Online gambling in Ireland – the ultimate guide
If you’re looking for the best gambling sites in Ireland you’ve come to the right place. The country's online gambling market is projected to be worth a huge €1.14bn in 2024, but lots of sites offer a second rate experience.
In this detailed guide, we’ll show you a list of the top online gambling sites with incredible bonuses (like a 300% match on your first deposit). We'll also cover essential information like how to sign up, and how to stay safe when gambling online.
So, keep reading to find the best gambling site for you!
The best online gambling sites in August 2024
Avoid these gambling websites
We do research to bring you the best gambling websites in Ireland, but we also tell you which ones to avoid. Players from the sites we’ve highlighted below have reported issues like extremely long payout times, slow response times and unprofessional practices, so be sure to avoid them.
What makes these Ireland’s best gambling sites?
Our list of the best Irish gambling websites is based on a number of factors. Each site has its strengths and weaknesses that we assess as part of our review process.
While you may be looking for a big casino bonus, other players might be looking for the best banking option for them. That’s why we rate sites by criteria that we know matters to most Irish gamblers. These are our top picks in the most important categories:
🥇 Ireland’s best online gambling site | Clubhouse |
💸 Best for fast payouts | BetandPlay |
💰 Highest payout rate | Slotbox |
🎁 Best for bonuses | BetandPlay |
📱 Best mobile experience | Tonybet |
💳 Most payment options | GreatWin Casino |
The most popular types of online gambling
The term ‘online gambling’ describes any form of real money wagering taking place online. This broad term covers many areas like sports betting, casino games, poker, bingo, and more. We’ve broken down each of these popular types of online gambling below:
Online casinos
The most common type of Irish gambling websites are online casinos. These sites offer a range of gambling games that use RNGs (random number generators) to guarantee fair outcomes including jackpots, slots, table games, and live dealer games.
Online casinos typically have loyalty and VIP programs you can participate in, too, much like a physical casino would – so you can enjoy lots of the same benefits, anytime and anywhere.
Online sports betting
Sports betting has been a part of Irish culture for centuries. Horse racing especially has been one of the most popular parts of the gambling industry, with bets being taken as far back as the 1700s. The Irish passion for betting on horses has only grown since sports betting moved online.
Ireland’s top sports betting sites also accept wagers on other sports, like tennis, boxing, rugby, and football, which is now the most popular with punters. With 100+ betting markets available for large sporting events and features like live streaming and cashouts, the sports betting experience has moved to a whole new level.
Poker sites
Ireland is well-connected to the poker gaming world. Dublin hosts some of the largest poker tournaments in Europe, and many top online poker sites operate in Ireland.
At these leading sites, you can play poker in many different forms, such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, 5-Card Draw, and 7-Card Stud. Many Irish gambling sites also offer virtual poker using RNG software, however live dealer poker games are also streamed in high definition.
Bingo sites
Online bingo features all the same elements as the traditional, in-person game, but thanks to technological advancements and plenty of variations in formats like 90-ball bingo, playing online has never been better.
Not only do leading gambling sites create bingo-specific bonuses like free tickets, but they also have other creative features like in-game ‘specials’ and chat functionality. Many online bingo rooms have hundreds of people bidding for the top prizes at once, and with rounds taking just a few minutes, there is plenty of fun to be had!
Crypto gambling sites
An emerging category of gambling websites in Ireland are crypto and Bitcoin casinos. These sites allow cryptocurrency for deposits, withdrawals, and in-game wagers.
Other than that, they operate in the same way any traditional online casino would, and you can find a range of betting options and games available. However, these sites are best suited to gamers who are familiar with using crypto wallets and processing transactions through cryptos like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others.
All other forms of online gambling in Ireland
While we’ve covered the key categories of Irish gambling sites above, there are several other forms of online gambling out there. These include lottery gaming, spread betting, tote/pari-mutuel betting, sweepstakes gaming, e-sports and fantasy sports gambling.
How we rate online gambling sites
Before recommending any Irish online gambling site, the expert team at Casino.org will independently review it, so we can confidently tell you if it's one of the best or not.
When reviewing sites, we try to consider everything. However, there are some factors that are more important than others. We have listed the most essential ones below, so you can see the big things we're looking out for:
Bonuses & promotions
Bonuses come in numerous shapes and sizes, ranging from welcome offers to existing player promotions and can take the form of bonus money, free spins, tournaments with unique prizes, and cashback.
The easier these bonuses are to obtain and the more user-friendly the terms are, the better rating we give it. In Ireland, we consider any wagering requirements under 35x with a minimum qualifying deposit of €20 to be competitive but Stay Casino's offer is our favourite.
Games and gambling types available
Gambling online is about having fun, so it’s essential to select a site with a wealth of different games and betting products. The top gambling sites in Ireland have 1000s of casino games available, from jackpots and live dealer games to slots, poker, and table games like roulette and blackjack. TonyBet, one of Ireland's leading sites, boasts more than 8,000, while 7Bit is way over the 11,000 mark.
Many also let you play free gambling games in demo mode, so you can get a taste of the action before making a deposit. Many leading casino sites also offer alternative products like sports betting or bingo on the same site.
Payment options and policies
The more payment options available, the better a site is. We expect to see debit/credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, e-wallets like PayPal, prepaid options like Paysafecard, and even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Additionally, we value sites like TonyBet that have low minimum deposits, withdrawal requirements under €10, and quick processing speeds of up to 24 hours. However, the most important factor relating to payments for us are zero fees. If a casino lets you deposit and withdraw without a fee, we will give them a better rating.
Safety & licensing
We do not endorse any gambling website that doesn’t have a licence issued by a reputable gambling authority, for example the Malta Gaming Authority or UK Gambling Commission. Additionally, a site must pass our stringent security checks before we consider recommending it.
This includes a thorough assessment of third-party site audits from the likes of eCOGRA, security features such as SSL encryption, and background checks of the companies who manage the site. Barz Casino performed well in each of these categories, and its security was rightly ranked highly by our team.
In the future, these checks will also involve an assessment of Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland licenses, which will regulate Ireland’s gambling market.
Mobile gambling experience
The best legal online gambling sites in Ireland work equally well on both mobile and desktop. However, our top-rated platforms also offer native gambling apps you can download directly to your Android or iOS device.
Typically, mobile apps provide a better mobile gaming experience compared to mobile sites. They offer many benefits, like push notifications, and exclusive bonuses, which is why we rate them higher. If you're looking to maximise your enjoyment by playing on an app, one of the only Irish gambling sites to offer this feature is TonyBet.
Customer support
Customer support might not be at the front of your mind if you’re looking to join one of the leading gambling sites in Ireland. But if you ever need assistance, trust us - you’ll be glad you picked a site that delivers in this area!
With that in mind, we like to promote sites with 24/7 support services via multiple channels. These include phone, live chat, social media, and email. Ideally, we prefer sites with quick response times through these channels, too. The Clubhouse Casino is one of the leaders when it comes to support, as they're one of the only sites in Ireland to offer 24/7 support via live chat.
Usability
Usability relates to your overall experience on a gambling site. For example, is it easy to use? Is the website responsive and quick? Can you find key games and deposit money without any hassle? We consider all of these important questions and more when judging a site’s usability rating. Slotbox scored 4/5 in this area, and is one of the best available in the Irish market.
Is gambling legal in Ireland?
Yes, most forms of gambling are legal in Ireland for 18+ residents. So, if you’re looking to gamble online and you’re an adult, you’ve got nothing to worry about. However, the regulation of gambling in Ireland is undergoing significant change. This won’t impact the legality of online gambling, and it won’t stop you playing your favourite games, but in a policy and regulatory sense, things will be different.
How will gambling regulations change?
At the moment, all legal gambling providers in Ireland operate through licenses obtained through outside bodies like the UKGC and MGA. The all-new GRAI (Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland), established through the Gambling Regulation Bill of 2022, will be Ireland’s homegrown regulatory body for all things gambling.
Once this is all signed off and the infrastructure established, which should be in 2024, the Gambling Regulation Bill will take precedence over all previous gambling laws/bills. This includes the Totalisator Act of 1929, the National Lottery Act of 2023, the Betting Acts, and the Gambling and Lotteries Acts. Essentially, the GRAI will become the official governing body responsible for issuing licenses to betting providers and overseeing the entire gambling industry in Ireland.
Ultimately, this new set-up will streamline the Irish gambling market. Since the bill states the GRAI will become responsible for both online and offline licensing, there’s potential for more in-person casinos emerging across Ireland in the not-too-distant future.
Top places to gamble offline in Ireland
At the time of writing, offline gambling in Ireland is solely concentrated around private clubs, but the GRAI could change all of that in the coming years. That’s because official licenses for offline gambling establishments may come to fruition. If it does, there is a chance many more offline casinos could be built and licenced in Ireland.
In the meantime, here are some of the best land-based gambling Ireland establishments in the Emerald Isle.
- Fitzpatrick’s Casino: This is one of six casinos making up the Fitzpatrick’s Casino Group in Ireland. Located in the middle of Dublin, it is one of the most popular gambling clubs in the country. It offers live poker tournaments, slots, and low-limit table games like blackjack and roulette.
- Sporting Emporium Casino: Located on South Anne Street in Dublin, the Sporting Emporium Casino has entertained gamblers in Ireland since 2005. This is more of a luxury casino than the others, as it fits the status of a private gambling club offering classics like Punto Banco, Three Card Brag, and several variations of blackjack and roulette.
- Macau Casino Complex: The Macau Casino Complex, located in Cork, has it all. It boasts video poker, slots, live sports, table games, and more. The location itself spans 13,000 square feet, too, so it’s a colossal venue.
- Penthouse Casino & Card Club: Located near Dublin, Penthouse offers mainly blackjack, roulette, and baccarat tables. Between these options, you’ve got many high-stakes games that all high-rollers love.
- The Westbury Casino: The Westbury Casino isn’t too far from Malahide, which is outside of Dublin. This location offers a blend of digital and real-life options for classics like poker, roulette, and blackjack.
How to register at an online gambling site
If you’re ready to join one of Ireland’s top gambling sites, you must complete a quick on-site registration process. This is a legal requirement for all regulated betting providers. However, at most gambling sites it’s very straightforward and takes no more than a few minutes to complete. Here are the usual steps you’ll need to follow:
- 1
Choose your site
After picking your favourite site from our top-rated list, follow the link on this page to get to the site.
- 2
Register
Hit the “Sign Up” or “Register” button and create a new username/password.
- 3
Provide your details
Supply the required details, including your name, DOB, email, phone number, and address.
- 4
Pick a bonus
Choose your welcome bonus (if prompted), then read and agree to the site’s T&Cs.
- 5
Deposit money
After opening your account and signing in, head to the banking section and deposit funds using your preferred method.
- 6
Start playing!
Enjoy real money gaming with the funds you’ve deposited. (Note that you can follow this process on desktop or mobile).
The pros and cons of gambling sites
While there are countless advantages to gambling online, it may not be for everyone. Like all activities, online gambling has its fair share of pros and cons. We’ve highlighted both below:
Pros
- Convenience - You can gamble wherever and whenever you want
- Excitement - Create the excitement of placing real-money wagers at a casino
- Bonuses - Online gambling bonuses are widely available and give you a chance to play and possibly win more
- Choice - There are a wide range of games and types of gambling available
- Protection - There are a range of support and tools available to ensure responsible gambling
Cons
- Bad sites - Some online gambling sites are untrustworthy
- Risk of losses – Gambling always comes with risk, and the house has an edge so you will lose at some point
- Dependent on internet connection – If you have bad internet connection it will negatively impact your experience
Popular payment options for online gambling in Ireland
If you want to take part in real money gambling in Ireland, you must make real money deposits. If you win, you’ll also want to withdraw your money, so it’s an essential part of the online experience. We’ve covered some of the best banking options for gambling online in Ireland in the following table so you can find the best fit for you:
| Payment type | Benefit | Example |
|---|---|---|
E-wallets | High transaction limits | PayPal, Skrill, Neteller |
Credit/debit cards | Secure & readily accessible | Visa, MasterCard |
Crypto | Instant processing speeds | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin |
Prepaid Cards | Safe option to avoid sharing bank details | Visa Prepaid, MasterCard Prepaid |
Are the software and games providers important?
Yes, absolutely! When you play online gambling games like slots, or video poker, the game is usually made a third-party software company that develops and licenses the game to casinos. So, it’s important to play at casinos that work with the best software providers because they give the most enjoyable experience.
Developers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and Evolution Gaming are some of the biggest names you should look out for, and if a casino is offering games by any of those companies, you’re in the right place.
How to stay safe when gambling online – our top tips
As much as we want to prioritise having fun at any online gambling site, there is something even more important - your safety. We’ve listed some of the most important factors to consider when it comes to staying safe when gambling online. They are:
- Play at sites with valid licenses only (UKGC, MGA, etc.)
- Use responsible gambling tools (reality checks, deposit limits, etc.)
- Establish extra security measures for your account (unique PINs, two-factor authentication)
- Use trusted payment options like PayPal or Mastercard for deposits and withdrawals
Online gambling FAQs
Which is the best Irish website to gamble on?
You can explore the best Irish online gambling websites right here on this page. We’ve highlighted the best online casinos, sports betting platforms, and poker sites for players from the Emerald Isle.
If we had to narrow it down to one, we'd say Clubhouse as our team ranked it the highest amongst all Irish gambling sites in our strict criteria that includes bonuses, payment options, and security.
Is online gambling legal in Ireland?
Yes. Ireland is home to a flourishing, legal online gambling market, and sites offering sports betting and casino gaming under one roof are particularly popular.
Can you win real money gambling online?
Absolutely. All regulated gambling sites in Ireland create opportunities for winning real money. However, this obviously isn’t guaranteed.
Is offline gambling legal in Ireland?
Yes, just like online, offline gambling is legal in Ireland. Sports betting is widely available, as are other forms of gambling like bingo, lotteries, and poker. Most offline casinos are parts of private gambling clubs.
Written By Adam Volz
Adam Volz is an online gambling expert who specialises in researching and writing content to help players find the best casino for them. Expect Adam to use his attention to detail and experience working in different markets worldwide to find the best online casino experiences around!
Fact checked by Ian Zerafa
Ian Zerafa grew up in Malta, Europe's online gaming hub and home of top casino regulators and auditors such as eCOGRA and the Malta Gaming Authority. After completing his Master's degree in Glasgow, he returned to Malta and started writing about casinos. He's worked on hundreds of casinos across the US, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland, and is a go-to authority for Casino.org's team.
Sources
- House of the Oireachtas - Gambling Regulation Bill 2022
- Irish Statute Book - TOTALISATOR ACT, 1929
- Malta Gaming Authority - About
- UK Government - UK Gambling Commission
- Gambling Care - Gambling Care Ireland
- Wikipedia - Random Number Generation
- RTE - History of bookmaking in Ireland
