Northern Ireland Bookmakers

The Northern Ireland bookmakers are in an interesting position, as more than 40% of the population (approximately 700,000 people) are active gamblers. Experts estimate that the market size will reach $360 million by 2029.

The ‘1985 Order', which remains the primary betting legislation, varies greatly from the UKGC, meaning Irish punters can join offshore bookies freely, in the absence of locally licensed ones.

We cover established legislation and describe the steps to start playing safely. We will list online sportsbooks that can be trusted. Before we go deeper, these are our 3 top-rated brands for Northern Ireland.

Cristina Tudose Aug 10, 2020

Which Are The Best Betting Sites In Northern Ireland?

7.5

Donbet

120% Bonus up to $600 120% up to $600

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7.5

Cybet

No Bonus Available No Bonus Available

Visit Visit Site

7.5

Pitbet

100% Bonus up to $5,000 100% up to $5,000

Visit Visit Site

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Why Trust us?

We combine years of experience with thorough research. We are players ourselves and strive to provide the most unbiased bookmaker reviews. We evaluate factors like reliability, odds, mobile features and withdrawal speed. You can also find the best betting bonuses available for each sportsbook. Moreover, we always consider players' feedback and include it in our reviews.

Tested And Approved Betting Sites In Northern Ireland

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Disclosure

Certain bookmakers appear on Bookmakers.bet as part of commercial agreements. However, our editorial team maintains full independence. All reviews and ratings reflect expert evaluations and real user feedback, not sponsorship influence. We prioritize fairness, transparency, and your betting experience above any partnership considerations. Please always gamble responsibly and within your limits.

Rules and license

One of the fundamental reasons an operator is on our list is if they have good player feedback, and our experts have vetted their T&C for any unusual rules. Customers from NI can bet responsibly und...

One of the fundamental reasons an operator is on our list is if they have good player feedback, and our experts have vetted their T&C for any unusual rules. Customers from NI can bet responsibly under the protection of a Tier-1 license when opting for UKGC-licensed bookmakers, but there are other options as well. We test whether the website respects its own terms, such as transaction processing times and sports betting rules.

Sports & markets

We look for bookies with competitive prices and an extensive range of markets you can bet on. Your favorite competitions, like football or horse racing, must be thoroughly covered with enhanced odds, co...

We look for bookies with competitive prices and an extensive range of markets you can bet on. Your favorite competitions, like football or horse racing, must be thoroughly covered with enhanced odds, combos, and, when possible, player props. For a more detailed overview, refer to the individual reviews of the shortlisted brands, in which we list available tools like the Bet Builder, Cash Out, or Edit Bet features.

Live betting

Many players favor placing bets once a match is underway. This makes it essential for your sports platform to provide comprehensive live betting options with competitive odds and diverse selections. F...

Many players favor placing bets once a match is underway. This makes it essential for your sports platform to provide comprehensive live betting options with competitive odds and diverse selections. Football bets can get very diversified, and live odds should not drop drastically. With horse racing, we look for high starting prices and best odds guaranteed on upcoming races during the day, with a high focus on bets for the UK and Ireland's ongoing events.

Payments

Popular transaction methods include PayPal, bank wires, and mobile wallets. However, local bookies and casinos generally don't support credit card or cryptocurrency transactions. If you prefer these m...

Popular transaction methods include PayPal, bank wires, and mobile wallets. However, local bookies and casinos generally don't support credit card or cryptocurrency transactions. If you prefer these methods, consider registering with offshore operators, as many facilitate transfers in GBP using any of your adopted payment services.

Localization and interface

The odds, features, and payment solutions are all crucial, but websites must have a clean layout and a user-friendly interface for customers to navigate the options with ease. While other points might...

The odds, features, and payment solutions are all crucial, but websites must have a clean layout and a user-friendly interface for customers to navigate the options with ease. While other points might take precedence, we test bet acceptance times and the functionality of mobile versions and betting apps. Our findings on this point influence the overall rating we assign to each brand.

Reliable customer support

It can become challenging to follow instructions and decipher complicated rules on some sites, and even the most expert punters will find themselves needing assistance. We expect to find English-speak...

It can become challenging to follow instructions and decipher complicated rules on some sites, and even the most expert punters will find themselves needing assistance. We expect to find English-speaking support agents available 24/7. We always contact live chat to verify if it is easy to talk to a human agent in a reasonable time. We check if the assistance we received was helpful when we ask about bonus terms and pending transactions, as all will be mentioned in the reviews.

History of betting in Northern Ireland

Gambling became legalized in Northern Ireland after the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements Order 1985. “The 1985 Order” was based on Britain's Betting and Gaming Act 1960, eventually replaced by the Gambling Act 2005. Although the specific...

Gambling became legalized in Northern Ireland after the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements Order 1985. “The 1985 Order” was based on Britain's Betting and Gaming Act 1960, eventually replaced by the Gambling Act 2005. Although the specific Act covers the other governments in the UK, it does not extend to the counties of NI.

“The 1985 Order” remains the prevalent legislation. There was only one amendment by the Betting and Lotteries Order 1994. The current legislation is complex and does not address online activity. It also failed to establish an independent gambling regulator.

Is Gambling Legal In Northern Ireland?

Despite the lack of legislative and executive authorities, all forms of betting are legal, and they loosely follow the British model. Still, the courts and district councils are responsible for overseeing betting activities, and the Department of Com...

Despite the lack of legislative and executive authorities, all forms of betting are legal, and they loosely follow the British model. Still, the courts and district councils are responsible for overseeing betting activities, and the Department of Communities has the task of supervising sports, greyhound, and horse racing bets.

Companies should have a license from the Magistrates' Courts to operate and accept bets, on or off the tracks. Wagering in betting shops and online is a popular pastime. Regarding online Northern Ireland bookmakers, you can go with a UK-based or a global gaming brand, as they both allow locals to register.

