Welcome to Sports Chiefs, we review and rank the best online betting sites in Ireland based on our first hand testing and betting. We compare odds, welcome bonuses/free bets and payment options (along with other features) to give a insight into what betting site is best for you.
 | 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. | ||||
Gambling in Ireland is one of the most popular pastimes that for many years has only been accessible by visiting the land venues of various bookmakers. However, now more than ever customers prefer the option of betting online in Ireland in the comfort of your own home at any time. There are so many sports now available to place bets on online from classic horse racing and football to rugby, football and even the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) sports which include Gaelic handball, hurling, camogie and Gaelic football.
Betting online in Ireland is available on both desktop online sportsbooks like Betfree betting sites and via a mobile app and many customers prefer the accessibility of keeping updated with various teams and placing bets on the go straight from your pocket. Here is our ultimate guide on why you should bet online, the online betting offers available, what to look for in a good online bookmaker and much more to ensure you know everything about betting online in Ireland.
Why Bet Online vs In Store
If you are considering changing your betting habits to begin betting online, it is a good idea to do some research first. Here are some of the advantages for customers when choosing to place bets online:
- More convenient
One of the best reasons why so many people now prefer to bet online is due to the convenience it provides. You are able to simply log into your computer or use your mobile phone to create an account and easily place bets anywhere at any time instead of having to go to a land venue. You never have to miss out on any of the action when it is right at your fingertips.
- Larger selection of betting markets
Another advantage to betting online in Ireland is the larger selection of sports and betting markets available. This provides customers with much more flexibility when placing bets and you are able to find niche markets that you wouldn’t find in the betting shop to boost the thrill of betting with specials and prop bets.
- Better odds
The odds found online are quite often higher than in the land bookmakers which provide customers with better rewards if successful. Customers are able to discover more competitive odds for a range of sports and betting markets which can end up with a big difference in winnings over time. Betting sites also regularly offer bet and price boosts which further improve the odds.
- Welcome bonuses and Promotions
Another incredible advantage of betting online is access to welcome bonuses that all betting sites offer to entice new customers to join. These can be in the form of free bets, matched deposits and more to extend your funds and enjoy the first experience online. Regular promotions should also be available on betting sites which keep you coming back for more and these also cannot be found in land bookmakers.
- Enhances excitement
Betting online is available 24/7 whenever there is an event on worldwide and this means bettors have so many options from the comfort of their own home. There are so many sports available and a wide selection of betting markets to ensure there is something for everyone. This enhances bettors excitement, especially as you can also watch live streams and keep updated and never miss a second of the action.
Top Sports that People Bet On in Ireland
Betting in Ireland is always popular and there are many different sports that the Irish like to place bets on. Here are the top 5 sports that people love to bet on in Ireland:
- Horse racing
Horse racing is one of the most popular sports to bet on in Ireland and there are many events in the calendar year including some prestigious events in Ireland including the Irish Derby, Irish Grand National, Punchestown Festival and the Galway Races to name a few. There is an array of betting markets and many racing betting sites will offer stats and the latest news from the ‘Racing Post’ to help you place educated bets.
- Football
Another hugely popular sport is football. Although Ireland does have its own football leagues, the majority of Irish bettors still prefer to bet on the bigger leagues such as the Premier League and the European competitions including the Champions League, Europa League and the Euros and World Cup. Many Irish betting sites will offer a range of premier league and European promotions to boost your game play and enhance the experience.
- Rugby
Rugby is a very popular sport in Ireland and of recent years, the Irish teams have become extremely successful in the European Cup. With teams like Ulster, Leinster and Munster as well as the Six Nations in which the national team enjoys success and there are also lots of local teams. The betting sites will provide an extensive coverage of all worldwide rugby events with a selection of betting markets and promotions available.
- Boxing & MMA
Ireland also loves to watch and bet on boxing and they have an impressive history with some legends of the sport from Ireland. Steve Collins and Barry McGuigan were hugely successful champions in their own weight divisions and Irish Katie Taylor is also currently one of the top female boxers in the world.
Connor McGregor is also a big name in the world of MMA who is Dublin born and he was the first UFC star to hold championships in 2 different weight classes simultaneously. Boxing and MMA offer wide event coverage on betting sites along with unique betting markets and boosted odds for the big events.
- GAA
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is the home of Irish sports including handball, Gaelic football and hurling and these sports have a place on Irish betting sites ideal for the fans to place bets. The annual All Ireland Senior Championship Leagues are available to bet on and some betting sites will also offer unique promotions for GAA events to encourage more people to place a bet.
