Best Irish Betting Sites 2021
Ireland has a long association with the gambling industry, dating back over 100 years. It is now estimated that 15% of the population places bets on a regular basis. However, just which are the best Irish betting sites? Some 300 online bookies now cater for punters based in Ireland, meaning that there has never been so much choice. This page will outline just which are the best Irish online betting sites, both new and old. We will also explain the markets, payment methods and laws surrounding betting in Ireland.
Top 20 Best Betting Sites Ireland
How We Rank the Best Betting Sites in Ireland
With so many betting sites catering for punters in Ireland today, it can be difficult to choose between them. However, punters can rest assured that our experts have picked nothing but the very best bookies. When ranking betting sites Ireland, we consider the following factors:
- Safety – All of the Irish betting sites listed on this page are 100% legal, reliable and secure. Each holds the relevant gambling license, while also having a number of safety measures in place. As such, those signing up on these platforms will be doing so in the knowledge that their personal and payment details are secure.
- Markets – Sport is a major part of the Irish culture. Betting customers now follow a host of different sports, including everything from football to the UFC. As a result, bookies must ensure that they cater for all punters in this area. Each of our recommended Irish betting sites delivers a host of pre-match, in-play and outright options.
- Odds – Odds should be high on the list of priorities for any bettor. Odds will determine how much punters make from winning bets. Prices at our recommended sites are generally very appealing, with many offering price boosts and best odds guaranteed also.
- Promotions – Whether it be for new or existing customers, promotions should be available. A welcome bonus can make signing up all the more appealing, while ongoing promotions such as accumulator boosts, enhanced odds and free bets are always well received.
- Support – Ideally, customer support should be available 24/7. Whether it be over the phone, via email or through live chat, members of staff are generally accessible quickly on our recommended Irish betting sites.
- Mobile – The majority of online gambling, including sports betting, today takes place on mobile devices. A number of our recommended Irish betting sites have dedicated apps, while others simply ensure that their sportsbook site is optimised for mobile browsers.
- Features – Additional features on betting sites help to add to the overall user experience. Live streaming, cash out, bet builders and pulse betting are just a handful of the features offered by our recommended bookies.
Best Irish Betting Sites Sign Up Offers
While a sign up offer should not be the only reason for registering with a bookie, they can certainly help. Having taken into consideration the reward on offer, as well as the T&Cs and wagering requirements surrounding such promotions, the following are our top 3 sign up offers from the best betting sites:
Top 3 Sports Betting Sign Up Offers in Ireland
Betting Markets Available to Irish Punters
The best Irish betting sites offer a large number of sports markets, including pre-match, in-play and outright options. However, in terms of specific sports, the following are undoubtedly the most popular in Ireland today:
Football
Whether it be the League of Ireland or major leagues from across Europe, such as the English Premier League, football remains a hugely popular betting market. All Irish betting sites offer a host of options in this area, with popular football bets including both teams to score, first goalscorer and draw no bet. Ireland’s failure to qualify for the European Championships has done little to curb the interest of football betting fans, who place bets on their favourite teams and players on a weekly basis in many cases.
Horse Racing
Ireland is home to some of the finest racecourses, with horse racing having long been followed by millions across the country. The Irish Grand National and Irish 1,000 Guineas are two of the standout races in the Irish calendar, while a large number of bets are also placed on meetings from across the UK. The vast majority of our recommended betting sites Ireland place a great emphasis upon horse racing, with many offering live streaming of races.
Gaelic Football
Gaelic football is known as a mix between football and rugby, with it being the national sport of Ireland. Dating back hundreds of years, there are now over 2,000 GAA clubs in Ireland. Major sporting events such as the All-Ireland Mens’ Senior Football Championship receive regular interest from punters, with Dublin having won the title five years in a row since 2015.
Hurling
Another hugely popular sport in Ireland is hurling. Making up around a quarter of live sporting attendances, hurling has been played for some 3,000 years. The speed and excitement of the sport makes it appealing to betting customers too, with the All-Ireland Championship bringing together the top teams in the country. Kilkenny has 36 titles to its name to date.
