Best Betting Sites in Ireland

Ireland has a rich gambling history that has transcended into the online betting scene with the emergence of many reputable Irish bookmakers throughout the years. Today, more than 800,000 players in the country actively bet online in licensed operators such as Paddy Power, BoyleSports, or Betfair.

You can find high odds, excellent promotions on all the popular sports, and a wide range of betting markets. However, a large portion of the population also registers with international offshore sites to enjoy the anonymity, a more diverse payment pool, and the relaxed restrictions they offer.

On this page, we will go through the gambling laws and regulations in the Emerald Isle and check the most popular sports in the country. But first, here is a list of the top 3 betting sites Ireland has to offer.

What are the differences between international and local bookmakers in Ireland?

Bookmaker Comparison	Local Licensed	International
Licensing	Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland	Malta, Curacao, Kahnawake and other international regulators
Payment Methods	Debit Cards, E-wallets, Bank Wires, Mobile Banking	Debit Cards, Credit Cards, E-wallets, Cryptos, 30+ other options
User Experience	Fully localized for Irish users (language, currency)	All sites support the English language
KYC Verification	Mandatory	Depending on the website
Taxation	No taxation	No taxation

As you can see, the local and international betting sites in Ireland mainly differ in terms of payments and KYC policies. Offshore operators allow you to perform transactions with more methods and require fewer documents for verifying your account.

Full List Of Bookmakers In Ireland

How To Find The Best Betting Sites In Ireland?

You should examine several criteria before registering with any online casino or sportsbook. It is worth noting that in the case of Ireland, some of the best betting sites in the UK are open exclusively to their non-UK neighbors, bringing them localized promotions and payments in euros. Otherwise, here are the special criteria we look for in Ireland's bookies:

Reliability

Irish punters, like players from several other countries, must be vigilant on betting sites. There are many scammers, phishing sites, and unreliable operators online. While bettors have access to tier-1 licensed sports betting platforms with an excellent reputation in Ireland, the UK, and the rest of the world, more and more actors are looking to benefit from the market unfairly.

We look beyond the verifiable license, responsible gambling tools, and online feedback, and test the sites ourselves. Our Bookmakers.bet betting experts go through the terms and conditions, check for complaint mechanisms, and often mediate for users who have open disputes. If a brand makes an entry on our list, then it has already proved its trustworthiness and reliability.

Sports and markets

The top priority is ensuring the site offers all your favorite sports, such as football, rugby, and horse racing, with competitive odds. In addition, the number of selections must be high so you can pick the ones you prefer. Our betting site reviews emphasize the sports betting odds and options.

For example, if you enjoy betting on horse racing, your bookmaker must offer odds on betting markets like each/way, head-to-head, best lap, and outrights without the favorite, among other options. The best betting sites tend to have hundreds of markets on featured leagues and local niche sports, including the English Premier League, rugby union, rugby league, or even Gaelic sports.

Live betting

Many users prefer playing live, so their selected bookmaker must offer a thorough in-play betting experience. Some operators are primarily focused on this section, while others sometimes disregard it. We give live events the same level of scrutiny as pre-match, and our bookmaker reviews go in-depth to describe the offering.

We favor the bookies that maintain consistent payouts compared to pre-match. Better yet, if they provide many selections focusing on Fast Markets, alongside a wide range of features you can use live, they get the full score on this aspect.

Features

Betting tools like Live Streaming, Bet Builder, and Cash Out have become cornerstone pillars of a modern sportsbook. Sharp bettors use them to create profitable strategies, and these are all extra points that Irish punters must always consider.

Some local bookies allow you to use social media to ask for odds for markets that are not available. If you want to check out how to request a bet, follow our detailed guide. International operators often provide advanced features, like IfBet, EditBet, Partial Cash Out, and MultiView.

Payments

You can top up your betting account with many different options in Ireland. The most popular payment methods are debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, instant banking processors, and similar mobile payments.

Note that locally licensed operators do not offer credit card or cryptocurrency transactions. Some EU authorities do not accept crypto gambling either, as is the case with most of the UKGC and MGA licensees. Our list includes operators of all types, so if payment availability is your make-or-break, look at the payments section in our reviews before you sign up. We list the methods, limits, and transaction times.

