Table of Contents
- Top Sports Betting Sites in Ireland
- How to Find the Best IE Betting Sites
- Popular Sports and Leagues
- Common Betting Offers at Our Recommended Irish Betting Sites
- Mobile Sports Betting in Ireland
- How to Open an Irish Betting Account
- Sports Betting Regulation in Ireland and the Amended Betting Act
- IE Sports Betting FAQ
Top Sports Betting Sites in Ireland
The gambling scene in Ireland is chock full of betting operators looking to get a share of the market. But with so much choice, it can be overwhelming to find your footing. But leave it to experts like us to do the grunt work.
We use a set of strict criteria to select only the top Irish online sports betting sites. You’ve probably heard of some of the operators on our list because several of them are highly renowned in the industry.
How to Find the Best IE Betting Sites
Finding top-quality sportsbooks and casinos is what we do here. And to ensure an unbiased evaluation, we apply the same strict standards for fair and fool-proof rankings. Several of our assessment criteria are intuitive. Naturally, players want to be able to bet on the best sports and benefit from the best odds prices, fast payouts, etc. We consider all these and more.
License Authority
When betting at sportsbooks in Ireland, it’s important to choose operators that are licensed and regulated. Domestic licences must be obtained from the Revenue Commissioners. The MGA and the UKGC are the leading authorities in the global betting market, so these are the licences we look for among offshore sportsbooks. Licensing requires operators to follow set rules and guidelines, and the strictest regulatory bodies will mandate that licensees meet the highest standards of security and fair play.
Coverage of Sports and Leagues
We’re always looking for lots of betting action at any sportsbook we review. This is where all the fun is and where winning chances lie. Some bookies only offer a limited range of sports and only the basic markets like the match winner, double chance, and totals. Instead, markets like ‘Half-Time/Full-Time’ in football or ‘Winning Margin’ and ‘Half With Most Tries’ in rugby can offer up more value and ways to win. The top IE sportsbooks can offer thousands of betting markets on major sports and leagues.
Competitive Odds
One of the top tips for sports bettors is to shop for the best prices. Odds are largely similar across many online sportsbooks, but the best sites know that punters value getting the most return on their bets. Hence, they offer better prices. Any smart bettor also knows to look for the most valuable odds. It’s not just about the flashy bonuses; the minor detail of competitive odds makes the difference in the payout experience, especially for regular bettors.
Betting Bonuses and Promotions
Bonuses are the reason why many novice players choose one sportsbook over another. It’s hard to fault this, as we also value these betting offers. A free bet or an insurance bet can protect you against a loss and offer up additional chances to cash out. Betting bonuses have now become a staple that it wouldn’t speak well of a sportsbook not to have one.
We not only check for new betting deals but existing customer offers as well. Sites that offer regular free bets and boosts will keep users happy and be more engaging.
Live Betting and Streaming
Live betting offers the opportunity to take advantage of in-game dynamics and fluctuating odds to place more favourable bets and draw out better profits. It’s a lot more immersive than pre-match bets, and you can typically continue betting in-play till the last few minutes of the game. We look out for the live betting coverage offered at Irish betting sites. The more live betting is available, the better.
While live streaming is not as pertinent as live betting, it’s a fantastic feature that adds to the immersive experience. The best sites should offer live streaming on major leagues and events, at the very least.
Payment Methods and Processing Times
Having a different number of ways to deposit and withdraw will make it more convenient to place bets and cash out at online betting sites. We like to see secure and well-recognized payment methods across credit and debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers and prepaid cards, from global providers like PayPal to local providers like Boku and Payforit.
The speed of transactions is also crucial, as there’s nothing more frustrating than waiting for days on end to cash in your winnings. The best sites will expedite payments to ensure you get your winnings as soon as possible.
User Experience
User experience has to do with how easily you can get around the sportsbook, from the sign-up process to placing bets and extra features that optimise the experience, such as cash out, live scores, stats, etc. The site’s overall functionality and how well it responds is also crucial. Smooth functionality is a sign of quality, while slow-loading pages and a clunky design indicate the opposite. So we check these areas right down to the categorization of the different sports.
Reputation and Reviews
Especially with offshore sportsbooks, it’s important to verify the company behind the site and its reputation. Some betting companies have dodgy track records or are associated with other sites that have been blacklisted. And these are huge red flags you should avoid.
Our experts personally test out each operator we review to get first-hand experience. We also consider the opinions of regular bettors, checking consumer complaints and how or if they’ve been resolved. Recurring complaints about delayed and unresolved payouts, for instance, are a major turn-off.
Customer Service
Many bettors don’t realise the importance of customer support, but we’ve been in this industry long enough to know that customer service can make or break your betting experience. Firstly, there should be multiple contact methods to reach the site (email, live chat, telephone), and we’re always pleased to see sites offering 24/7 support so anytime you decide to take a punt, help is just a message away.
