Ireland has always been one of Europe’s gambling Meccas and, as a team of trustedbookmaker.com, we couldn’t forget this amazing country. Even though it might not have the glamour of some other places, it’s a legitimate powerhouse in the sports betting world. And that’s precisely what prompted us to come up with a one-size-fits-all guide to betting sites in Ireland.
You might be wondering why we’re doing this now. Well, the last decade featured several legal changes and the introduction of many new bookmakers. Irish punters really have it good, and it’s hard not to be jealous. But in order to understand our jealousy, you need to join us on our deep dive into the best Irish bookies.
We wanted to gather as much data as possible throughout our comprehensive review. That’s why this blog contains info on everything – from the lists themselves to mini-guides. It’s the ultimate war chest to prepare you for every future slip.
If you’re willing to put the work in and devise a strategy, then bear with us. Don’t be afraid to ask if something is unclear or if you want to chat. But, first and foremost, let’s take a look at what quality betting sites in Ireland has to offer!
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
Bet £10 Get £30
Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) T&C Apply
Bet £10 and Get Two £15 Free Bets
New customers using Promo code H30 only, Min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply.T&C Apply
What does ‘best’ even mean in this context? In all honesty, that’s a pretty good question. Are we talking about popularity or a specific set of features? Now that we think about it, the answer is both. If a betting site is good enough, they’re bound to attract a lot of Irish players. That’s how it goes most of the time.
But we also don’t want to promote unwarranted popularity. Therefore, we believe it’s best if we combine these two facets of Irish bookmakers. Every site on our list is not only extensively tested but also monitored over the course of several weeks or even months in some cases.
And while we’ve been testing all these betting sites Ireland has, there were some pretty interesting patterns popping up. That’s what got us thinking – what makes the best bookmakers for Irish punters? Well, it’s hard to scale things down to just a few features, but every good sports betting site must:
Accept EUR. Since this is the national currency of Ireland, you’re going to want to find a bookie that accepts euro payments. This isn’t a problem like it once was, but there are still sites that don’t want to get their banking section in order. Making euro deposits is great because you get to save a lot of money on conversation rates. Exchange rates are always expensive, whether charged by online exchanges or your online banking app. Finding EUR deposit bookies is the first step towards taking punts economically.
Have a simple design. Now this one is more down to taste. Some people actually love over the top design solutions and in-your-face graphics. But our team is a bit old school in this department. There are certain design rules that have to be followed. You won’t even notice things such as contrasts, table borders, and fonts, but they play an important role in your experience. There are Irish bookmakers that just slap on a theme they saw online and call it a day. You’re going to spend a lot of time reading content on the site. Make sure you can find your way around and get what you want.
Be licensed. It’s 2024, and there’s no reason to play at unlicensed sites. Seriously, there are just so many advantages when it comes to legal bookies. Not only do you get legal representation in case something goes wrong, but you can almost guarantee that the site is indeed legit. The Irish An Roinn Dlí agus Cirt (Department of Justice) handles the enforcement of gambling-related laws in the country. If they, or perhaps, a foreign regulator, have given some betting site a thumbs up, it’s basically the ultimate seal of approval. So stay away from bookies with no licence or a license from a sketchy regulator.
Offer a lot of extras. Everyone can scan the upcoming Premier League or La Liga matches and promote them incessantly. Since there are so many bookmakers in Ireland, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than excellence. When we’re testing our top picks, we make sure that each site has something unique, something that sets them apart from the rest. Whether it’s great bonuses, high odds, or a fun system, it can be just about anything. It takes these kinds of things for us to even take a bookie into consideration.
It’s important to remember that these things we have mentioned are just basic suggestions. Think of them as pillars, or starting points, if you will. Follow your gut and trust your preferences. That’s by far the most important advice we could give you before you start your search.
Of course, take a look at our recommendations. These Irish betting sites embody all the qualities we like to see in online bookmakers and then some. But they might not be up to par with your specific standards.
Are you a fan of winter sports? What about free bets? Do you want to have instruction videos in the FAQ section? Albeit minor in the grand scheme, these things do matter. Before creating any sort of account, take a few moments and think. Or better yet, list all the things you want to see.
That should lead you down a much clearer patch. But again, there are some things to be done before we get into the nitty-gritty. It’s important to know the sports betting laws in Ireland. Let’s take a quick look at the history of the Irish and taking punts.
