Ireland Betting Sites

Written by Glenn Roberts

Glenn Roberts

Glenn is a sports lover and writes about Soccer and American Football. He also covers reviews of bookmakers, betting apps and deposit or withdrawal methods that players can use at online sportsbooks.

, | Updated: October 10, 2025

Below you can find our expert reviews of reputable and regulated sports betting sites operating in Ireland. Each betting site was thoroughly tested and verified by our team.

Located in northwestern Europe, Ireland boasts the fastest-growing economy in the EU, with a GDP of $333 billion in 2017 alone. Gambling is one of the largest industries on the Emerald Isle, where punters are estimated to collectively spend more than €5 billion per year. As of 2017, the country is home to more than 850 bookmaking shops, and around 12% of the Irish population visits bookmakers on a weekly basis.

Ireland may not boast the fastest-growing gambling sector when compared to some other European countries, but it has still registered significant growth in recent years. Sports betting is thriving in Ireland, especially online, with punters having round-the-clock access to a variety of web-based sportsbooks where they can choose from hundreds of markets and enjoy much better odds.

Irish Sports Betting Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating

Comparison of Sports Betting Sites in Ireland

Top 13 Betting Sites for Ireland

1. bet365

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   • UKGC (#055148-R-331498-001)
   • MGA (#MGA/CRP/531/2018)
   • Government of Gibraltar (#076)
   • Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) +10 jurisdictions (including US states)
   • Kansspelautoriteit (1690)

   Min Deposit

   $/€5-10

   Min Withdrawal

   $/€5-10

   Withdrawal Time

   Cards, E-wallets, Paysafecard: 1-4 hours; Apple Pay: instant; Wire Transfer: 1-2 banking days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   UEFA Champions League

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes; Email: support.eng@customerservices365.com; Phone: 00 800 1236 5365
   

   

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   • Wide selection of deposit methods
   • Licensed by the UKGC
   • Live betting available
   • Customer support available 24/7
   • Dedicated smartphone application
   • Competitive odds

   Bet365 is a sportsbook that offers an excellent betting platform, especially for wagering on matches that are already underway. You can stay up to date with how a game is going thanks to the live streams that accompany in-play matches, and you can quickly reference the stats and timeline of any event.

   Having achieved international acclaim, Bet365 offers an exceptional selection of markets, so it caters to a wide range of bettors. The sports you can find at Bet365 include association football, rugby, cricket, horse racing, and tennis, and these are only a fraction of the options available on the bookie’s website and app.

2. Betway

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   • UKGC (#000-039372-R-319367)
   • MGA (#MGA/B2C/130/2006)
   • GGL (#RPDA-Dez. III. 34-73c 38.01/8-2019/13)
   • Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (#10181496-010)
   • The Irish Revenue Commissioners (1010156)
   • Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
   • Alderney Gambling Contorl Commission (AGCC)

   Min Deposit

   $/€10

   Min Withdrawal

   $/€10

   Withdrawal Time

   • E-wallets - up to 24 hours • Debit cards and bank transfers - 2 business days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Manchester City FC, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Atletico Madrid FC

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes; Email: support@betway.com; Phone: varies according to country
   

   

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   • Wide range of banking solutions
   • The betslip displays all necessary information clearly
   • Live streaming available for in-play matches
   • Early cash out
   • Dedicated racebook
   • Competitive odds

   Beloved by punters across the globe, Betway is a sportsbook packed with excellent features. One such highlight is early cash out, a tool that allows bettors to settle a bet prematurely. It can be used to cut one’s losses or claim any accumulated winnings, depending on the state of the wager. In addition, live streaming is provided whenever a bettor wishes to wager on a live game.

   Betway has introduced a bet builder tool, which lets punters combine multiple selections from a single game, a concept similar to an accumulator except all picks come from the same event.