What to Look for in a Good Online Bookmaker
Betting online in Ireland has become much more convenient for many people as it is now more accessible for those who want to place bets anywhere at any time. There are lots of impressive bookmakers that offer an online service and it is important that you choose the right one for your individual preferences. Here is what you should look for in a good online bookmaker that you won’t find in store:
- Live Streams
The best online betting sites should provide customers with regular live streams of most of the sports and events. While some sports are unable to be shown due to restrictions, there are still lots of sports that can be watched such as horse racing, basketball, tennis and golf. This enhances the excitement and allows you to never miss a second of the action as you keep a close eye on your bets.
- Mobile App
Good betting sites will also have a user friendly mobile app that further improves convenience and lets customers place bets on the move. You are able to customise the home page by adding favourites to your account and receive personalised notifications to keep you updated with all the latest news. The mobile app should be clearly organised with HD graphics and design.
- In Play Betting
Pairing perfectly with live streams, the in play betting feature is a must have for online bookmakers. This means bettors are able to place educated bets in the middle of a match after watching the start to check out the performances of the teams. In play betting opens up even more betting markets such as next goal scorer or next player to receive a yellow card and it provides customers with more opportunity to be successful.
- Accumulators / Bet Builders
Many online bookmakers offer accumulators and bet builders to add more of a thrill to the betting experience with riskier bets. With accumulators you have to choose multiple bets which are combined to create one big bet for the potential of bigger rewards.
Bet builders are more specific to one match with options such as goals, cards and corners combining. Many betting sites will also offer acca and bet builder insurance which will protect and return your stake if just one of your leg loses. These are risky bets but offer higher rewards if successful.
- Cash Out Options
If you are feeling nervous about a bet you’ve placed and think that something is going to happen before the end of the match that will ruin your bet, a cash out option will allow you to basically stop your bet before anything happens and take the winnings. Many online bookmakers now offer cash out options for certain events and matches and it is vital that you time it correctly to win as much as possible.
- VIP Programme
A feature that is gradually beginning to gain popularity in online bookmakers is the VIP programme. This is an exclusive club that is offered to loyal and regular customers in which you have to earn points or level up to receive various rewards such as free bets, cash prizes and lots more bonuses to boost your betting play. Many customers are impressed with the rewards available and this keeps you coming back for more.
The Best Online Bookmakers
There are now so many bookmakers that offer an online service that you may feel overwhelmed when trying to choose. We have collected the most important information on just a few of the online betting sites available to help you begin your research and know what to look for when you decide which online bookmaker to sign up with.
BoyleSports
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong welcome offer | Customer support needs improvement |
| Live streams and in play betting | |
| Mobile app |
The largest independent bookmaker in Ireland, BoyleSports has gained a huge number of bettors due to its standout customer service and selection of sports for the Irish customer base. BoyleSports provides an array of impressive features including live streams of various events to ensure you never miss a second of the action and in play betting to add excitement to the matches. The blue and white colour of the site offers a clear and organised desktop in which you can browse through all the different sports and check out the regular promotions available. The current welcome offer requires bettors to place a €10 bet to receive €30 free bets and the promotions include early payouts, acca boosts and sport specific deals to ensure you always enjoy your betting play. BoyleSports also has a functional mobile app that provides a personalised service and you can read the stats pages to help you place informed bets.
Quinnbet
| Pros | Cons |
| Amazing welcome offer | Location restrictions |
| Good selection of Irish sports | |
| Regular promotions |
Also based in Ireland, Quinnbet is known for its incredible services as both a sports book and a casino. You can find a wide selection of worldwide sports available including horse racing, football, GAA and much more along with an array of classic and niche betting markets. Quinnbet also offers live streams of many sports which pairs perfectly with the in play betting options that will enhance your thrill. Quinnbet has one of the best welcome offers in betting with €50 worth in free bets when you place a €10 bet to be used on any sports you want. Other popular promotions include a daily free bet, boosts and more to ensure customers never get bored. The mobile app provides customers with accessible features and a user friendly interface and you are able to place bets on the go and check out the stats pages for additional information.