Let’s just get a few things out of the way. Yes, the ideal situation would be that your online bookmaker has an Irish sports betting license. However, there are lots of brands that go directly to the Department of Justice and go through the necessary process to be a licensed operator.
However, this isn’t mandatory. Irish bookmakers don’t actually have to be registered in Ireland in order to accept Irish players. There’s no way anyone can enforce Irish laws onto a site that’s based elsewhere.
What licenses should you aim for? Well, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) are both good choices. Gibraltar, Sweden, and Italy are, too.
But let’s take a quick look at how things developed over the years. There’s a lot of interesting stuff about the history of sports betting in Ireland.
Gambling has been an Irish pastime for as long as anyone can remember. However, the first laws regulating the activity were passed in the 1850s. 1854 saw the Betting Act become the official framework. It outlined the permitted activities, along with things such as taxation and minor details.
The law was fit for use for more than 70 years before getting an update. 1931 was significant, as that year’s Betting Act expanded on sports betting as a whole. Still, the biggest change occurred with the passing of the 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act.
It was basically an intervention by the Government. They wanted to expand casino games beyond private members’ clubs and similar venues. This also included poker, which Irish authorities wanted to capitalise on.
But the real change came in the late 1990s and early 2000s. That’s when various sports betting brands realised the potential of the internet. The first sites may have been a bit rough around the edges, but they had all the freedom in the world. Ireland, or any other country for that matter, didn’t legally recognise the existence of online sports betting.
That put the whole industry in a bit of a predicament, especially the players. Since no one knew what to watch out for, it was pretty much the wild west out there. Nowadays, things are more tame, but there are still important questions that need to be raised. So let’s take a look at the current situation concerning sports betting in Ireland.
Online sports betting is legal in Ireland. Bookmakers can, as we said, contact the Department of Justice and apply for a remote gambling license. Technically, offshore bookies must pay taxes and respect laws, but this is an aspect that’s seldomly enforced. Don’t worry about it; it doesn’t affect you – the player.
The hottest topic in Irish sports betting was the Gambling Control Bill of 2013. Unfortunately, it wasn’t actually passed, and it remains in limbo to this day. Alan Shatter from Fine Gael authored this proposed bill. It would regulate both online and offline gambling.
There were developments on other fronts, too. The Gaming and Lotteries Act of 2019 also saw significant changes. It technically permitted low-stakes online bets. This, of course, opened the floodgates and allowed online bookmakers in Ireland to operate more freely.
Several dozen brands have applied for Irish licenses, which has a lot to do with the low corporate tax rate in the country. As of early 2024, there seem to be even more companies joining the market. Players will become the biggest benefactors of these market changes. Expect to see more great bonuses, exotic markets, and other attractive aspects of sports betting we know and love.
Another act that’s still in force is the Betting Act of 2015. It proposes fines for any operator that offers betting services without a license. We referred to this act when picking out our recommended bookmakers. That’s why you can always count to see the latest entries, no matter how new the site is.
The bottom line is that you pretty much have nothing to worry about when it comes to playing at betting sites in Ireland. Laws don’t really affect the player that much, and with each passing day, things are looking even better.
Now that we know what the law says, it’s time to get to the juicy stuff. So when you’re faced with exciting new bookmakers, what should you do? Well, we thought of that, so there’s a guide on choosing the best Irish bookies waiting for you. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Honestly, Irish punters are really spoiled compared to most other European countries. And we mean this in the best possible way. The Government has done a nice job regulating the market and allowing it to grow at the same time, which is something few nations have been able to accomplish.
This means that there are lots of options available on a daily basis. Our team loves these situations, obviously. But there’s a lot to be said about making the right choice. What are even the signs of a good Irish bookmaker? That’s a good question, so we thought about it for a while.
It took a lot of deliberation, but our team was finally able to decide on an ultimate list of desirable traits. Some of them might seem odd at first, but we’ll explain each one briefly. So, without further ado, here’s what betting sites Ireland need to have:
Licensing means a lot in online sports betting. From the Government’s standpoint, it means the bookie is financially stable enough, as they’ve paid the licensing fees. Then again, that also implies that they won’t scam Irish citizens.
Think of it as a pledge every bookie has to take. They accept certain laws and regulations in exchange for permission to operate in Ireland. Encryption and security certificates are important, too.
