Ireland has a rich gambling history which has transcended into the online betting scene. Today, more than 800,000 players in the country actively bet online in licensed operators such as Paddypower, Betboyle or Betfair.
They 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 Irish bookmakers.
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 less documents for verifying your account.
Full List of Bookmakers in Ireland
How to Find the Best Irish Betting Sites
It is no secret that the number of online bookies is constantly increasing. This is why you should examine several criteria before registering with the best betting sites in Ireland.
Sports & Markets
The number one aspect you must ensure that the site is great on is to offer all your favorite sports, like football, rugby, and horse racing, with high odds. In addition, the number of selections must be high so you can pick the ones you prefer. For example, if you enjoy betting on horse racing, your bookmaker must offer odds on markets like each/way, head-to-head, distance betting, betting without the favorite, and more.
Live Betting
Of course, pre-match wagering is only half. Many users prefer playing live, so your selected bookmaker must offer a thorough in-play betting experience. This includes competitive live betting odds that do not drop a lot compared to pre-match, a high number of selections with a focus on Fast Markets, and a wide range of features you can use live.
Features
These have become essential to players, especially professional ones. You will see many pros using them to create profitable strategies. Some of the most common ones among Irish bookmakers are Live Streaming, Bet Builder, and Cash Out. In addition, some local bookies allow you to use social media to ask for odds for markets that are not available. If you want to check How to Request a Bet, follow our detailed guide.
Payments
You can top up your betting account with many different options. In Ireland, the most popular ones are debit cards, PayPal and other e-wallets, instant banking, and mobile payments. Note that locally licensed operators do not offer credit card or cryptocurrency transactions.
Localization
Understandably, all online sportsbooks will be available in English, will offer an English-speaking Customer Service, and will most likely allow you to perform transactions with the local currency (€). Nevertheless, the top options will also offer all the popular local payments in Ireland and will thoroughly cover the Irish Premiership and the rest of the local leagues.
What You Need to Know About Ireland Bookmakers
Active Players | Legal Age | Local Currency | Player Protection |
780,000+ | 18 | Euro (€) | GRAI |
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 Irish bookmakers who 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 duty 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 of 2022, 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.
All in all, placing wagers online is perfectly legal. Ireland differs from most other countries because it welcomes offshore operators through licensing policies and taxation schemes. This is why players registering with independent bookmakers in Ireland are not prosecuted.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Winnings?
You should bear in mind that winnings deriving 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 a steady income and not a recreational activity.
It is also worth noting that the vast majority of Irish bettors have turned their interest from land-based betting shops and race tracks to online bookmakers due to the odds, markets, and promotions competing with the best UK bookmakers, which naturally harmed traditional wagering turnovers.
International vs. Local Bookmakers in Ireland
Whether playing on local or independent Irish bookmakers, you can enjoy a list of advantages and downsides. First of all, if you are betting on international sportsbooks, you should know there is no local authority to file complaints against an operator. You can try regulatory bodies like Curacao or PAGCOR, but our experience has shown that dispute resolution is not their forte.
In addition, if you are a problem gambler, you cannot use a self-exclusion scheme to refrain from online betting. On the other hand, international bookies offer a wider range of payment options, including credit cards and cryptocurrencies.
Do Irish Bookmakers 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 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 applies to specific sports that locals prefer betting on.
Football Betting Ireland
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 ones, with the English Premier League at the center. European competitions such as the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League are also widespread, often coming with Enhanced Odds and Special Combos deals on our recommended bookies.
Irish Rugby Betting
The national team has brought a lot of success 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, you should stick with locally licensed betting sites in Ireland since they cover the sport better. This means higher odds, more markets, and rugby-related promotions on all the top events each year.
Horse Racing
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.
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 and you can find odds easier. However, you should note that most independent Irish bookmakers do not pay close attention to them, so you should opt for local sites.
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:
- 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 betting sites in Ireland.
- Sign Up: After deciding on one of Ireland’s top sites, visit their website and sign up for an account. Most providers will request standard details such as your address, contact number, and email. Licensed bookies require you to complete the KYC verification process before you are allowed to place bets.
- Fund Your Account: Once registration and KYC are complete, head to the cashier or payment section to make your first deposit. Select your preferred payment method and decide on the amount you want to add. Once you confirm it, your account will have a positive balance you can use to place wagers.
- Begin Betting: With funds in your account, you can place bets. Navigate around the sportsbook to find the sport and then the market you want to bet on. Click on your selected market, pick your stake, and confirm your wager.
Which Payments Do Irish Bettors Prefer?
After thoroughly examining all the aspects surrounding the online bookmakers in Ireland has to offer, we will now refer to their payment methods. The available options differ based on local and international betting sites.
⏩ Debit Cards: You will hardly see anyone in Ireland paying with cash these days. Almost all everyday transactions occur with debit cards, which includes topping up your account with an online bookie.
⏩ 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 Skill and Neteller, are also widespread in the country.
⏩ Mobile Payments: In recent years, Google Pay betting sites have also become very popular among bettors. This applies to iOS users, as Apple Pay bookies have also increased. Locals use mobile payments daily, leading brands to add them to their cashier sections.
Do Irish Bookmakers Allow 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 credit cards or cryptos, you must sign up with independent Irish bookmakers.
Online Betting in Ireland: What Does the Future Hold
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 than later. Nevertheless, no matter the new laws, punters can always play on independent Irish bookmakers with no restrictions.
The Irish Bookmakers Association is the authority that represents the wide majority of betting shops that are located in Ireland. It was founded in 2005 and includes memberships by more than 750 land-based bookies out of the 800+ that legally operate in the country.
Every year, dozens of new operators are launched in the Irish market. We have compiled them all on our page about new bookmakers to save you from the hassle of doing your research. You can check all the new sites and opt for the one that better suits your needs.
In Ireland, as in many other countries, some independent bookmakers manage to operate without any problems. These are non-EU licensed (i.e., mostly Curacao-based) bookies that accept Irish players. Some of the top ones include Ivibet, 20bet, and Megapari.
The UKGC banned the payment provider from accepting sports bets on their card, but Ireland is an EU member state, which poses no issues for betting sites that accept Revolut.
Since online sports betting is legal in Ireland, hundreds of bookies accept locals. Nonetheless, the one that truly stands out is Quinnbet. They are among the top bookmakers in the world, offering very competitive odds and a wide range of markets on all the popular spots such as football, rugby and hurling. Read our Quinnbet sportsbook review for more information on the bookie.
There are 800+ land-based and more than 50 online bookmakers operating legally in Ireland. Bettors can either opt for local licensees or place their wagers online on international operators who manage to offer their services in the country.