Localization

Understandably, all online sportsbooks will offer English-speaking websites and customer service. They will likely allow you to perform transactions with the local currency (€). Nevertheless, the top options will offer all the popular local payments in Ireland and thoroughly cover the Irish Premiership and the rest of the regional leagues. Meanwhile, some UK sites operate on different domains for Irish players.

All these reasons can go a long way in improving the betting experience, but you should also consider the interface and its functionality. If a website or application has to operate under an 'IE' domain, its localized versions might be buggy. If that is the case, it will affect the overall bookmaker ratings.

Bonus

Bonus, promotions, and general advertising of betting sites is undergoing legislative changes in Ireland, and it is expected to end up resembling the UK laws. If that is the case, you should expect stricter regulations on welcome bonuses, their amounts, and conditions. Currently, some other deposit restrictions apply to free bets credited for sports, but Irish operators can still offer them.

Until further notice, even the locally licensed sites can offer first deposit bonuses, sports free bets, and VIP rewards. You can sort the welcome bonuses of a betting site from our list using the filtering tools.

Customer support

The responsiveness and helpfulness of a customer service team are often overlooked until they are needed. When we vet sports betting sites, we ensure that we contact support for different queries, ranging from the validity of promo codes to money transfers and crypto issues.

We rate support for their 24/7 availability, employment of tech-savvy human agents, and multilingual assistance, but the latter is not an issue for English-speaking Ireland.

Which Are The Top 5 Online Bookmakers Ireland Has?

While some brands are popular for their years of experience, others are sought for the lack of responsible gambling measures and their enhanced promotions. More factors come into play when picking the top 5 Irish gambling sites, and these can include boosted odds, ACCA free bets, or the Bet Builder feature for Gaelic sports.

We focused on sportsbooks that claim the largest market share of Irish bettors and have a proven track record of operating within the rules.

Paddy Power - Number one betting site in Ireland

Paddy Power is the most established sports betting name originating in Ireland, having over 30 years of experience. It holds multiple licenses, including one from the MGA. The bookie offers over 40 categories, with favourite sports receiving early prices and free bet offers, such as football-specific promotions.     

Besides the daily enhanced odds on single bets and accumulators, you can find Turbo Power Price, Max Stake, and Super Sub, all of which are somewhat unique to the brand. Horse racing is a heavy-hitter, with pre-set ACCAs, detailed outrights, and tailored promotions like the Eliminator challenge. You can also find NFL showdowns and competitive odds on ice hockey player props.

The bookmaker lacks live streaming and crypto payments, but it offers a high-rated mobile app for iOS and Android users. You can top up using traditional banking methods, so note that you should expect a slight delay before receiving your winnings. Customer support is available 24/7.

QuinnBet - Horse race betting markets with Best Odds Guaranteed

Quinnbet is another premium example of betting sites that has been catering to Irish punters since 2017. It obtained multiple permits, including the UKGC and Gibraltar licenses. Quinnbet is renowned for soccer and horse racing promotions, including ACCA free bets, multipliers, and insurance, as well as football betting odds boosts and best odds guaranteed. 

You can bet on horse racing events from around the world, with antepost, live markets, and each-way bets. Games from the Champions League or the World Cup are highlighted in football with better payouts and more markets. Niche sports like Gaelic football and hurling often have alternative lines on handicaps and totals. There is a section for virtual sports and AI matches, but no esports coverage. 

The bookmaker has downloadable mobile betting apps for Android and iOS devices, and you can deposit or withdraw with cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets. Customer support is available around the clock via chat or email. 

William Hill - Sportsbook with almost a century of experience

William Hill is one of the best betting sites that has been delivering an over-the-counter trademark sportsbook since 1934. The website is currently licensed in many countries, including Ireland, the UK, and Gibraltar. It has been an innovator, offering features like #YourOdds to request a bet and the Bonus Drop Boost.

Live streaming is only available for greyhounds and horse racing. The extensive coverage of sports is somewhat lacking in other aspects, such as welcome offers and deposit bonuses. You can still claim promotions such as accumulator and Bet Builder boosts, or benefit from Early Payout and continued player stats for their substitution.   