Legality is just the start of your journey, really. It’s the minimum requirement to even consider a bookie. The next step involves seeing if there are things to keep you occupied. Twenty sports should be the least you should settle for. That’s a good enough rotation, for starters.
But markets need to be abundant, too. According to our estimates, the ideal PL match should have around 100 different bet types, including props. The number goes down with less popular leagues, but it’s a good starting point.
If you’re an experienced punter, you know why in-play betting is so popular. It’s the easiest and quickest way to turn a profit. But, of course, it comes with significant risks, especially if you’re chasing a comeback in a football match. That’s why you should look at this aspect carefully.
Does the site change odds instantly, or are the holes in the system? How quickly do bets get resolved? Can you include live betting markets into promos? These questions will all impact your experience. Find the answers, and you’ll have a good time.
Unless you’re a hardcore pro, profits shouldn’t mean that much in the short run. The main objective is always to have a good time. If you win some money, great. But there is a point to be made about thinking long-term.
Settling for a few euros less on your acca may not seem like much today. But if you do the same thing on a weekly basis, how much money is that over the course of a year? Don’t be wasteful. Optimise your budget.
Many Irish punters love betting on the go. And we do, too, honestly. It’s a nice way to maintain healthy gambling habits. With just a tap or two, you can support your favourite team with a few props. Or even back up the banter you had with your mates.
Whether it’s iOS or Android, the betting app has to be stable and easy to use. If it is, that means the company cares about its players. Check the app reviews and take those impressions into consideration.
Why shouldn’t you be able to dip before you lose? The cash out feature is simply too good not to use it. If your acca is losing on its last leg, recuperating some of the winnings can mean a lot. Of course, this is never a huge amount. But over time, it can strengthen your budget.
Bookies with cashout signs all over the site know what Irish players are looking for. Just ensure that the cash out rates are fair.
Bigger bonuses are always better, but the size isn’t everything. It’s more important to have fair promos than lucrative ones. For instance, a 5€ bet with no strings attached is better than the one you have to play through 30+ times.
Always read the Terms and Conditions. If they’re fair and simply written, the bookmaker is playing fair.
Simply put, you should be treated like a VIP if you’re spending like one. Bettors above the casual level should always go for a bookie with a fair loyalty program. Bets every day can convert into a lot of points over time.
The best rewards are free bets, top-ups, and insurance. Some sites are even brazen enough to give out Champions League tickets to their most loyal customers.
What payment options do you use in everyday life? Is it a credit card or PayPal? How about online vouchers? With so many platforms, betting sites Ireland have to adjust pretty frequently.
You can adjust, too. Before making any sort of pledge, or creating an account, browse through the bookie’s banking section. If the deposit limits are low and bonuses don’t require gargantuan payments, then you’re dealing with a player-friendly site. Knowing what’s available saves a lot of time, as well.
Everyone needs help from time to time. Think ahead before you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. Check if the support speaks good English or Irish, and ask them about your rights and obligation.
And knows – establishing rapport with agents can lead to some free bonuses, exclusive deals, and more. All that can help you feel like a VIP.
Irish punters have a very specific taste in sports. And bookies should have this mind! However, a versatile offer doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice for GAA, football, and everything else. Niche bookies may not be a thing anymore, but certain brands do have an edge in some categories. And it’s our duty to see what these sites are. That’s why we tested some of the top names for these six sports. Take a look at each list, analyse the current offers, and see if you should go for it. Of course, all of them are legal and have a positive reputation. Good luck!
Do you want to want some good League of Ireland Premier Division betting sites? Well, you’re in the right place. We paid special attention to bookmakers that offer good odds on domestic footy. This is a must in our book. Of course, who can forget about the Big Five leagues of Europe?
For good measure, we also added a pinch of lower league English football. That’s what our top football betting sites Ireland have to offer.
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
Bet £10 Get £30
Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) T&C Apply
Bet £10 and Get Two £15 Free Bets
New customers using Promo code H30 only, Min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply.T&C Apply
Gaelic football is very delicate for betting. Bookies don’t just have to know the history of the sport, but should also be good promos, odds boosters, favourite team picks, and more. It’s a very steep task for most non-Irish and non-British bookies, but some have managed to do it.
If you want to get good odds on Tyrone repeating or just exotics on the early stages of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, check out our list.
Hurling and GAA footy always go hand in hand. Most bookmakers even treat them as offshoots of the same sport, believe it or not. Their blunders aside, it’s not that far-fetched. But that’s not an excuse to have the same ten markets for both sports.