3. 888sport

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   • UKGC (#039028-R-319297-012)
   • MGA (#MGA/CRP/543/2018)
   • Government of Gibraltar (#112 and #113)
   • Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)

   Min Deposit

   $/€10

   Min Withdrawal

   $/€10

   Withdrawal Time

   • Visa and Apple Pay: up to 6 days • E-wallets and Rapid Transfer: 2-3 days • Wire transfer: 5-8 days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   National Football League (NFL), Dundalk Football Club, Cardiff City FC

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes; Email: support@888sport.com; Phone: N/A
   

   

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   • The sportsbook is available in multiple languages, including English, German, and French, among other options
   • 888sport is regulated by reputable entities such as the UK Gambling Commission and the MGA
   • Live streaming
   • Compatible with mobile devices
   • Free bet calculator
   • Early cash out

   In addition to its excellent desktop site, 888sport is well-known for its strong performance on smartphones. You can wager on events in several ways while on the go. First, you can use the mobile version of the website in your phone’s browser. If you prefer a stand-alone app, you can download it as well. To install 888sport’s dedicated app, Android users can visit the Google Play Store, while iOS users will find it on the App Store.

   Mobile bettors enjoy the same features that desktop users do. These include the compact betslip, which displays all essential information clearly and lets punters combine their selections into accas or system bets instead of keeping them as singles.

4. Tonybet

   

   Bet Now

   Licenses

   • The Estonian Tax and Customs Board (#HKL000393, HKT000016, HKL000098, HKT000015)
   • Kahnawake Gaming Commission
   • Dutch Gaming Authority (1729)
   • Ireland Revenue Commissioners (1017899)
   • Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)

   Min Deposit

   $/€10

   Min Withdrawal

   $/€10

   Withdrawal Time

   • E-wallets - within 12 hours • Credit/Debit Cards - up to 7 business days • Cryptocurrencies - less than 24 hours

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   Canadian Premier League (CPL) Irish Champions Festival in Leopardstown (2024) Tony Cascarino (brand ambassador)

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes email: info@tonybet.com Contact Us Form Phone: N/A
   

   

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   • Impressive variety of odds formats
   • Intuitive betslip
   • 13 language options
   • In-play betting
   • Licensed by trusted regulatory bodies
   • Early cash-out available

   TonyBet features a clean design that keeps the sportsbook’s layout organized. In addition to its classy appearance, the platform also shines when it comes to functionality. A major highlight is the variety of odds formats available. You can choose Malaysian, Hong Kong, and Indonesian odds if you wish, while fractional, decimal, and American formats are also on offer.

   TonyBet’s selection of sports is solid as well. Soccer, baseball, boxing, cricket, and basketball are just a few of the options. As for bet types, markets such as 1×2, double chance, and totals, among many others, await.

5. Novibet

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   Malta Gaming Authority (#MGA/CRP/186/2010)The Irish Revenue Commissioners (1020856)

   Min Deposit

   $5: ApplePay, PaysafeCard; $10: Credit/Debit card, Interac, eWallets, Rapid Transfer

   Min Withdrawal

   $10: Credit/Debit Card, eWallets; $30: Bank Transfers

   Withdrawal Time

   Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfers: up to 3 days; eWallets: within 1 hour

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   Fortaleza, Huachipato FC, Aris FC, Atromitos FC, Volos FC, Asteras Tripolis, Panaitolikos, Panserraikos, Omonoia, Anorthosis

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes Email: support@novibet.com
   

   

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   • Compatible with mobile devices
   • Live betting available
   • Excellent variety of markets
   • Live streams available during in-play
   • Wide range of deposit methods
   • Customizable layout

   Novibet offers plenty to passionate sports-betting aficionados. Fans of soccer, ice hockey, cycling, and golf are well catered for, and many more sports are available.

   Although Novibet is ideal for punters who prefer sports betting, it also caters to those who like to mix things up. The bookie features a dedicated casino page with plenty of slots and table games. Whether you are wagering on sports or playing casino games, Novibet protects your information with SSL encryption.

6. Casumo Sports

   

   Bet Now

   Licenses

   • MGA (#MGA/CRP/217/2012)
   • Irish Revenue Commissioners (#1015523)
   • AGCO (#OPIG1239089)
   • Swedish Gambling Authority (#23Si773)
   • Gibraltar (#126 and #127)
   • UKGC (#061549)

   Min Deposit

   $/€10

   Min Withdrawal

   $/€10

   Withdrawal Time

   • Credit/Debit Cards - 1-5 days • E-wallets - Up to 48 hours • Trustly - Up to 48 hours • Bank Transfers - 1-5 days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   Reading F.C.eSports events at Wembley Arena

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes; Email: hey@casumo.com; Phone: N/A
   

   

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   • 24/7 customer support
   • Licensed by trusted regulatory entities
   • Compatible with smartphones
   • Decimal, fractional, and American odds formats
   • Dedicated live casino section
   • Good selection of sports

   Licensed by trusted entities such as the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, Casumo lets punters wager on major sporting events such as the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, the NBA Championship, and many others.