We assess the quality of the service and how quickly and efficiently they respond. Nowadays, social media is diffused in every aspect of living, including sports betting. So the best sites will be reachable via popular social networks like Facebook.
Popular Sports and Leagues
There’s a world of sports betting entertainment available at IE betting sites. You’ll find as many as 30 or more different options at the leading sports betting sites, comprising local and international favourites. Several niche sports are available, too, including unconventional markets like political betting.
In this section, we’ll be covering the most popular sports for Irish punters. These are where you’ll find the most action and often the most competitive odds.
Football
Football is an immensely popular sport in Ireland and an evergreen favourite among Irish bettors. While Ireland boasts its own domestic leagues, much of the nation’s football betting attention is directed towards international leagues, particularly the English Premier League (EPL). The EPL’s weekly fixtures, intense rivalries, and world-class talent make it a focal point for Irish punters.
Popular European leagues like the Bundesliga, La Liga, and Serie A are covered. Big international meets like the EURO, UEFA and World Cup also provide lots of football betting action. Pre-match and live bet options are available, including match winner, over/under, BTTS (both teams to score), 1st half, handicaps, team totals, corners, cards, correct score, clean sheet, etc.
Horse Racing
Horse racing remains a central figure in the Irish betting realm thanks to the combination of Ireland’s racing heritage and the variety of betting avenues available. Prestigious events like the Irish Grand National, Punchestown Festival, and Galway Races attract global attention and present a myriad of betting opportunities. Popular betting markets include the straightforward ‘win’ bet, where a horse is backed to win, and ‘each way’ bets, which cover both a win and a top position finish. More intricate options like ‘forecast’ and ‘tricast’ wagers allow bettors to predict finishing orders. Best odds are guaranteed at the top sites.
Gaelic Games
The All-Ireland Senior Championships for both Gaelic football and hurling stand as the pinnacle of competition, drawing widespread attention and fervent betting activity. The unique nature of these sports offers bettors an alternative to more globally recognized games. Betting markets for Gaelic games include predicting match outcomes, margin of victory, top scorers, and total points. The ‘handicap’ bet, which levels the playing field between unevenly matched teams by assigning virtual points, is also prevalent.
Golf
With some world-class golfers hailing from Ireland and several prestigious tournaments played on Irish soil, golf betting is popular. Events like The Open Championship, the Ryder Cup, and the US Masters are particularly popular for betting. The nature of the game, with tournaments spanning several days and vast fields of players, allows for a wide variety of betting markets. Punters can wager on tournament winners, top-10 finishes, head-to-head player matchups, and even specific outcomes like hole-in-ones. The unpredictability of golf, given the influence of weather conditions and the mental challenges the sport presents, makes it a fascinating option for bettors.
Rugby
This sport is known for its intense matches, fervent fan base, and rich traditions. The dynamic nature of rugby, with its swift turnovers, tactical kicks, and powerful scrums, offers a multitude of betting opportunities. Punters can place wagers on match outcomes, total points, try-scorers, and even specific events like the first team to score.
Key events in Ireland’s rugby calendar include the Six Nations Championship in Rugby Union and the United Rugby Championship on the club front. The Rugby World Cup, held every four years, draws both global attention and substantial betting activity.
Greyhound Racing
With its rapid pace and deep-rooted tradition, Greyhound racing offers both an exciting sporting event and a rich avenue for betting. Several tracks across Ireland host regular racing events, with the Irish Greyhound Derby being one of the most prestigious on the calendar. There’s a range of dynamic betting options ranging from predicting the race winner to more complex bets like forecasts, where punters attempt to predict the first two dogs to finish. The unpredictability of outcomes, given the short nature of races, adds an element of thrill to the betting experience.
Common Betting Offers at Our Recommended Irish Betting Sites
It’s always a good idea to take up a bonus deal when playing at betting sites in Ireland. This will get you off to a great start when you sign up and offer more chances for you to win. Operators are always eager to attract new customers, and bonuses are the easiest way to do so. You can expect a fine selection of bonuses and promotions at the best sites.
We always evaluate the terms and conditions (wagering requirements, validity period, etc.) to ensure that the bonus is actually valuable and provides a good chance of cashing out. So you can rest assured of getting the most generous offers at our top-ranking sites.
Let’s introduce some of the best betting bonuses in Ireland:
Match Offer
This is one of, if not the most popular bonus type. With a match offer, you receive a percentage of your deposit as a bonus. For instance, a 100% match up to $200. You’ll need to make a minimum qualifying deposit, typically $10, in which case you receive an extra $10 in bonuses. You can maximise the offer by depositing the max bonus amount.
Although we provide the most pertinent terms in our betting site reviews, it’s wise to read the terms and conditions on your own for all the details.
Free Bets
Free bets are another popular sports betting deal. To claim these, you usually have to make a deposit and place a bet. These bonuses reduce the risk on your bet by offering a free bet if your original bet loses. With a free bet offer, you have the confidence to take a chance on riskier bets, knowing that you have a backup bet at the operator’s expense.