Our ideal hurtling betting sites Ireland have to have their own promos and stats features. Despite this, you’ll find that most of them are also good for Gaelic football. Make your pick:
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
Bet £10 Get £30
Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) T&C Apply
Both League and Union have a special place in the hearts of the Irish. Whether it’s watching domestic clashes or the All-Blacks dominating yet again, every year is packed with action. To get you through it, we’ve prepared a few outstanding Irish rugby bookmakers.
These sites have the pedigree and pizzaz needed to have fun. Don’t worry – we also made sure that they’re licensed and have good odds. Payment options were a factor, as always!
Still a niche sport in many parts of the world, golf is incredibly exciting to bet on. There are a million things that can go wrong, and that’s only when it comes to player errors. Sand traps, water obstacles, and rocks can all mess up a good tee.
If you want to get the best intro to golf betting, take a look at these contenders for the top spot. Keep an eye out for special promos for tournaments, too!
Boxing betting is a bit different from other niches. There are only a few big-time events during a calendar year. That means you have to be ready to get the most out of every bet. Odds are the priority here.
For this list, we focused on profitability. By compiling slips over the course of several weeks, we’ve determined that these bookies give the best deals:
You should always ask this question. It’s pretty logical, isn’t it? Why is bookie A better than bookie B? In a vacuum, that makes perfect sense. Just because we have a good experience with a site, that doesn’t mean you will, too. And this will always be true. That’s why we always say you should follow your gut, first and foremost. But when it comes to technicalities, we have a system that helps us see if a bookie is worth our time. It’s useful when reviewing sites, so it may aid you when looking for recreational options. Here’s how it works.
If the answer to all of these questions is yes or plain positive, then you should go ahead and give the bookie a legitimate chance. It goes without saying – minor testing needs to be done beforehand. Don’t hesitate to apply this method to any site you encounter, whether it’s from our list or a new one that catches your eye.
Ireland has one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing sports betting scenes in Europe. Not only does the country regulate the activity seriously, but it also allows for bookies to exist freely.
That’s a combination rarely seen in modern times, no matter the Government’s political stance. The result is a plethora of legal sportsbooks Ireland adores. From international to homegrown trusted bookies, there’s a lot to choose from.
You shouldn’t settle for anything but the best. That’s why we’ve prepared an expansive list of quality bookmakers for you. Study their pros and cons, and make up your mind when you feel like it.
GAA sports can be found everywhere. Combine some nice All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final markets with a bonus, and you have yourself a cheeky weekend. If it’s also a PL matchday, then it’s cloud nine, through and through.
Don’t forget to verify the bookie before registering. Look at their license, contact support, and follow the odds over the course of a few days. Enjoy the top betting sites in Ireland, and good luck!
Yes, it is. The Betting Act of 2015 is the latest update to law that’s existed for over 150 years. It imposes requirements for both domestic and foreign brands in terms of licensing, fees, and other details. Ireland also intends to form its own betting regulator in the future, much like the UKGC.
Our site has everything you need in terms of the best Irish bookmakers. Take a look at one of the top lists on this page and find a site that’s to your liking. If there’s a bookie we haven’t reviewed, send us a message, and we’ll get on it. Until we’re done, you can follow our guide to judge the bookie’s quality.
Of course, they do. Irish bookmakers have welcome bonuses for all new players. But before you accept any deal, make sure you’ve read the terms and conditions. If there are any hidden requirements, you’ll see them here. The bookie is legally obliged to state all of this.
Yes. Irish sportsbook apps have gotten much better over the years. Every serious betting company has apps for both Android and iOS. Once you go through the usual verification procedures, you can place bets with just a few taps.
GAA sports betting is available at every Irish bookmaker. Since both footy and hurling are national sports, there’s no point in even considering sites that don’t have them. Soccer, basketball, cricket, rugby, motorsports, and winter sports are pretty much standard everywhere. But if there are good GAA promos, you know you’re in the right spot.
Licensed betting sites Ireland are completely safe to play at. The Domestic regulator is known for its strict stance on fraud, so a stamp of approval from the Gov. means a lot. However, don’t hesitate to try out bookies that are licensed in other countries, such as Malta, Gibraltar, and the UK.
Author
Nick Griffin
Last Updated:
Last Updated:
