Online gambling in Ireland – the ultimate guide

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 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.?

1. 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. 2

   Register

   Hit the “Sign Up” or “Register” button and create a new username/password.?
3. 3

   Provide your details

   Supply the required details, including your name, DOB, email, phone number, and address.?
4. 4

   Pick a bonus

   Choose your welcome bonus (if prompted), then read and agree to the site’s T&Cs.?
5. 5

   Deposit money

   After opening your account and signing in, head to the banking section and deposit funds using your preferred method.?
6. 6

   Start playing!

   Enjoy real money gaming with the funds you’ve deposited. (Note that you can follow this process on desktop or mobile).??

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?

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