   Registration takes very little time, and depositing is straightforward because Casumo supports a wide variety of banking solutions. Visa and Mastercard are both accepted, as are bank transfers and the prepaid Paysafecard. Apple Pay is also available, and services such as Interac, iDebit, MuchBetter, and ecoPayz round out the list.

7. LVbet

   

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   Licenses

   MGA (#MGA/B2C/282/2015) Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Poland (#PS4.6831.9.2016.EQK) Latvian Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection (#TI-14)

   Min Deposit

   $/€10

   Min Withdrawal

   $/€20

   Withdrawal Time

   • Debit cards - up to 3 business days• E-wallets - up to 24 hours• Bank transfers - 3-5 business days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   Hamrun Handball Club, WKS Śląsk Wrocław, Piast Gliwice FC

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes Email: support@lvbet.com; support@lvbet.lv Phone: N/A
   

   

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   • Quick registration process
   • In-play betting available
   • Live streaming available
   • Licensed by reputable regulatory bodies
   • Customer support via live chat
   • Wide variety of markets

   Regulated by the Irish Revenue Commissioners, the UKGC, and the MGA, LVBet is a well-trusted bookie that also boasts an impressive catalog of markets. Soccer, cricket, and basketball are among the available sports, and punters can place bets before the match or after it has started.

   Security is essential for any reputable online sportsbook, and LVBet takes it seriously. SSL encryption protects user data, and the site also offers two-factor authentication (2FA). This extra layer of security ensures that only the account owner can log in.

8. Bethard

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   • Malta Gaming Authority (#MGA/B2C/908/2021) • Irish Revenue Commissioners (1018155) • Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)

   Min Deposit

   • MiFinity - €20; Other methods - €10

   Min Withdrawal

   €10

   Withdrawal Time

   • Credit/debit cards - 2 to 4 days; • E-wallets - Instant; • Trustly - Instant; • Local bank transfers - Up to 1 day

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   N/A

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes Email: support@bethard.com Phone: N/A
   

   

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   • Good selection of deposit methods
   • Language options include English, Finnish, and Spanish
   • Customer support via live chat
   • In-play betting
   • SSL encryption
   • Quick registration

   Bethard uses a black and yellow color palette that creates a clean, classy design, and the layout is organized so you can quickly find your favorite sports and markets. Volleyball, association football, esports, and cycling are just some of the sports available.

   Bethard also provides users with tools that promote responsible betting. You can set deposit limits, along with loss and wager limits, all of which help prevent overspending.

9. Betsafe

   

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   Licenses

   • MGA (MGA/CRP/108/2004, MGA/B2C/959/2022)
   • Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)
   • Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)

   Min Deposit

   $/€10

   Min Withdrawal

   $/€10

   Withdrawal Time

   * Bank cards - up to 5 business days; E-wallets - up to 24 hours; Bank Transfer - up to 5 business days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   N/A

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes; Email: support-en@betsafe.com; Phone: +44 808 238 0028
   

   

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   • Available in numerous languages
   • Licensed by the MGA
   • In-play betting available
   • Well-organized layout
   • 24/7 customer support
   • Live streaming

   Inexperienced and seasoned punters alike will find plenty of betting options at Betsafe. From 1×2 and draw no bet to totals and handicap bets, the variety is impressive, and the odds are competitive.

   If you encounter an issue, Betsafe makes it easy to resolve. Start by visiting the Help Center, where the search bar and intuitive menus help you find information quickly. If the problem is more complex, you can contact the support team, which is available 24/7.

10. SpreadEx

    

    Licenses

    UKGC (8835)

    Min Deposit

    No minimum deposit requirements

    Min Withdrawal

    £1

    Withdrawal Time

    Bank cards - 2-5 business daysBank transfers - up to 2 business days

    Deposit Methods

    

    Sponsorships

    Preston North End

    Contact Details

    Live Chat: Yes Email: info@spreadex.com Phone: 01727 895 000; +44 1727 895 000
    

    

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    • Exceptional variety of markets
    • Mobile-friendly sportsbook
    • Dedicated casino page
    • In-play betting available
    • Bet builder available
    • Customer service via phone, email, and live chat

    SpreadEx places great emphasis on in-play betting, recognizing how popular live wagering is among punters. In-play options are available for nearly every sport, and the lineup includes association football, esports, volleyball, and golf.