Online Betting Sites in Ireland: How to Choose the Best
Selecting an Irish betting site is no different from the normal process, with factors including markets, promotions, odds and usability being important. Meanwhile, punters must also ensure that the bookie is licensed and regulated to operate in Ireland, which will be determined by the license held. Bettors can rest assured that all of our recommended gambling sites score highly in such areas. When making your choice, follow these simple rules:
- Read Reviews – While our list of recommended Irish betting sites provides an overview of leading bookies, it is also worthwhile checking out our in-depth reviews. Here, potential customers will gain a much clearer understanding of what they offer. Our reviews have all been written by industry experts, based on their own experiences.
- Test Bookies – Take a look at sports betting sites for yourself. Without signing up, punters will be able to view all available markets, promotions and features. Meanwhile, bettors will also be able to see how easy it is to access such pages, on both desktop and mobile.
- Customer Feedback – The opinion of former and existing customers is another good indicator as to the performance of an online bookmaker. Feedback is easily accessed online, especially when it comes to mobile apps.
Payment Methods Available to Punters in Ireland
Betting customers in Ireland can fund their online activity in a number of ways. A variety of payment methods are available at online betting sites in Ireland, including traditional options and more modern platforms. The fact that the vast majority of bookies accept payments in Euro means that there are no conversion fees for punters to worry about either. The table below shows the most popular payment options available, as well as their minimum deposit and withdrawal amount and potential fees.
| Payment method | Fees | Min deposit | Min Withdrawal |
| Credit/Debit Card | 0% | £5 | £5 |
| PayPal | 0% | £10 | £10 |
| Neteller | 1.9-4.95% | £5 | £5 |
| Skrill | £4.75 withdrawal fee | £10 | £5 |
| Apple Pay | 0% | £5 | £5 |
| Bank Transfer | 0% | £10 | £10 |
Online Gambling Laws in Ireland
The first gambling legislation in Ireland was established by the Betting Act of 1931. The Gaming and Lotteries Act was then founded in 1956, working closely with betting shops and casinos. The Betting Act 2015 was established following criticism that the Gaming and Lotteries Act was outdated, meaning that online bookies had to gain approval from a remote operating license. Those who target Irish players without a license faced a fine of up to €150,000, which can be larger for repeat offenders. Ireland’s own gambling regulator will be established in 2021, meaning that bookies may well have to have a physical presence in the country.
Bottom Line on Irish Betting Sites
Ireland and betting have long held an association. As a result, it comes as no surprise that a large number of online bookmakers have ensured that they cater for Irish punters. We have recommended some of the best betting sites available today, with each coming with its own set of markets and features. Be sure to check our recommended operators out for yourself, before making a decision.
FAQs
Which are the best Irish betting sites?
We have listed the top 20 online betting sites on this page, each of which comes with its own benefits. However, we recommend MansionBet, Paddy Power and 888Sport the most, due to their safety, market coverage, promotions, odds and customer service. Be sure to check out the list of bookies for yourself.
Is betting online legal in Ireland?
Yes. However, bets must be placed on a betting site that is fully licensed and regulated. Those who fail to do so are putting themselves at risk.
What methods of payment can be used?
In terms of depositing and withdrawing funds at Irish bookmakers, a good number of payment methods are available. Options include credit/debit cards, e-walllets PayPal, Neteller and Skrill, Paysafecard, bank transfers, Pay By Phone and Apple Pay.
Can payments be made in Euro?
Yes. The vast majority of betting sites accept payments in Euro. However, be sure to check that this is the case before signing up for a new account. This will help punters avoid any conversion fees.
What are the most popular sports to bet on in Ireland?
Football, horse racing, GAA and Hurling are among the most popular sports to bet on in Ireland. Meanwhile, the popularity of UFC fighter Conor McGregor has led to a vast increase in bets placed on MMA too.
About James Fuller
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SafeBettingSites is a new UK initiative launched in 2020 to protect customers against fraudulent sites.
Our goal is to protect customers against unlicensed operations with user reviews and an online complaints system.