Mobile bettors can download the compatible application for all devices and enjoy the same odds and betting markets on their phone. The cashier is limited to cards, bank wires, and popular payment methods. If you have any queries, you can contact customer service through the built-in messenger.

Mr Play - Highly accredited betting site and casino games

Mr Play might be a new betting site compared to the other bookies we are highlighting, but it still has 5+ years of online experience and over a decade as an operator. Due to its tier-1 licenses, it is a premium destination for Irish players looking for innovative features like Pulse Bet. It also offers banker and system bets.

The brand is highly focused on its casino, but the sports betting section offers several benefits, including daily boosted prices, Quickbet, Fast Markets, and Cash Out. Different sports get good coverage, but football and horse racing are the dominant categories in terms of market options and offers.

There is a welcome bonus for new customers, and you can claim it with card payments or PayPal. Game restrictions apply to some promotions. On the downside, the interface is sometimes sluggish, and customer support operates on a specific schedule.

BetVictor - Traditional operator with a new betting site

Founded in 1946, BetVictor is among the top names in the Irish betting scene. It acquired many licenses, like the UKGC, and consistently refined its website. The bookie prioritizes football and horse racing betting, but it delivers top-notch markets on over 30 niche sports. Live streaming is exclusive to esports, and you can only find essential tools like Bet Builder and Cash Out.

New customers can claim an above-average welcome offer and other promotions like free bets on different sports with the same values. Most offers reach up to €50 and can be claimed with a minimum deposit of €10.

The website delivers iOS and Android apps alongside an optimized mobile version for browsers. You can contact support through live chat and email at any time.

What Do You Need To Know About Ireland Bookmakers?

Active Players	Legal Age	Local Currency	Player Protection
780,000+	18	Euro (€)	GRAI

What is the history of betting in Ireland?

The transparent regulation and low taxes for operators have resulted in a thriving market in Ireland. You can find more than 800 licensed land-based betting shops in the country. Moreover, the Revenue Commissioners have granted licenses to over 50 online gambling sites.

All the online sports betting sites that wish to apply for a license must pay a €10,000 fee to acquire one for 2 years. On top of that, they have to pay a 2% betting duty and a 25% intermediary levy that goes directly to the state.

Irish bookies that operate without a license are subjected to a €150,000 fine that can be doubled for repeat offenders. Despite speculation for significant changes in the Betting (Amendment) Act in 2019, the date was pushed back, with the only recent alteration having been the rise of minimum age requirements from 16 to 18 years.

Is Online Betting In Ireland Legal?

In November 2022, betting was legalized as the Irish Parliament passed the Gambling Regulation Bill, which created a regulatory body for all forms of gaming in the country. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) began operations shortly after.

Ireland stands out from most other countries by welcoming offshore operators through its licensing policies and taxation schemes. This is why players registering with independent betting sites in Ireland are not prosecuted. In addition, operators have formed a union called the Irish Bookmakers Association. It is directly involved in lobbying and helping draft new legislation for the betting market.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

You should bear in mind that winnings derived from Irish bookies online are tax-free. However, the legal framework on how to bet on sports is unclear on "spread trading" (spread betting), as it is considered a form of steady income and not a recreational activity.

It is also worth noting that the vast majority of Irish bettors have shifted their interest from land-based betting shops and from race tracks to online bookmakers. They are drawn by odds, markets, and promotions that compete with the best UK bookmakers, thereby naturally harming the turnover of brick-and-mortar bookies.

What are the upsides of international bookmakers in Ireland?

Whether playing on local or independent Irish betting sites, you can enjoy a list of advantages. International bookies offer a wider range of payment options, including credit cards and cryptocurrencies. You can try regulatory bodies like Curacao or PAGCOR, but our experience has shown that dispute resolution is not their forte.

Therefore, you might want to opt for a trustworthy brand that excels in all the essential criteria. Since gambling is legal and there are no repercussions for opting for tier-1 licensed sportsbooks, local and European betting sites can offer better responsible gambling tools.

Do Betting Sites In Ireland Offer Mobile Apps?