    During select events, you can cash out your bets. In addition to standard cash-out, SpreadEx offers auto cash-out and partial cash-out. Auto cash-out lets you set win and loss thresholds that trigger the automatic settlement of your bet, while partial cash-out allows you to withdraw a portion of your stake and leave the remainder active until the event concludes.

11. Mr Green

    

    Bet Now Review

    Licenses

    • UKGC (#039264-R-319432-018)
    • Ireland’s Revenue Commissioner (#1011600)
    • MGA (#MGA/CRP/121/2006)
    • Danish Gambling Authority (#18-0457046)
    • Swedish Gambling Authority (#23Si2199)

    Min Deposit

    $/€10

    Min Withdrawal

    $/€30

    Withdrawal Time

    Credit Card - 1-5 working days; Bank Transfer - 1-5 working days; Skrill - instant or up to 2 days, Other Digital Wallets - instant or up to 2 hours; Paysafecard - instant (up to 2 hours)

    Deposit Methods

    

    Sponsorships

    N/A

    Contact Details

    Live Chat: Yes; email: customerservice@mrgreen.com; Phone: N/A
    

    

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    • Customer support available 24/7
    • Live streaming
    • Standalone smartphone app
    • Swift verification
    • Bet builder
    • SSL-encrypted user data

    At Mr Green, finding appealing markets is easy because the bookie offers a wide variety of bet types, including double chance bets, corner props, and totals. You can also explore Mr Green’s outright markets, such as who will win the World Cup, LaLiga, the US Open, or the NFL Championship, among others.

    If you prefer wagering on your phone, Mr Green is fully compatible with smartphones. The website works smoothly on mobile browsers, and there is a standalone app available from Google Play and the iOS App Store.

12. Betsson

    

    Review

    Licenses

    • Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/CRP/108/2004)
    • Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)
    • Danish Gambling Authority (DGA)

    Min Deposit

    $/€10

    Min Withdrawal

    $/€20

    Withdrawal Time

    Bank Transfer: 2 to7 days; Cards: 2 to 5 days; E-Wallets: Up to 24 hours

    Deposit Methods

    

    Sponsorships

    Atletico Nacional, Inter Milan, Club Atlético Boca Juniors, Racing Club de Avellaneda

    Contact Details

    Live Chat: YesEmail: support-en@betsson.comPhone: +356 2260 3300
    

    

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    • Licensed by the MGA
    • In-play betting available
    • Dedicated casino page
    • Available in English, Greek, Spanish, Polish, and more
    • Early cash-out
    • Dedicated Android and iOS apps

    Betsson is a modern sportsbook accessible to both desktop bettors and those who prefer to wager on the go. The app comes in two versions: one for Android devices and another for iPhones. If you would rather not download a standalone app, Betsson’s website is fully optimized for mobile browsers.

    Betsson’s sports catalog is diverse. Fans of soccer, handball, basketball, and cycling will find plenty of options, as will bettors interested in unconventional markets such as TV, politics, and music. Whatever you choose, Betsson’s fast platform makes wagering easy and enjoyable.

13. LeoVegas Sport

    

    Bet Now

    Licenses

    MGA (#MGA/CRP/237/2013) Ireland Revenue Commissioners (#1012453) UKGC (#39198) Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)

    Min Deposit

    $/€10

    Min Withdrawal

    $/€20

    Withdrawal Time

    • Credit/Debit Cards: 3-5 days • E-wallets: up to 24 hours • Bank Transfer: 2-5 days

    Deposit Methods

    

    Sponsorships

    Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. (2023/2024)

    Contact Details

    Live Chat: Yes; Email: help@leovegas.com; Phone: N/A
    

    

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    • Bet builder available
    • Dedicated smartphone apps
    • Clean, easy-to-use betting platform
    • Support via live chat
    • Match-specific statistics easily accessible
    • Convenient betslip

    LeoVegas has been operating for more than a decade, and the sportsbook-casino hybrid is now one of the industry’s heavy hitters. Thousands of punters choose LeoVegas, attracted by its competitive odds and extensive market variety. Totals, handicap bets, 1×2, and player props are available both pre-match and in-play.