Local and UK football

As expected, this is the most prevalent sport in Northern Ireland. The domestic league (IFA Premiership) is not particularly lucrative for wagering or well-covered, so online players tend to place their bets mostly on the Scottish or English Premier...

As expected, this is the most prevalent sport in Northern Ireland. The domestic league (IFA Premiership) is not particularly lucrative for wagering or well-covered, so online players tend to place their bets mostly on the Scottish or English Premier Leagues, which offer higher odds and more options.

You can find more lines with any brand for this sport in comparison to others. Here, you can stake on winner outcomes, margins, and totals, as well as the occasional player props, which are offered even in the lower English divisions.

Horses and greyhounds

Some of the big British races take place in NI, whether it's for flat courses or jumps, such as the Ulster National and the Ulster Derby. Horse breeding and racing are regional traditions, and locals are not missing out on the hype, especially when i...

Some of the big British races take place in NI, whether it's for flat courses or jumps, such as the Ulster National and the Ulster Derby. Horse breeding and racing are regional traditions, and locals are not missing out on the hype, especially when it comes to betting.

Bookies have daily lines and long-term bets on UK and Irish races, sometimes including greyhounds along with horses in their books. You can find Starting Prices for potential runners, BOG, and similar bonuses on websites like Unibet, Betfred, and Bet365.

Rugby union and league

Northern Irish citizens face a peculiar choice when deciding whether to join the union or the league, and whether to draft for the Great Britain national team or the Republic of Ireland's selection for international matches.

While the division had roo...

Northern Irish citizens face a peculiar choice when deciding whether to join the union or the league, and whether to draft for the Great Britain national team or the Republic of Ireland's selection for international matches.

While the division had roots in sectarian and classist issues, today, the main difference between the union and the league has to do with the rules and the flow of the match. One category is for amateurs and the other is for professionals, but both receive similar coverage on bookies. It is worth noting that you will not find many alternative lines or special props for either competition.

Which Payments Do Northern Ireland Bettors Favor?

The good thing is that the currency of NI is the Pound Sterling, which is widely available to both British and global bookmakers. Therefore, you will avoid conversion fees and benefit from the ease of using your local currency.

Paysafecard

For punters who want to keep control over their balance, Paysafecard is a solid solution. You can purchase a voucher in over 600,000 locations worldwide and online, which can be redeemed later for a deposit with various companies. Note that Paysafecard betting sites don't allow withdrawals with this option.

Google Pay

Most customers choose debit cards for online betting. Google Pay bookmakers present solid options in this category, where deposits and withdrawals can be made instantly from your device.

PayPal

A common payment method for gamblers who want an extra layer of security in online purchases is PayPal. You can find over 20 PayPal betting sites in Northern Ireland and make instant transactions.

The current legislation has not kept pace with the industry and all the surrounding changes. It is becoming increasingly outdated since it does not reference online betting. According to the consultation on the gambling rules conducted by the Department of Communities between December 16, 2019, and February 21, 2020, it has become imperative to revise the text.

The main point is to align the directions with those applying to the rest of the countries in the United Kingdom. At this point, you can still take advantage of the best betting sites in NI, both domestic and global.

Gambling regulations in nearby governments

Ireland: enjoys a thriving market that has been put in place in favour of users. Locals can easily join bookies, whether they are local or foreign, licensed or not. So, you must be vigilant and stick to reputable brands to avoid scammers. Irish horse racing is a predominant category, and you can find many tailored bonuses on betting sites in Ireland.
Scotland: has the same authority overseeing gambling in the UK, which makes all land-based and most online providers completely lawful. You can sign up to any of the Scottish bookmakers without restrictions and browse lines and offers for football and horse racing.
Wales: is another British market where gambling is controlled by the UKGC, offering locals admission to top industry brands. The Welsh betting sites often hold Tier-1 licenses from the UK, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar.
The UK: is an international licensing authority and is home to some of the most prominent and oldest bookies. It is also the biggest betting scene worldwide. Although betting websites follow strict guidelines to access the British market, players still have numerous options to choose from among the best UK bookmakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to bet online in NI?

Going for a site with a UKGC license is the most significant guarantee you can have, as they undergo an extensive certification process. If you opt for a foreign brand, safety could be an issue. Choosing a provider from our list saves you a lot of problems, as we have tested them in terms of credibility.

Am I allowed to bet online in Northern Ireland?

All forms of gambling in Northern Ireland have been permitted since the 1985 law came into effect. Nevertheless, the current legislation does not address sports betting sites since it was established in the 1980s.

What deposit method can I use at NI bookmakers?

Unlike the mainland UK, you can bet with a credit card. However, since it could impact your credit score, it may be wise to explore alternatives. Wallets and cryptocurrencies (the latter only in non-UKGC bookies) are excellent options.

Which are the best Northern Ireland bookmakers?

We have noticed several powerhouses operating in NI since UKGC-licensed bookmakers began taking registrations from Northern Ireland. However, many customers sign up with online gaming platforms like Mystake or Donbet to enjoy competitive odds and anonymity. Bookies that give markets for football and horse racing are the UK favorites.

Is sports betting taxed in Northern Ireland?

No. Since there is no exact regulatory authority that regulates online gambling, winnings are not subject to taxation, regardless of which sportsbook you decide to bet on. The same lack of regulation allows local customers to secure higher-value deposit bonuses, promotions, and boosted odds than their neighbors on sports such as football and horse racing.

Which are the most popular sports in NI?

Football is undoubtedly the king of sports around the UK. Bets on horses make up for a massive share of the local industry, but players also like to bet on various alternatives, including Gaelic sports, darts, and snooker.