Bookmaker | Rating | Bonus | Claim | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mr play | 4.6/5 | €15 Free Bet | Visit Site | |
New Customers only. Deposit and bet on any sportsbook Markets with min odds of 2.0. Get 50% Back of your first days’ losses as a Free bet up to €50+€20 Casino Bonus. | ||||
Rhino Bet | 4.9/5 | Bet €20 Get €20 in Free bets | Visit Site | |
18+. T&C Apply | ||||
BzeeBet | 4.9/5 | 100% upto €100 Welcome Bonus | Visit Site | |
18+. T&C Apply | ||||
LeoVegas Sport | 4.8/5 | Bet €10 get €30 | Visit Site | |
18+ LeoSafePlay.com. New customers only. Mobile Only. €10 minimum deposit activates 3x €10 Free Bets. Valid for 7 days. Full T&Cs below. Please Play Responsibly. | ||||
888sport | 4.7/5 | 100% upto €100 | Visit Site | |
18+. T&C Apply |
Welcome to the world of online betting in Ireland, where the thrill of the game meets the convenience of your fingertips. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or just getting started, Ireland’s online betting scene has something for everyone.
In this day and age, betting on sports has never been easier. From football to horse racing and everything in between, there’s no shortage of events to wager on. Plus, online sportsbooks and casinos offer a wide range of games, from classic card games to the latest slots.
Despite the plethora of options available to you, doing your research and gambling responsibly is a must. It is key to know what sportsbooks to use, the pros and cons of betting apps, and how to place wagers on sports.
So, whether you are looking to place your first bet or a seasoned bettor, below is a full guide on betting online in Ireland.
Why Bet Online in Ireland
Betting online in Ireland has never been easier. Firstly, convenience reigns supreme. With just a few clicks or taps on your smartphone or computer, you can access a wide range of betting options, from sports games and events to casino games, without the need to ever leave your home.
Furthermore, online betting platforms provide a diverse array of betting markets, allowing users to explore various sports, leagues, and games beyond what may be available locally.
Additionally, the competitive landscape of online betting often leads to better odds and promotional offers compared to traditional brick-and-mortar bookmakers. This means more value for the bettor’s money and potentially higher returns on successful wagers.
Online platforms offer features like live betting and cash-out options which are total game changers for some pundits.
Every online betting site or app also allows pundits to gamble more responsibly by setting deposit limits and time reminders.
Popular sports that the Irish bet on
Ireland boasts a rich tradition of betting, with a large portion of the population embracing the thrill of a wager. Over the years, various sports have captured Irish bettors’ attention. While emerging trends like esports garner their share of enthusiasts, many still favor the more established and traditional sporting events. Here are the top 5 most popular sports that people bet on in Ireland.
FOOTBALL | As is the case with many other countries, football is the most bet-on sport in Ireland. Premier League betting, in particular, holds considerable popularity across Ireland, prompting top Irish betting platforms to offer regular bonuses on Premier League markets. Major European competitions like the Champions League and the Europa League are also heavily gambled on in Ireland. While domestic leagues also get the attention of Irish bettors on online platforms. |
HORSE RACING | Horse racing is a close second behind football as the most bet-on sport in Ireland. Horse racing is very popular in Ireland, and the country boasts many top racecourses and events. The flat racing calendar spans from mid-March to mid-November in Ireland, while jump racing offers year-round excitement for fans to enjoy and wager on. Two of the UK’s biggest horse racing events are held in Ireland. The Punchestown Festival and the Galway Races, are both highly anticipated gatherings in Ireland’s racing scene that attract bettors from all over the country. |
RUGBY | Irish Rugby teams have been very successful in the modern era. Ulster won the European Cup in 1999 in what is thought to be the start of the golden era for Irish Rugby. Munster won the European Cup in 2006 and 2008, while Leinster won in 2009, 2011, and 2012. The Irish National team competes in the Six Nations every spring, and most recently won the competition in 2018, which attracts many pundits every year. Irish domestic teams also compete in the Pro14 Rugby Union league. |
GAA | Traditional Irish sports are also available to bet on with Irish bookmakers. The All-Ireland Senior Gaelic Football Championship sees an attendance of 80,000 people at Croke Park annually. It is one of the biggest events on the Irish Sporting calendar. Dublin won the All-Ireland Championship for six consecutive years between 2015 and 2020 before Tyrone ended that streak of dominance. |
BOXING and MMA | Ireland has a long and proud history in the sport of boxing. The nation has produced a long line of world champions throughout the years, from Steve Collins and Barry McGuigan to modern-day champions like Andy Lee and Katie Taylor. Irish boxers remain some of the most popular and most watched fighters in the sport today. Which makes Boxing one of the most gambled-on sports in Ireland. MMA in Ireland peaked when Conor McGregor took over the UFC. McGregor became the biggest star in the sport when he dethroned Jose Aldo to win the Featherweight championship. McGregor then went on to become a two-weight world champion. His success has kickstarted a new wave of Irish MMA fighters coming through the ranks. |
Best Irish Bookmakers
Bet365
PROS
- Great mobile app
- Wide range of markets
- A partial cash-out option
CONS
- Slower pay-out than other bookmakers
- No great rewards scheme for existing customers
One of the features that makes Bet365 one of the best online bookmakers is the app. The app has a simplistic design that allows seamless navigation for users. It has a clear, easy-to-see layout, and the inclusion of a search bar makes finding events, or teams, incredibly easy.