    In addition to being entertaining, LeoVegas is a reputable sportsbook. It holds licenses from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, and the Revenue Commissioners of Ireland, each regarded as a trusted regulatory body worldwide.

Ireland may be relatively small in size, but this does not prevent it from being home to some of the most notable sportsbook brands in the world, including the ever-popular Paddy Power.

Nevertheless, despite the prevalence of sports betting, many residents are not sufficiently familiar with the legalities related to this sector of Ireland’s gambling industry. If you are eager to broaden your knowledge of the legal sports-betting landscape in Ireland, we suggest you read on for more detailed information. You will also learn what makes for a good Ireland-friendly online sportsbook.

Legality and Regulation of Sports Betting in Ireland

Keen sports betting fans from Ireland have nothing to fear where legalities are concerned. Both land-based and online wagering on sporting events are legal and well regulated in the country. This makes sense considering sports betting is the most popular form of wagering on the Emerald Isle.

Online and land-based bookmakers can accept bets from Irish bettors as long as they have obtained a valid license from local authorities. The sports betting sector falls under the regulations of the Irish Revenue Commissioners, who are also responsible for issuing licenses.

Pari-mutuel wagering is regulated under the 1929 Totalisator Act, but currently there are only two license holders: Tote Ireland Limited (a subsidiary of the state-owned Horse Racing Ireland) and the semi-state Bord na gCon (responsible for the regulation and promotion of greyhound racing in the country).

Some of the biggest betting brands that have acquired Irish licenses include 888sport, Betfair, Betway, William Hill, Mr Green, and 32Red, so the last thing Irish punters can complain about is a lack of legal options.

Interestingly, the licensing process requires all applicants to first publish ads in the two national newspapers and provide certificates of personal fitness within two weeks of publication. Each remote betting operator must also obtain a tax number from the Revenue Commissioners and register with the Revenue Online Service.

All forms of sports betting are legal and regulated in Ireland. Land-based licensees should not allow loitering on their premises and are prohibited from accepting wagers smaller than €0.06.

The Irish government plans to increase the taxes on licensees’ betting turnover from 1% to 2%, with the changes coming into effect at the beginning of 2019. Each sportsbook must pay an initial fee of €10,000 to receive its license. The fees for license renewal depend on the sportsbook’s turnover and range between €10,000 and €500,000. Taxes for betting intermediaries, i.e., betting exchanges, have also increased from 15% to 25%. Irish punters themselves are not taxed on their sports betting winnings.

Sports fans from the country are also not prosecuted for wagering on unauthorized sports betting sites, but few people would resort to this, given the huge number of locally licensed sportsbooks they can choose from.

In accordance with Irish law, sports betting and gambling debts are unenforceable. This applies to punters who seek payments as well as to bookmaking shops and online betting sites looking to collect debts from customers. That being said, refusals of payments by remote betting operators significantly decrease their chances of gaining an Irish license under the 2015 Betting Amendment Act.

Key Sports Betting Laws

Betting regulations have been an inseparable part of the Irish landscape ever since the mid-19th century, when the Betting Act of 1853 was introduced. Bookmaking was already common at the time, with betting shops operating across all large Irish towns.

The broad availability of sports betting partially resulted from the passing of the 1845 Gaming Act. One of its provisions required bettors to provide the money for their wagers in advance as a guarantee. The prohibition of sweepstakes in 1845 is another factor believed to have influenced the popularity of sports betting across Ireland.

Bookmakers at the time would display placards with the races to be held during the day, along with the odds for the different horses. They would take deposits from their punters and give them tickets that allowed them to collect their profits should their bets win.

The 1853 Betting Act was proposed by Attorney General Sir Alexander Cockburn and effectively prohibited the operation of bookmaking shops across the country. Penalties were imposed on those who failed to comply with the law. The prohibition proved ineffective, merely driving bookmakers from their shops out onto the streets, where they continued to accept wagers illegally.

This continued well into the 20th century until the enactment of the 1931 Betting Act, which aimed at decriminalizing and regulating bookmaking activities in the Republic of Ireland. Under the provisions of this legislation, sports betting was now legal as long as bookmakers obtained valid licenses from the local regulators.

The Betting Act of 1931 also imposed restrictions on the hours of operation of licensed land-based bookmaking shops. The latter were prohibited from accepting bets before 9 am and after 6 pm. They were also expected to close on Sundays and during religious holidays, so punting on Christmas Day and Good Friday was not an option for bettors.

The certificates of licensed bookmaking shops had to be prominently displayed at all times so customers could see them. Bookmaking shops were not allowed in the proximity of churches, schools, factories, or employment exchanges.

Also, bookmakers were not permitted to accept wagers under one shilling. Loitering or standing outside the premises of a bookmaking shop was prohibited under the provisions of the 1931 Betting Act. Irish police officers had the right to fine violators or even arrest and imprison them for up to a month.

Only persons aged 18 or older are allowed to enter and wager in bookmaking shops. Interestingly, punters were also held liable for violating the law. Underage persons who provide fake identification documents risk convictions and fines.

However, the sports betting industry changed drastically over the next eighty or so years, and these changes called for amendments to the outdated 1931 Betting Act. The most recent piece of legislation Irish lawmakers introduced came in the form of the Betting (Amendment) Act of 2015. It enabled local regulators to integrate remote sports betting into the existing licensing and taxation framework.

Remote sports betting in the country is legal under the provisions of the 2015 Act as long as the online operator has applied for and received a valid license from the Irish Revenue Commissioners. Those who knowingly accept bets from Irish bettors without a local license risk being fined and even imprisoned.

Note that pari-mutuel wagering falls under the provisions of a separate piece of legislation called the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act. It was approved in 2001 and resulted in the establishment of Horse Racing Ireland, an authority responsible for overseeing and promoting thoroughbred racing across the country.

The introduction of the above-mentioned legislation brought about the demise of the Irish Horse Racing Authority, which previously regulated race betting in Ireland. Presently, punters from the country can legally wager on races at both land-based and online sportsbooks, provided the operators hold a valid domestic license.

Ireland Sporting Events Coverage and Markets

Sports betting ranks as the most common form of gambling among Irish residents, so it is not surprising that online bookmakers cater to popular demand by offering punters from the country a diverse range of markets and wagering options. There is, of course, the option to bet on both pre-match and live games.

You can find bets for just about every market and sport imaginable, but unsurprisingly, soccer is one of the most popular alternatives, with extensive coverage of events from the NIFL Premiership, the Premier League, the FA Cup, the English Championship, and the National League.

European soccer leagues are also readily available, with some of the most popular leagues being Serie A, La Liga, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Eredivisie, the Scottish Premiership, and Primeira Liga, among others. Irish punters can experiment with a great variety of bets, including Both Teams to Score, Double Chance, Asian Handicaps, Over/Under, and Half Time.

Many international punters may not have a clue what Gaelic football is, but this sport is a big deal all across Ireland. Deeply rooted in the country’s traditions, it features a unique goal-scoring system. Ireland-friendly bookmakers offer a variety of markets for Gaelic football and cover all sporting events from the Ireland Senior Championship and the four NFL Gaelic Football Divisions.

Having originated in Ireland, hurling is another sport that enjoys undying popularity among punters from the country, who can back their favorite teams online at very competitive odds. Horse racing is also deeply rooted in the history and traditions of Ireland, so it makes sense for Ireland-friendly sportsbooks to offer bettors a huge variety of markets for this exciting sport.

Usually, you have the option to wager on both flat and jumps horse racing. Bets are accepted on all races that take place on UK and Irish soil. In many cases, punters can also watch the races as they unfold via the sportsbooks’ live-streaming services. All the information about the animals and their performance in previous races is available at your fingertips, allowing you to make the best decisions with your bets.

Other popular sports with decent coverage at Ireland-friendly sports betting sites include golf, greyhound racing, tennis, cricket, mixed martial arts, basketball, boxing, ice hockey, and snooker.

As important as market diversity is, sportsbooks are not all about that. Other criteria to consider when choosing a betting site include the presence of in-play betting, live streaming, a statistics section, an intuitive interface, and tipping services.

Some of the biggest players on the Irish betting market, like Betfair, even offer betting exchanges where you can set your own prices on bets and sell them to other punters. Of course, you must always compare the odds offered by different online bookies in order to pick the website with the most competitive prices. Read on for more information on fractional odds, the default odds format at Ireland-friendly sportsbooks.

Popular Odds Format in Ireland

Fractional odds (also called traditional odds) are the preferred format Irish punters use when placing their wagers. These are normally written with a slash and resemble fractions but in reality are not true fractions. The first number before the slash shows your expected return with a winning wager, while the number after the slash shows how many betting units of €1 you must stake to win this amount.

So let’s suppose you choose to back Custard the Dragon to win a Southwell horse race at odds of 12/1. If Custard wins the race, you will collect €12 in exchange for the €1 you initially staked. Note that this is not such a good bet because the higher the odds are, the smaller the chances of a win.

Sometimes you will come across odds that are seemingly written in reverse, like 2/7, where the value of the denominator is larger than that of the numerator. This means you need to stake €7 to win only €2. The betting slips of most online bookies automatically calculate and display your potential returns based on the wagered amount and the odds.

You can, however, easily calculate them yourself by using the following formula: [{wager / denominator} * numerator] + wager. So if you back Custard the Dragon with a base bet of €20 at odds of 12/1, you will win [{€20 / 1} * 12] + €20 = €260.

That is a nice profit for an initial investment of €20. But what is the probability of Custard winning the race? As we mentioned earlier, his chances are rather slim. You calculate them by dividing the denominator by the sum of the numerator and denominator. From this it follows that the probability of Custard winning is 1 / [12 + 1] = 1 / 13 = 0.0769 * 100 = 7.69%. Of course, if you do not feel confident using fractional odds, you can always adjust the settings and have them displayed in decimal or moneyline format.

Payment Solutions for Sports Bettors from Ireland

Irish punters are blessed with a regulated market that gives them a choice of a massive variety of sportsbooks. But how do you pick the one that is right for you? One thing that bears consideration is the diversity of payment methods.

A good sportsbook will offer a versatile list of options to meet the needs of all Irish customers, starting with the always-present credit and debit cards by Visa, Maestro, and Mastercard. E-wallets like Skrill, ecoPayz, Neteller, and PayPal are also quite convenient and hassle-free to use, and so are the prepaid solutions offered by Paysafecard and Entropay (which is a prepaid virtual Visa card you can use the same way as your plastic card). It should be noted, however, that deposits with e-wallets are sometimes excluded from bonuses, so keep that in mind if you intend to opt in for such offers.

Online banking, wire transfers, and checks are also available, but if you are looking to wager nominal amounts only, we suggest you use mobile-billing services like those provided by Boku, where the deposit limits are much lower. Always ensure your sports betting operator of choice does not charge additional fees on your payments.

The EUR, which is the currency Ireland uses as a member of the EU, is commonly available across sportsbooks that cater to Irish customers. All the online sportsbooks reviewed by Sportingpedia use reliable encryption technologies to mask transactions and protect punters from malicious attacks.

Bonuses and Rewards for Irish Sports Bettors

Most Ireland-friendly sportsbooks offer deposit bonuses as part of their welcome packages. You receive the bonus (usually in the form of a free bet) after you make a deposit and wager it on the website. You must also comply with the minimum odds requirements. Sometimes a valid promo code must be entered during or after the registration and deposit process.

Some websites might offer a bonus that comes as a deposit match, where the deposited sum is matched at a specific percentage with bonus funds. For instance, if you claim a 100% welcome bonus of up to €150 but deposit only €100, you will get €100 as a bonus on top of your initial deposit for a total of €200.

Note that different online bookies offer different welcome bonuses, so we recommend you compile a list of the websites with the best offers and pick from them. It goes without saying that the terms and conditions of the bonuses must be read in advance, as this gives you a better idea of whether an offer is worth it. Regular customers are treated to loyalty points they can convert into cash or free bets, as well as to enhanced odds and cashback.

Customer Support at Ireland Sports Betting Sites

Many punters underestimate the importance of decent support until they experience an issue and no one is there to assist them. It is always a good idea to test the quality of a sportsbook’s support service yourself, but unfortunately, some betting sites allow you to use their live-chat features only after you complete the registration process.

A good Ireland-friendly betting site will offer round-the-clock assistance by highly professional support advisors whose competence enables them to help with a wide array of issues. Some of the best sports betting operators train their support staff precisely for this purpose.

Support is usually available in English, along with other languages like French, German, Italian, and Spanish. We recommend you pick a sportsbook with a 24/7 live-chat facility to ensure there will always be someone to help you. Other commonly available methods of communication include contact forms, email, and telephone, with most Ireland-friendly betting sites serving callers from the country at no additional cost.