Yes. With so many popular brands operating in the country, it is no surprise that many of them have developed applications compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows phones. In most cases, you can download them directly from the official website. However, note that most international operators in Ireland do not offer a native app. This is why you can only visit the mobile website and place your bets there.

What are the best features of Irish mobile apps?

All over the world, bettors have to sacrifice some functions for the convenience of mobile betting. For instance, it's not possible to watch multiple matches simultaneously on a small mobile screen. However, Irish players are covered with applications that deliver the extensive offerings of the website version.

Sometimes, you can find added promotions on betting apps, best odds guaranteed for horse racing, and the whole nine yards. So, let's take a look at the rating of the most popular apps for betting sites in Ireland. Note that they are all operating legally in the country, with a few being local.

Operator	Google Play	App Store
Paddy Power	4.4* - 1M+ downloads	4.7* - 46K+ ratings
William Hill	4.3* - 1M+ downloads	4.6* - 800+ ratings
BetVictor	2.8* - 500K+ downloads	4.7* - less than 1K ratings
QuinnBet	3.2* - 10K+ downloads	4.6* - less than 1K ratings
Mr Play	-.-* - 50K+ downloads	4.8* - less than 1K ratings

What Sports Are Popular For Online Betting In Ireland?

In 2024, Ireland's online sports betting revenue was over €350 million. It is projected to grow 3.2% annually and reach €400 million by 2030. As you can imagine, most of that revenue is allocated to specific sports that locals prefer to bet on.

Football betting

Football betting is by far the most popular pastime activity in Ireland. Punters enjoy wagering on both the domestic League of Ireland and multiple international leagues, with the English Premier League at the center.

European competitions, including the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, are also widely available, often featuring Enhanced Odds and Special combo deals on our recommended bookies. They also offer a better depth of choices, including player props, alternative lines, and more.

Irish rugby betting

The national team has brought a lot of success to the sport in the country, especially after their multiple 6 Nations wins over the last 20 years. So, it is no surprise that the locals love to watch and bet on rugby.

If you are a fan, consider sticking with locally licensed betting sites in Ireland, as they offer better coverage of the sport. This means higher odds, more markets, and rugby-related promotions on all the top events each year. In contrast, if you find these events on an international sportsbook, you will be limited to fewer bets.

Horse racing betting

The UK and Ireland are home to some of the world's most notable horse racing meetings. After all, most people in the country visit the tracks and bet on their favorite runners and jockeys.

Today, things have become easier, with all bookmakers in Ireland offering high odds on all the popular events. Among the most notable meetings in the calendar year, you can bet on the Irish Derby, the Irish Champion Stakes, and the Irish Oaks. You can also find great odds on races like the Cheltenham Festival, the Irish Grand National, Punchestown Festival, and Galway Races.

Gaelic sports

Even though they are not well-known worldwide, the Irish are very proud of their Gaelic sports traditions. Four variations exist: Gaelic football, hurling, handball, and rounders. The first two are more popular, making it easier to find odds for them, ranging from outrights to in-play.

You should note that even the best betting sites with foreign licenses do not pay close attention to these categories, so you should opt for local sites to find detailed betting markets. Irish betting sites pay close attention to regional championships like Munster, Leinster, Ulster, and Connacht.

Betting on other sports

The other Irish pastime sports are also favourite categories for betting, and they can be found on international, local, old, and new betting sites. In competitions like boxing, hurling, darts, and golf, it is common to find long-term winner bets and moneylines on matches. Handicaps, totals, and other stats are more challenging to come by.

How To Bet Online In Ireland? - Step By Step

To open a betting account with a platform that caters to Irish users, follow these instructions:

1. Select a Bookmaker: Choosing the right platform can be challenging. Ensure the site meets your preferences for the number of sports, market variety, payment methods, and features. Take the time to thoroughly evaluate your options before committing to best betting sites in Ireland.
2. Sign Up: After deciding on one of Ireland's top sites, visit their page and sign up for an account. Most providers will request standard details, such as your address, contact number, and email address. Licensed bookies require you to complete the KYC verification process before you are allowed to place bets.
3. Fund Your Account: After completing registration and KYC, proceed to the cashier or payment section to make your first deposit. Select your preferred payment method and choose the amount you'd like to add. Once you confirm it, your account will have a positive balance you can use to place wagers.
4. Begin Betting: With funds in your account, you can place your first qualifying bet. Browse the sportsbook to find the desired sport and market to bet on. Click on your selected betting market, pick your stake, and confirm your wager.

