly popular, allowing bettors to place bets as the game progresses and adapt their strategies to the changing dynamics on the field.

Horse racing is also a favourite among Irish bettors. Bets can be placed on individual races, with options including win, place, and each-way bets. Major events like the Irish Derby and the Cheltenham Festival attract a huge amount of betting interest. Online bookmakers often provide detailed racecards and live streaming to enhance the betting experience.

Of course, in Ireland Gaelic football and hurling have a dedicated following. Betting on these sports typically involves predicting match winners, point spreads, and total scores. Rugby, particularly during the Six Nations Championship and major international tournaments, is another popular sport to bet on. Common bets include match results, try scorers, and point margins. Golf betting is also popular, especially around major tournaments such as the Masters and the Open Championship. Bets can be placed on outright winners, top finishers, and head-to-head matchups.

While these may be the most popular sports to bet on in Ireland, a high-quality bookmaker will cover many more sports, allowing fans of every sport to back their favourites.

Esports Explained – An Exciting New World of Betting Opportunities

Esports betting is a relatively new field, but it has exploded in popularity. Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming where players or teams compete against each other in various games. Popular esports games include League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, and Fortnite. The competitions draw large audiences, both online and in-person, with professional players and teams participating in tournaments for vast prize money.

Esports betting works similarly to traditional sports betting. Punters can place bets on the outcomes of matches or tournaments, as well as specific in-game events. Common betting markets include match winner, map winner, total maps played, and first blood (first kill) in games like League of Legends and Dota 2. Bookmakers often provide live streaming and real-time statistics, allowing you to follow the action and make informed betting decisions.

What Virtual Sports Offer Bettors

Virtual sports are computer-generated simulations of real sports events, designed to recreate the action and excitement of traditional sports for times when there is no live action to bet on. These simulations are created using advanced algorithms and graphics to produce realistic outcomes and visuals. Online betting sites often offer several virtual sports, including virtual football, horse racing, greyhound racing, basketball, and tennis.

Betting on virtual sports is very similar to betting on real sports. The main difference is that virtual sports events are available 24/7, with new events starting every few minutes. This allows for non-stop betting opportunities without waiting for real-world matches. You will find that the markets offered are very similar to when betting on live events and include match winners, race winners, over/under goals, and more.

After placing your bets, you can watch the action unfold in real time, watch a speeded-up version, or just skip straight to the results. The results are determined by the underlying algorithms, ensuring fairness and unpredictability, much like real sports events.

Understanding Markets, Bets and Odds – The Heart of Sports Betting

To make the most of the opportunities offered by an online bookmaker, you need to understand the different types of markets and bets that are offered. While many sports share markets, such as the event winner, there are some markets that are sport-specific.

The term ‘betting markets’ refers to the different types of bets you can place on an event. For football, common markets include match result (win, lose, draw), both teams to score, over/under goals, and correct score. In horse racing, popular markets are win, place, and each-way bets. For tennis, you can bet on match winners, set winners, and total games played. Often, there are a vast number of markets available for an event and each allows you to bet on a slightly different aspect of it.

When it comes to the types of bets you can place, there are several to be aware of. Single bets involve wagering on a single outcome, while parlay bets, often called accumulators, combine multiple selections into one bet, with all selections needing to win for a payout. System bets, such as Trixie, Yankee, and Heinz, are most common in horse racing and they allow for multiple combinations of bets from a selected group, which gives you a safety net if one or more of your selections lose.

You will add your bets to a betslip. It allows you to manage multiple bets, calculate potential winnings, and adjust your stake. The betslip shows your chosen markets, types of bets (single, accumulator, system), and the corresponding odds.

A proper understanding of odds is essential to successful sports betting. Odds represent the probability of an event occurring and determine the payout of a winning bet. They can be presented in fractional (e.g., 5/1), decimal (e.g., 6.00), or American (e.g., +500) formats. Fractional odds are most common at Irish sportsbooks, and they show the profit relative to the amount bet. For example, if you bet €10 on odds of 5/1 and win, your profit would be €50 (€10 x 5), plus you get your initial €10 stake back, for a total payout of €60.

How Technology is Shaping the Future of Sports Betting

While the basics of sports betting are thousands of years old, technological innovations are introducing exciting changes. For example, omnichannel integration has made sports betting more convenient than ever before and allows bettors to bet from desktop, mobiles or in shops with a single account.

Blockchain technology is increasing transparency and security in the industry through decentralized and tamper-proof transactions​, while the rise of cryptocurrency has allowed for faster, more secure, and borderless transactions, making it easier for bettors to participate globally.

One of the biggest changes is coming about through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies are able to analyse huge datasets to provide accurate odds and personalized betting recommendations, giving bettors more opportunities than ever before. At the same time, they are also helping to improve fraud detection​​.

One area that holds great potential is Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). These technologies could allow punters to virtually attend events or see real-time data overlays during live broadcasts​. Coupled with the integration of social network features, there is the potential for a truly social and community-based sports betting experience at home.

It is impossible to predict what the future may hold for sports betting, but based upon current emerging technologies, it is sure to be an exciting time.

Advanced Tips to Start Betting Like a Pro

If you want to enhance your sports betting strategy, consider these tips that are commonly followed by advanced bettors:

FAQ

• question_answer What Is the Best Sports Betting Site in Ireland?
  There are many high-quality betting sites in Ireland and the best one will be down to individual taste. You can explore our reviews of the leading sports betting sites, such as bet365, William Hill, and Mr Green, to find the one that best meets your needs. We only review sites that are safe and known for their competitive odds, wide range of markets, user-friendly interfaces, and excellent customer service.
• question_answer Can You Bet Online in Ireland?
  Yes, you can bet online in Ireland legally and safely. Online sports betting is regulated under the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015. There are several licenced betting sites in Ireland that operate online platforms to allow you to place bets on sports, casino games, and more from the comfort of your home or from your mobile device.
• question_answer How Do I Bet on Sports in Ireland?
  To bet on sports in Ireland, choose from our recommended bookmakers, create an account and deposit funds. You can then browse the available sports and markets, select your bets, and enter your bet amount. Confirm your bet to place it. The entire process is simple and if you stick with reputable sportsbooks, such as those on this page, then you can be sure of it being a safe and enjoyable experience.
• question_answer Which Is the Safest Betting Market?
  No market guarantees a win, but some markets are considered safer than others. Match result (win, lose, draw) and over/under goals markets are generally seen as more straightforward and safer compared to correct score or both teams to score. These simpler markets have fewer variables and are easier to predict. The shorter the odds on a betting market, the safer it is considered to be.
• question_answer Where Can I See My Bets at the Bookmaker?
  You can see your bets at a bookmaker by logging into your account and navigating to the “My Bets” or “Bet History” section. Here you will find all your active and settled bets, providing details on the amount staked, potential returns, and outcomes. You will also be able to see your bets on the betslip, which is often displayed in the bottom right corner of the screen.
• question_answer How Many Betting Sites Are There in Ireland?
  There are numerous online betting sites Ireland has to offer, with several bookmakers having been licenced. More licences are being awarded all the time, so the number is forever changing. There is a register of licenced bookmakers published by the Irish Tax and Customs office on a monthly basis, so it is easy to check if a bookmaker that you are interested in holds a licence.
• question_answer What Is the Safest Online Betting Site?
  The safest online betting sites are those that are fully licenced and regulated. To receive a gambling licence, a site will have to prove that it upholds extremely high standards of safety and fairness. In Ireland, there are several such sites, including bet365, William Hill, 888sport and Mr Green.