As with the app, the Bet365 website is just as sleek and efficient. Key markets are prominently displayed on the homepage alongside daily bet boosts, ensuring a streamlined service.
If Bet365 only had a great app and website as their main attraction, it could be enough. But the bookie also has other great features.
Unique to bet365, partial cash-out enables punters to secure a portion of their bet while leaving the remainder in play, ideal for complex wagers. Automatic cash-out also enhances control. Allowing you to set a threshold whereby if your wager offers that amount as a cash-out, it will automatically trigger.
Bet365 also offers live streaming as a standout feature. When you place a wager on a particular game or event, you will have the option to watch the game live on the app or website. This feature is offered in various different sports and events. Ideal for those who place wagers on less popular or overseas sports where there are no viewing options in Ireland.
Unfortunately for existing Bet365 customers, there is very little in the way of rewards. Existing customers aren’t rewarded with free bets or bet credits nearly as often as some other rivals. Also, Bet365 is behind its rivals when it comes to paying out. Withdrawals can take up to five days to process. A much longer process than their top competitors.
Ladbrokes
PROS
- Good welcome offer for new customers
- Live streaming
- Edit live accumulators
CONS
- Horse racing and football betting are not as good as competitors
- No rewards for existing customers
Ladbrokes secures a top-tier position among bookmakers, providing a diverse range of betting markets across numerous sports, accompanied by a robust website and app interface for punters.
Among its strengths, Ladbrokes excels in Basketball and Cricket betting markets, while also having fantastic live streaming availability for events on which bets are placed, alongside convenient PayPal transactions.
Ladbrokes is one of the few major sportsbooks that allows pundits to use PayPal to deposit, and withdraw funds to their account. It’s a small feature, but one that makes a lot of sense, and will make PayPal users happy.
Another great feature on Ladbrokes is #GetABet. If you’re feeling adventurous with your bets, try the #GetABet feature. Just tweet the hashtag and tag Ladbrokes, and they’ll offer you special odds for bets you can’t find on their website. The traders are always on the lookout, so you might snag a big win with this.
Ladbrokes has an enticing welcome offer for new customers. When you sign up to Ladbrokes and wager €5, you will receive €20 in free bets, in the form of 4x€5 bets. There are specific terms and conditions regarding this, however, the offer itself is still very good.
While Ladbrokes offers ample opportunities for punters across major sports, improvements could be made to enhance its appeal, particularly in football and horse racing markets both on the web and app platforms, as well as in Inplay betting options.
Boylesports
PROS
- Over 25 sports are available to bet on
- Over 270 retail branches in both Ireland and the United Kingdom
- Excellent customer service
CONS
- Loyalty program only for customers who can visit a BoyleSports retail shop in person
- The minimum withdrawal is higher than the minimum deposit
Boylesports is Ireland’s largest independent sportsbook. A renowned online bookie with a few surprises up its sleeve. Established in 1989, BoyleSports boasts over 350 betting shops across the UK and Ireland, offering convenient access to its services.