Ladbrokes
| Pros | Cons |
| Good welcome offer | No VIP scheme |
| Sport specific promotions | |
| Mobile app |
The oldest bookmaker to still exist, Ladbrokes is an established big name in the world of betting and always provides customers with a fantastic service. There is an extensive collection of sports available to bet on along with a range of betting markets both classic and specials for certain events. You will receive a strong welcome offer of €20 in free bets when you place a €5 bet on any sport and you can check out the other popular promotions which include bet and acca boosts, lucky dips, fanzone and more tailored to your individual betting preferences. There are also sport specific promotions to enhance your bets if you stick to your favourite sports, and you can use the mobile betting app which is easy to navigate for a personalised experience. Use the stats pages to inform your bets and keep up to date with all the latest injury news and conferences.
Mr. Play
| Pros | Cons |
| VIP programme | Low welcome offer |
| Regular promotions | |
| Bet builders |
Mr. Play has recently become a popular bookmaker after it was first established as a casino in 2017. Customers can enjoy the simple yet charming desktop site that stands out with the iconic moustache logo alongside all available sports and upcoming events. There are lots of betting markets to choose from as well as accumulators, bet builders and specials to ensure there is something for everyone. Although the welcome offer is quite low with customers having to place a €10 bet to receive €10 in free bets, the other promotions help to make up for it. These include play boosts and early cash out options all from the comfort of your home on the user friendly desktop site and the sleek mobile app. There are live streams available for a wide range of sports and you can also check out the selection of live bets for a more thrilling experience. The VIP programme offers standout rewards after customers level up which include free bets, cash prizes and much more to ensure you keep coming back for more.
Betting Offers Found at Online Bookmakers
Once you start to place bets online, you will notice that there are a lot more betting offers available compared to the land bookmakers. This is because the online betting sites are able to provide deals and offers to keep customers interested over time. Here are some of the most common offers found online:
- Free Bets
The most common offer advertised at online bookmakers is the free bets. The majority of betting sites will require new customers to place a bet of a minimum amount to be able to claim a certain amount of free bets. For example, place a bet of €10 and receive €30 of free bets which can be used on any sport.
- Matched Deposit
A more unique but exciting offer is the matched deposit in which bookmakers will effectively double your first deposit up to a certain amount. A bookmaker may offer 100% match deposit up to €100. This means that if you deposit any amount up to €100 you will receive the same amount and double your funds. For example, if you deposit €50 they will also give you €50 meaning you have €100 to play with.
- Odds Boosts
Regular bookmaker offers will include the odds boost of certain bets, whether it is for a big sporting event or to encourage more customers to keep playing. This provides customers with higher odds and the potential for bigger rewards if the bet wins. Many betting sites will also advertise the best odds guaranteed to ensure customers always receive the best deal.
- Accas and Insurance
The most popular betting offer for any seasoned bettor is the accumulators and insurance. An accumulator allows customers to combine lots of small bets into one big bet with the odds multiplied to create higher odds for higher rewards. This is a risky bet as all of your bets have to win to be successful but many betting sites also offer acca insurance in which your stake will be returned to you in the form of free bets if just one of your leg loses.
- Cashback
Another exciting betting offer found at online betting sites is the cashback option which is most often available for loyal customers rather than new customers. The bookmaker will set a certain amount of days in which you can place bets and if you lose you will receive a % of the cash back. This is ideal for many bettors as you can sometimes go through a rough patch and knowing that you will get some funds back will make you feel more at ease when placing bets.
Regulations Around Betting Online in Ireland
When betting online in Ireland, it is a legal requirement that all bookmakers are fully licensed and regulated by a professional body such as the Gambling Regulatory authority of Ireland or the UK Gambling Commission. These licenses ensure that the bookmakers employ certain safety and security measures to protect the public in the gambling sector with transparent operations that comply with the gambling laws in Ireland.
The Gambling Regulation Bill
The Gambling Regulation Bill for Ireland was passed in November 2022 which effectively created a regulatory body for all gambling forms in Ireland. As stated by this legislation, the Authority will acquire powers to regulate gambling in person, online and remote betting.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland will:
- Ensure all gambling and bookmakers are regulated
- Establish and maintain safeguards to address problem gambling
- Regulate gambling advertisements to support the implemented safeguards
- Work to prevent gambling from supporting crime
- Maintain a National Gambling Exclusion Register
- Provide a public list of all licensed gambling businesses in Ireland
- Social Impact Fund – research and provides programmes for problem gamblers
The Gambling Regulation Bill also implemented certain measures immediately which included:
- A ban on gambling advertisements from 5pm to 9.30pm every night
- A complete ban on gambling advertisements on social media
- Any members of sporting clubs who are under 18 must not accept a gambling company’s sponsorship
- Credit cards are now illegal to be used for gambling