Best Betting Sites in Ireland 2024 | Top Irish Bookies
Ireland hosts several top-rated betting sites, such as Bet365, Paddy Power, and BoyleSports.
Bet365 stands out for its generous bonuses, offering a minimum of €50 in bet credits. It also provides flexibility by accepting various primary payment methods and currencies for withdrawals and deposits.
Paddy Power offers betting on various sports, from baseball and cricket to rugby and virtual sports. This platform accepts various payment methods, including bank transfers, PayPal, Visa, Ukash, Neteller, Paysafecard, MasterCard, and Skrill. The accepted currencies on Paddy Power are GBP and EUR, with a minimum deposit requirement of €5.
BoyleSports supports PC and mobile versions for different sports betting markets available. The customer service is 24/7/365. To unlock bonuses or rewards, BoyleSports has a 13x rollover requirement. They facilitate transactions with major payment methods such as Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, bank transfers, Skrill, Entropay, and Giropay.
The Best Sign-Up Offers in Ireland
Selecting a top betting site from the multitude available in the market is a challenging task. It can be one of the most confusing and tedious tasks one can do. Because of that, it is always important to carefully evaluate the sign-up offers when determining the ideal betting site for your preferences.
Various online betting sites in Ireland present differing sign-up offers, adding to the significance of this decision-making process. It is advisable to assess which sign-up offers align with your needs and expectations when selecting. It is prudent to conduct thorough research, compare, and choose the betting site that best suits your requirements and preferences.
No Deposit Bonus
A no-deposit bonus grants you access to a range of offers immediately upon signing up with a particular betting site in Ireland. These no-deposit bonuses’ specific terms and conditions can vary significantly from one online betting site to another. To enhance your overall betting experience, selecting a betting site that provides a favourable no-deposit bonus is essential. Therefore, check out several online betting sites in Ireland and pick your favourite no-deposit Irish bonus.
Free Bets
When choosing the best betting sites in Ireland, one of the main attractions for bettors is the availability of free bets. Top platforms like Bet365 and Paddy Power often offer these as part of welcome bonuses or ongoing promotions. Once you meet the required conditions, such as placing a qualifying bet, the free bets credited to your account can be used on a variety of sports markets.
It’s essential to ensure the free bets valid period is checked, as each betting site may have different rules regarding how long you have to use them and what types of bets they apply to. Taking advantage of these offers allows bettors to place wagers with minimal risk.
Once players in Ireland sign up and complete the age verification process on specific online betting sites, they are rewarded with a specific amount of free bets. The nature of these free bets can vary significantly from one site to another.
Free bet stakes are pretty common in places like football betting sites Ireland has to offer. Your average Irish betting site (your average football betting site) will give you a great qualifying bet. The best betting site is usually a great online sportsbook.
These free bets are sometimes granted without requiring initial deposits or imposing wagering requirements. Conversely, specific sites may require a minimum deposit to receive these free bets. Additionally, some online betting sites extend free bets to new and existing players, while others reserve them exclusively for new players.
Deposit Bonus
A deposit bonus works similarly to no deposit bonus, requiring a player to deposit an initial minimum deposit. The extent of this deposit bonus can vary significantly depending on the particular online betting site chosen, with some platforms offering bonuses of up to 200% of the first deposit.
The time frame for receiving your deposit bonus varies from one site to another. Some sports betting sites credit the bonuses immediately, while others take up to 30 days. It is essential to read the terms and conditions regarding deposit bonuses before signing up with a certain site.
Cashback
Different online betting sites in Ireland use this type of promotion to attract more customers. Its working principle is that if a bettor loses their initial wager, they receive a refund of the total amount or a portion of it. Typically, the refunded cashback stake is provided as a free bet, subject to the specific terms and conditions outlined by the site.
VIP and Loyalty Bonuses
This type of bonus is only accessible when an invitation is sent after meeting specific requirements and criteria. VIP and loyalty bonuses include higher betting limits, gifts, tickets to a chosen sports event, and personalized cashier service. You can use your VIP or loyalty bonuses anytime, subject to the terms and conditions of the site.
Rollover requirements: Why is it important to keep an eye on it?
Gathering comprehensive information about an online betting site before beginning your betting journey is strongly advisable. Among the crucial aspects to grasp is the concept of wagering or rollover requirements.
Consider a particular online betting site offering a 100% deposit bonus for your initial deposit, capped at €200, with a 10x rollover requirement. You must place bets totalling at least €2,000 before becoming eligible to receive and redeem your welcome bonus.
How to Choose the Top Betting Sites in Ireland
When selecting a betting site in Ireland, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you choose the top option available. Customer service should always be your number one priority when looking for a top betting site in Ireland. An excellent betting site should offer prompt and readily accessible assistance to gamblers whenever issues arise.
How to deposit and withdraw from your betting account should be another important thing to consider. Opt for a betting site that provides straightforward and convenient options for depositing and withdrawing money. Ensuring the site provides favourable odds can significantly impact your potential winnings and overall satisfaction with your betting experience.
How to open an account and deposit money at betting sites in Ireland
Opening a betting site account in Ireland is a straightforward process. You must visit an online bookmaker and initiate the sign-up procedure by clicking the designated “sign-up” button. Provide accurate details as requested by the bookmaker and complete the account verification step, which typically involves confirming your email or phone number, depending on the specific site.
The next crucial step is to deposit funds into your account while considering any rollover requirements and the opportunity to claim your bonus. Different betting sites offer various methods for depositing money. Some of the most commonly used options in online betting sites in Ireland include bank transfers and PayPal.
Legal betting in Ireland: Is it a regulated market?
Betting shops and bookmakers have been legally permitted to operate in Ireland since 1854. However, they will need to get an operating license from the government. Similarly, online sports betting was legalized in Ireland in 2015, and operators in this domain are also required to secure a valid license from the Irish government.
The regulations governing sports betting in Ireland are primarily outlined in the Betting Act. Generally, online sports betting is the only online gambling form that is properly regulated due to its societal impact. Interestingly, despite Ireland’s rich history in horse racing, betting activities in this sector are experiencing a decline.
Blacklisted betting sites in Ireland
While Ireland boasts numerous top-rated betting sites, it’s important to be aware of specific blacklisted sites that have earned a poor reputation. Among these online betting sites are Jeffbet, Vbet, and Betgoodwin.
These unpopular betting sites share common issues contributing to their bad reputation. They are relatively new sites to the betting scene, which means they still need to establish themselves as top choices despite offering bonuses and betting odds. However, their lower odds and unfavourable betting conditions compared to leading betting sites have resulted in fewer visitors to their platforms.
New Sports Betting Sites in Ireland
Several new and exciting betting sites are emerging in Ireland, offering an enhanced betting experience.
- Zetbet. New players can take advantage of various bonuses, including a deposit bonus that requires a minimum deposit of €10. The €10 bonus remains valid for 14 days and necessitates a mandatory bet placement with odds of 1/1 or higher.
- Luckster. It is a new betting site in the Irish market with a deposit bonus of up to €10. It offers football betting from more than 70 countries. Customer service is available 24/7.
- Tebwin. This new betting site offers a €10 welcome bonus and €30 free bet after the first deposit.
Betting on the most popular sports in Ireland
Ireland boasts a rich betting history, with locals and tourists enjoying placing various bets over the years. While several technological advancements and sporting bodies like esports have emerged, a significant portion of the population still prefers the old-fashioned way.
Given individuals’ diverse tastes, goals, and preferences regarding betting, Ireland offers a wide range of popular sports to cater to bettors exploring various betting sites in the country. Below are some of the popular sports featured on Ireland’s betting sites: football and horse racing, as well as rugby and cricket.
Football Betting
Similar to many countries worldwide, football holds a prominent position as the top sport featured on various betting sites in Ireland. The English Premier League attracts significant attention among Irish football enthusiasts, with a substantial following for teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool. Betting in Ireland focuses mainly on premier league teams.
European competitions, including the Champions League and Europa League, rank among the country’s most popular betting options. This focus on European football does not diminish the interest in domestic leagues among football fans in Ireland. The best Irish betting sites also ensure that fans have access to local games, particularly when the Irish national team is participating in tournaments like the UEFA Nations League.
Irish Football Association
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is a governing body comprising numerous members (60) across the Irish football community. The FAI’s council elects committee members, including the president. The FAI is the primary governing authority for football and related activities throughout Ireland and maintains an affiliation with FIFA.
Rugby Betting
Although Rugby is often perceived as a middle-class sport, it is among the most popular sports among individuals seeking to place wagers on Ireland’s online betting sites. Rugby in the country features various competitions, including the prestigious Six Nations tournament and the Grand Slam. Irish rugby fans also closely follow other teams, such as the Irish Lions and the British team, which participates in tours every four years.
Cricket Betting
You are included if you are a cricket fan in Ireland. Ireland’s betting site has a wide range of betting opportunities for cricket betting. Cricket fans can indulge in various betting markets offered by online betting sites. The key is to make an informed choice when selecting the most suitable online betting site in Ireland to meet your cricket betting needs. Therefore, you should consider several factors when betting on a cricket game or selecting the right online betting site in Ireland.
Horse Racing Betting
Horse racing holds a special place in Irish sports culture, making it one of the most popular and widely bet-on events in the country. With a rich history and prestigious racecourses like Leopardstown, Punchestown, and the world-renowned Curragh, Ireland offers some of the finest horse racing spectacles in Europe. Events such as the Irish Derby, the Punchestown Festival, and the Galway Races attract huge crowds, both in person and online, where bettors engage in extensive wagering activities.
Betting on horse racing in Ireland is not just about backing a winner; it involves various bet types, including each-way bets, forecasts, and accumulators, providing plenty of options for novice and seasoned punters alike. The sport’s deep-rooted tradition and the availability of online platforms ensure that horse racing remains at the forefront of Irish betting culture.
Ireland in the International Arena
Sports betting has gained popularity, especially in the second half of the 20th century, compared to the rest of the world. This can be attributed to the long heritage of MMA, horse racing, and Rugby. The growing popularity of sports betting led to the introduction of the 1962 Betting Act, aimed at curbing illegal activities within the country. Notably, Ireland is home to one of the largest sports betting sites globally – Paddy Power.
Conclusion
Gambling has a solid and long history in Ireland. Although horse racing is the favourite and most popular, several other forms of online gambling exist in the country. Sports betting is another popular sport in Ireland, but Lottery gambling, online gambling, and casinos have become increasingly popular. Despite concerns related to problem gambling, the Irish government has taken legislative steps to address the issue. Through the Betting Amendment Bill 2015, the government ensured that all Irish betting operators have a more level playing field.
FAQ: Best Betting Sites in Ireland
What should I consider when choosing a betting site in Ireland?
When choosing a betting site in Ireland, consider the following key factors:
- Licensing and regulation: Ensure the site is licensed by reputable authorities like the UK Gambling Commission or the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland.
- Odds and markets: Look for competitive odds and a wide range of sports and betting markets.
- Payment methods: Make sure the site offers secure and convenient payment options like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and popular e-wallets.
- Promotions and bonuses: Check for welcome bonuses, free bets, and ongoing promotions with reasonable terms and conditions, including rollover requirements.
- Mobile experience: Opt for sites that offer a user-friendly mobile app or mobile-optimized site for betting on the go.
- Customer support: Look for platforms that provide 24/7 customer service through live chat, email, or phone.
Are betting sites legal in Ireland?
Yes, betting sites are legal in Ireland as long as they are licensed by the appropriate regulatory bodies. The Betting Act of 1931 and its amendments govern online sports betting in Ireland. Reputable sportsbooks must adhere to strict regulations to offer their services legally.
What are the most popular sports to bet on in Ireland?
The most popular sports for betting in Ireland include:
- Horse racing: A long-standing tradition, with events like the Irish Grand National and Punchestown Festival being favourites.
- Football (Soccer): Irish bettors often wager on the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and domestic leagues.
- Gaelic games (GAA): Sports like Gaelic football and hurling are extremely popular, especially during the All-Ireland Championship season.
- Rugby: The Six Nations Championship and major international tournaments draw significant betting interest.
- Golf and Greyhound racing also see frequent betting action.
Which are the top betting sites in Ireland?
Regarding betting sites in Ireland, several are among the best options available. Notable names in this category include Bet365, Paddy Power, BoyleSports, Betway, and Ladbrokes. They offer a great experience, from customer service to betting odds and payment methods.
Here’s more info about the best betting sites in Ireland:
- Paddy Power: One of the most recognized Irish brands, offering a wide range of sports markets, innovative promotions, and an excellent mobile app.
- Bet365: Known for competitive odds, in-play betting, live streaming, and a great mobile app experience.
- BoyleSports: Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker, with great odds on horse racing, football, and GAA events.
- Betway: Popular for a wide variety of sports, particularly football and esports, with excellent customer service and bonuses.
- Ladbrokes: A trusted name offering good bonuses, a well-designed app, and extensive markets on all major sports.
Do Irish betting sites offer welcome bonuses?
Yes, most betting sites in Ireland offer attractive welcome bonuses to new users. Common promotions include:
- Matched deposit bonuses: Where your first deposit is matched by the sportsbook, often up to a certain percentage.
- Free bets: Some sites give free bets when you place a qualifying bet.
- Risk-free bets: Some sportsbooks refund your stake if your first bet loses, typically as a free bet.
Always check the terms and conditions, including rollover requirements, before accepting a bonus.
What payment methods can I use on betting sites in Ireland?
Irish betting sites typically offer a range of payment options, including:
- Credit and debit cards: Visa and Mastercard.
- E-wallets: PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and ecoPayz are common and offer fast withdrawals.
- Bank transfer: For larger withdrawals, bank transfer is often an option.
- Prepaid cards: Services like Paysafecard allow for deposits without using a bank account.
Ensure the payment methods you prefer are supported for both deposits and withdrawals, and check for any associated fees or limits.
What currency can I use for betting in Ireland?
When betting in Ireland, you can use different currencies, depending on the specific betting site and your preferences. However, the most common currencies utilized by the majority of betting sites in Ireland are the EUR and GBP.
How do I withdraw money from Ireland betting sites?
Withdrawals from your betting account in Ireland can be accomplished quickly and conveniently through the available methods. Among the most straightforward withdrawal options are PayPal, Skrill, and bank transfers.
How fast can I withdraw my winnings from Irish betting sites?
Withdrawal times depend on the method you choose:
- E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller) usually offer the fastest withdrawals, often processed within 24 hours.
- Credit and debit cards may take 2–5 business days to process withdrawals.
- Bank transfers could take up to 7 business days, depending on the bookmaker.
Each betting site may have its own processing times, so check the terms for withdrawal speeds.
Are there any taxes on my betting winnings in Ireland?
Currently, Ireland does not tax individuals on betting winnings. The Irish government levies a tax on bookmakers instead, which is typically absorbed by the betting companies. However, tax laws can change, so it’s a good idea to stay informed about any updates regarding taxation on gambling.
Can I bet live on sports in Ireland?
Yes, live or in-play betting is available on most Irish betting sites. This feature allows you to place bets during an ongoing event, with odds updated in real time. Sports like football, tennis, and horse racing are popular for live betting.
What is Cash Out and is it available on Irish betting sites?
Cash Out is a feature that allows you to settle a bet before the event ends, either securing a portion of your winnings or minimizing potential losses. Many top betting sites in Ireland, including Paddy Power, Bet365, and Betway, offer this feature for various sports markets.
Is mobile betting popular in Ireland?
Yes, mobile betting is very popular in Ireland. Most top sportsbooks offer mobile-optimized websites or dedicated apps that allow users to place bets, watch live streams, and cash out while on the go. Popular sites like Bet365, Paddy Power, and Ladbrokes have highly-rated mobile apps.
Can I set limits or controls to manage my gambling on Irish betting sites?
Yes, all reputable betting sites in Ireland are required to offer responsible gambling tools, including:
- Deposit limits: To control how much you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Self-exclusion: You can voluntarily exclude yourself from the site for a set period.
- Reality checks: Some sites provide reminders of how long you have been betting to encourage breaks.
Is customer support available 24/7 on Irish betting sites?
Most major betting sites in Ireland provide 24/7 customer support. Common methods to contact customer service include:
- Live chat: Fastest option for immediate assistance.
- Email: For less urgent inquiries or detailed questions.
- Phone support: Some sites offer direct phone lines for customer issues.
Always check if your preferred site has the customer support options you need, especially for time-sensitive issues like bet settlement or withdrawal queries.
How do I ensure the betting site I choose is secure?
To ensure you are betting on a secure site, check for the following:
- Licensing: Make sure the site is regulated by a reputable authority, like the UK Gambling Commission or Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners.
- SSL encryption: Look for HTTPS in the URL and padlock icons, which indicate that the site uses encryption to protect your data.
- Fair play certifications: Independent auditing bodies like eCOGRA ensure the fairness and integrity of betting platforms.
By verifying these aspects, you can confidently place bets on a trustworthy and secure site.