In 2022, Boylesports launched a dedicated live-streaming service, enhancing the user experience. Additionally, BoyleSports features an exclusive acca loyalty club, rewarding loyal punters. With a vast array of options, bet on over 40 sports, ensuring there’s something for every sports enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the game, BoyleSports promises excitement and opportunity at every turn.
New punters signing up at BoyleSports can receive €20 in free bets. To qualify, deposit at least €10 and bet the same amount on odds of 2.0 or higher. After meeting this condition, you’ll unlock the €20 free bet. This offer is limited to one per account, household, or IP address. Keep in mind, that the free bet stake isn’t included in any winnings. You can place bets under €10 without losing your bonus, but the offer activates only after your initial €10 bet.
BoyleSports offers various bonuses to make your betting experience more exciting. With their money-back free bet, if your horse or greyhound comes second to the favorite, you get a free bet matching your stake. They also have extra place races, where they increase the number of winning spots based on the number of runners, making each-way bets easier to win.
For acca bets with three or more selections, you can choose between a boost, which increases your winnings, or insurance, which refunds your bet if you lose by just one selection. Plus, with their acca loyalty club, every fifth qualifying bet earns you a €5 free bet.
888Sport
PROS
- Huge choice of odds markets on numerous sports
- Several ongoing promotions offered
- Enticing welcome bonus
CONS
- Live streaming is limited
- No customer service chat is available 24/7
888sport, launched in 2008, has swiftly risen to prominence as a trusted betting brand. Offering a diverse range of sports markets, it’s a go-to choice for UK and Irish punters.
888sport boasts a comprehensive sports betting catalog, catering to a wide range of preferences. With markets available for 32 different sports, including football, cricket, tennis, rugby, horse racing, and boxing, users have plenty of options to explore. The platform also features dedicated sections for ongoing events, such as the Six Nations, the FIFA World Cup, and the Superbowl.
For enthusiasts of eSports betting, 888sport offers an extensive selection of popular games such as Call of Duty, Dota 2, League of Legends, CS:GO, Rainbow 6, and Overwatch. Each game comes with multiple markets, providing ample opportunities for betting aficionados to engage with their favorite eSports.
New users are welcomed with a generous €30 free bet bonus upon sign-up. Claiming the bonus is a simple process, requiring users to enter the promotional code “30FB” and meet specific criteria, such as making a qualifying bet of €10 or more within 30 days of opening an account.
In addition to the welcome bonus, 888sport offers various promotions and free bets to reward existing users. Regular free bets are awarded to loyal customers, allowing them to place bets without risking their own funds. Promotions such as earning a €5 free bet for placing a bet with odds of 5.00 or higher further enhance the betting experience.
Mr Play
PROS
- Plenty of online banking methods to deposit and withdraw funds
- Good market depth across sports
- Live streaming
CONS
- Lack of promotions
- Users have experienced lengthy loading times
Mr Play offers users 31 sports markets to dive into. They have Acca Play boost features and a fairly good live streaming service.
Joining Mr Play Sportsbook guarantees access to various sports betting promotions. Currently, players from Ireland have exclusive access to the Welcome Bonus: a 100% deposit offer of up to €100.
This offer is solely available to new members. To claim the €100 Free Bet Bonus, visit Mr Play through this review and click “Open Account.” Complete the 2-step registration process to create your account. Once approved, add your banking details for depositing. Deposit between €10 and €100 to activate the Welcome Bonus, which Mr Play matches by 100%, effectively doubling your betting funds.
Mr Play offers users an app to pair with the online desktop website. However, users of both have experienced long loading times. Something that is pretty inexcusable in today’s competitive market, especially when it comes to in-play betting.
Mr Play began as an online casino. Now, since they’ve dived into the sportsbook world, their online casino still exists and could be a selling point for pundits who also want a high-quality casino service. Mr Play offers over 800 casino slot games and also has a live casino feature for games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
Accepted Payments
Here are the accepted payments from the majority of Ireland’s top online sportsbooks:
Debit Card | Bank Transfer | Google Pay |
Apple Pay | Neteller | PayPal |
Boku | Crypto Currency | Paysafecard |
High street bookmakers vs online bookmakers
The High Street bookmakers are dying out. In years past, they held an extremely dominant position in the gambling industry. But now, their numbers are dwindling, thanks to the rise of online sportsbooks.