Which Payments Do Irish Bettors Prefer?

After thoroughly examining all aspects surrounding online bookmakers in Ireland, we will now inspect their payment methods. Keep in mind that the limits for certain deposit methods differ between local and international betting sites, and withdrawals are not always available.

Local and international transaction methods

• Debit Cards: You will hardly see anyone in Ireland paying with cash these days. Almost all everyday transactions occur with debit cards, which include topping up your account with an online bookie. Visa bookmakers are particularly sought after by Irish players.
• Revolut: The e-banking payment solution has always been popular in the region for its streamlined app for bank wires, card payments, and ATM withdrawals. Unlike the UK, Ireland never banned it or imposed restrictions on it for betting. Local bettors account for a significant portion of users actively seeking Revolut betting sites.
• PayPal: Much like in the UK, PayPal is the most popular e-wallet in Ireland since it offers unmatched security, instant transactions, and transparency. Of course, other e-wallets, like Skrill and Neteller, are also widespread in the country. PayPal betting sites are almost always operating under a local license.
• Bank Transfers: With instant deposit and bank wiring processors between AIB, Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank, and other European banks, Irish bettors can consider this option for lower fees and convenience. Evidently, it might not always be a good idea to use it when playing with a foreign operator.   
• Accelerated Checkout Processors: In recent years, Google Pay betting sites have gained significant popularity among bettors. This also applies to iOS users, as Apple Pay bookies have increased in number as well. Locals use mobile payments daily, prompting brands to integrate universal accelerated checkouts into their cashier systems, especially for deposits.
• Skrill/Neteller: By far the most popular e-wallets with end-to-end payment services, Skrill and Neteller are integrated into the majority of merchant websites and betting platforms. Still, bookmakers might exclude the methods from qualifying for deposit promotions.

Can Irish punters deposit with credit cards?

Ireland has followed the UK's example and has banned credit card transactions. This is why locally licensed operators do not offer them. The reason behind this decision is to protect problem gamblers from falling into debt.

Moreover, you should note that, for different reasons, local bookies also do not allow deposits via cryptocurrencies. If you wish to pay with Bitcoin or other altcoins, you must sign up with reputable crypto bookmakers, which are much more common than operators that accept credit cards.

Are there any fees associated with betting payment methods?

Since Ireland sits at the junction of the UK and the EU, where most betting platforms originate, conversion fees are not usually a big deal. The pound and the euro have favorable rates. Some of the best betting sites will offer a balance and a cashier that deals only in euros, and they absorb transaction fees when they apply.

However, from the time you first fund your external wallet to when you are about to withdraw your winnings in cash, you will incur charges and third-party commissions. These include service subscription, bank commissions, and network charges if you are using crypto. Before such a fee gets retracted from your account, you will be notified of any applicable costs.

What are the deposit limits for betting in Ireland?

At the time of writing, Ireland doesn't impose any limits on deposits or losses. It is mandatory for betting sites to offer self-exclusion tools, deposit caps, and notification systems, but players set these limits. Although potential deposit limits might be added with new regulations, the government is only concerned about problem gamblers, which could result in a total ban on specific players.

Alternatively, betting sites can also have caps on deposits or withdrawals for AML and KYC compliance. Lastly, it could be that the payment processor or the financial institution has its own limits for gambling transactions. In this case, a bookie will have different limits for different methods.

What Does The Future Hold For Online Betting in Ireland?

Ireland took the right step when it followed the UK's successful example of regulating its online betting market in 2015. No tax on winnings and a wide range of betting options always work in favor of players, as increased competition leads to a better product.

The fact that minimum age requirements were raised is a positive factor in keeping minors safe. However, Ireland must tackle its increased youth gambling addiction rates. We expect a new gambling bill to be introduced sooner rather than later. Nevertheless, regardless of new laws, punters can always play on independent Irish sportsbooks and casinos with acceptable restrictions.