Another highlight of this bonus is that they usually have little or no wagering requirements. However, you don’t get to keep the free bet value, only the profits made from it. This is one of the reasons it pays to sign up for online betting IE sites.
Cashback
This sports bonus will refund you a portion of your losses in a given period. Daily, weekly, and monthly cashback deals are available. You simply have to bet a certain amount within the stipulated time, and soon after, the bookie rewards you with a cashback bonus. The objective of this bonus is obviously to relieve your losses. It’s usually a small percentage of between 10% – 30%, but that amounts to tangible savings if you’re a frequent bettor.
Again, there’s usually some small print here, but don’t be surprised to see the best bookies offer wager-free cashback bonuses.
Loyalty Programmes
Top betting sites aren’t after new players alone. They also aim for long-term customer retention, hence the loyalty or VIP programme. These will offer regular rewards at intervals or for making achievements. Most VIP programmes are designed with tiered levels, where you earn points and receive rewards as you advance. Free bets, cashback, boosted odds and more are among the perks available here. Be sure to check the rules for accumulating points and climbing up the VIP levels.
Mobile Sports Betting in Ireland
Mobile site compatibility is a must-have for any online sportsbook. With HTML5 and the latest technologies, there’s no reason for a site to lack mobile compatibility. In fact, the best operators prioritise the mobile experience to ensure a great user experience directly on your phone or tablet.
Top sportsbooks will have a mobile site version. Others may also provide an app for Android or iPhone or both. All the features, such as cash out, in-play betting, and more, will be available on the best mobile betting sites in Ireland. A large portion of the betting population is choosing to bet with phones and tablets because of the convenience and ease of use. So, it’s only natural that operators are adapting to the growing demand. All the best sites that we recommend are mobile IE betting sites.
How to Open an Irish Betting Account
The sign-up process is among the various aspects we check for any top sportsbook. Fortunately, this is one area where many IE bookies excel. Each sportsbook is different, but it’s more or less the same procedure. Here’s how it’s done:
- Select a top IE betting site we recommend. You can read our reviews to compare deals and site offerings in order to choose which sportsbook best suits your preferences.
- Register on the site by filling in your name, email, date of birth and other required personal details. You’ll also have to create a username and password.
- Verify your age and identity by providing an ID document such as a driver’s licence, passport, or national identification card.
- Make a deposit and claim your bonus to begin betting on your favourite sports.
Sports Betting Regulation in Ireland and the Amended Betting Act
All forms of gambling are allowed in Ireland including online sports betting. Over the years amendments to the Betting Act of 1931 have perfected the legal betting market that Ireland offers today. The 1931 act initially established the regulatory framework for physical bookmaking shops, while the Betting (Amendment) Act of 2015 extended these regulations to encompass online and remote betting operators.
Simply put, punters can bet with local betting companies that are licensed within Ireland or at online offshore operators that are licensed and based overseas. The only requirement is that the sportsbook be licensed. And for international betting companies, the best quality licences are from the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority.
There’s also an emphasis on promoting responsible gambling, with operators expected to adhere to guidelines that help combat problem gambling. The regulatory framework seeks to strike a balance between allowing individuals the freedom to bet while ensuring it happens in a controlled, safe environment.
IE Sports Betting FAQ
Is legal online sports betting available in Ireland?
Yes, online sports betting IE is legal. You can play at any local or international sites as long as they are licensed by reputable authorities, The Revenue’s Commissioners is responsible for licensing domestic operators while the leading authorities for offshore sites are the UKGC and the MGA.
How do I deposit and withdraw money from online betting sites?
Most online betting sites offer various methods for depositing and withdrawing, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller. Always check the specific payment methods offered by your chosen site and ensure that they are secure.
Is there a minimum age for sports betting in Ireland?
Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to engage in any form of gambling, including sports betting, in Ireland.
Are there responsible gambling resources available for Irish players?
Absolutely. Services like GamCare, Gamble Aware and GAMSTOP provide resources and support to prevent and curb gambling addiction.
Can I bet on international sports events from Ireland?
Yes, Irish bettors can bet on both domestic and international sports events. Many sportsbooks provide extensive markets covering sports events from around the world.
How do I know if an offshore online betting site is safe and reliable?
Always look for betting sites that are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission or the MGA. You can read our reviews for details on security protocols, and customer service, which can also indicate reliability.
Are there any betting limits imposed on Irish bettors?
Betting limits often depend on the betting site itself and the event or market you’re betting on. While there’s no legal maximum bet, each site may have its own limits based on potential payout amounts or other factors.
Are there any bonuses or promotions for Irish bettors?
Yes, the top Irish betting sites offer bonuses or promotions to attract and retain players, including welcome bonuses, free bets, and loyalty programs. Always read the terms and conditions associated with these offers to understand the requirements.