However, the High Street bookies aren’t quite dead yet.
There is significantly more choice when it comes to online sportsbooks as opposed to the High Street. Take a stroll down your local High Street and you may see one or two bookies to choose from. However, online, there are hundreds to choose from. Also, these online bookies are available 24 hours a day, as opposed to the High Street bookies which will close in the evening.
The 24-hour access to online sportsbooks like Betfree betting sites is great for overseas sports, like Baseball and basketball where the games start in the middle of the night in Ireland.
Online bookies also have increased competition with each other, which often leads to better odds. Ladbrokes couldn’t offer a 5/1 bet, while Bet365 and 888sport offer the same bet at 10/1. People will shop around and find the best bang for their buck.
Despite the obvious advantages of online sportsbooks, High Street and Brick-and-mortar bookies still hold a place in pundits’ hearts. There is no better feeling than being with your friends, gathered around a TV watching your backed horse pull ahead and win you some cold hard cash. You see your winnings immediately, in your hand, not just some digits on a screen.
This makes it easier to walk out of the bookies and go spend your winnings elsewhere. We have all been victims of online bookies when we have just re-bet our winnings straight away instead of withdrawing funds.
Pundits can obviously use cash at High Street bookies. Keeping your bet and data anonymous to potential (unlikely) online hacking.
Strategies for betting online
Implementing a betting strategy enables you to apply logical reasoning to your wagers. While it may be tempting to select bets randomly from numerous games and markets, doing so without a strategic approach will likely result in more losses than wins.
Before delving into advanced sports betting strategies, it’s crucial to cover some fundamental principles. These principles serve as both rules and strategies and are essential for those aiming to consistently profit from sports betting.
Bankroll Management is key in sports betting. Treat it like an investment, allocating a portion of your bankroll to each wager. Use a points system—standard bets might be 1 point, while high-value ones can be up to 5. For instance, with a €1,000 bankroll, 1 point equals €10 (1%).
Understanding the odds is crucial. They reflect the payout based on the likelihood of an outcome. Odds can change due to betting volume or factors like player injuries.
Lastly, always search for the best betting lines. Different sportsbooks offer varying odds for the same bet, so shop around to maximize value and potential returns.
Before you choose what sportsbook to open an account with, here are some things to consider:
Sign-Up process | Signing up to an online sportsbook should be a relatively painless and easy process. It shouldn’t take much time to enter your details and deposit your funds. Be wary of sites asking in-depth personal questions. |
Security and Safety | As with any online site where you are depositing funds and entering bank details, you should be careful how the site will use your information. Make sure the sportsbook is regulated by the UKGC before providing your bank details. |
Promotions | The best online sportsbooks will run regular promotions to prevent customers from being lured away in a very competitive market. Good sportsbooks will promote these and you should always check them out. |
Customer Support | Hopefully, you will never need to contact customer support. But on the off chance you do, it’s best to have a sportsbook with a 24-hour service available to you. Whether this is an online chat, or phone number to contact. |
Reputation | There are plenty of options available to Irish punters. However, not all options are equal. Some of the options available to you will not be reputable. It would be safe to stick to the more popular and established bookmakers as opposed to giving a new one a chance. |
FAQ
Q. How Old Do I Have To Be To Bet On Sports Online in Ireland?
A. Most online sportsbooks mandate players to be at least 18 years old to place bets, aligning with Ireland’s legal gambling age. Any betting activity before turning 18 violates Ireland’s national gambling regulations.
Q. Do I have to pay tax on my betting winnings?
A. No. Thanks to Section 613(2) of TCA 1997, you will not pay any tax on your winnings.
Q. Is betting online safe?
A. Yes, Opting for a betting app sanctioned and overseen by the Irish Regulator ensures peace of mind. You can confidently deposit funds and place bets, assured that your money is in safe hands. Always do your research to ensure the app you are using is regulated by the Irish Regulator.
Q. What do I do if I think I am addicted to gambling?
A. Stop immediately. You can freeze your sportsbooks easily and without question. Seek help from Gambleaware or other such advice agencies.