Best Betting Sites Ireland - Top Irish Bookies in 2024
Best Sports Betting Sites in 2024
How We Rate and Review Best Irish Betting Sites
From security to promotions to competitive odds, we thoroughly investigate many different aspects of betting sites in Ireland. Our experts leave no stone unturned, enabling us to create top lists with the most up-to-date information possible.
Legal Framework and Regulations
It’s no secret how crucial security is when spending your money on betting sites. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is responsible for regulating Irish betting sites, committed to customers’ well-being and safety when placing bets.
This casino regulator ensures all live betting sites in Ireland are fully licensed and have the responsible features in place. All online betting sites mentioned in this review are approved by Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill.
Ensuring Security
In addition to having a legitimate licence, betting sites Ireland should offer further security measures. Encryption software and no third-party involvement are crucial to ensure player details are kept secure, giving peace of mind that no personal information or funds will be compromised.
Registration Process
All legitimate Irish betting site options will have a comprehensive registration process. You’ll be required to create an account and provide a form of ID to confirm your personal details are correct. ID and other documentation required may vary across different betting sites, so make sure to check all terms and conditions before you proceed.
Bookies Bonuses and Promotions
From matched deposits to cashback to free bets without any deposit, many Irish betting sites will offer some form of bonus – especially for new players. These promotions are often seen as an incentive from online bookmakers to encourage new members to join, with many offering very generous packages.
Competitive Odds
Due to the sheer volume of betting sites in Ireland, many are competing to provide the best betting odds. Therefore, we’d always recommend doing your research and comparing odds for specific sports betting options to make sure you’re experiencing the best.
Betting Features
Many modern-day betting sites will offer a range of features that stretch further than the odds themselves. From live commentary to fast deposits and withdrawals, there are many options out there specifically designed to enhance your entire betting experience. To discover which site is best for you, spend some time exploring available features before you commit.
Payment Methods and Withdrawal Processing Times
As with any online gambling process, efficient payment and withdrawal times are crucial factors in having a positive experience – and sports betting sites are no exception. A key sign of reliable and trustworthy betting sites is quick and hassle-free banking methods, enabling you to deposit your funds without waiting around and withdraw your winnings with similar ease.
Mobile Betting Experience
Offering a solid desktop experience is simply not enough for today’s Irish betting sites to remain on top. Delivering a smooth and convenient mobile betting option is crucial, with many gamblers wishing to place their bets while on the go – without feeling tied to a desktop at home.
Support Services for Users
Another crucial aspect of having a positive betting site experience is customer support. A knowledgeable and responsive customer service team is a must-have for any top sports betting site, as it can make or break an entire betting session.
Our Top 7 Betting Sites in 2024
Below, you’ll find our top picks for 2024’s Irish betting sites. With specific pros and cons listed for each, you can quickly establish whether one of these betting sites is for you, and start the process of creating your very own account. More on this later!
20Bet
Featuring an impressive 26 sports categories and a super user-friendly site, 20Bet sports betting site is a great all rounder. From rugby to cricket to American football to tennis, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into.
New players can expect to receive a match bet bonus of up to €100 when they make their first bet. All that’s required is a deposit of at least €10, and the bonus can be claimed.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
26 sports categories | No horse racing |
Live streaming | No greyhound racing |
Impressive match welcome bonus | |
Forecast betting options |
22Bet
With over 40 sporting categories to explore, 22Bet is one of the most varied betting sites Ireland has to offer. Along with excellent customer support (including 24/7 live chat, a phone number and email address), there are multiple methods of contact for you to get in touch with the 22Bet team.
You can look forward to receiving a 100% match bonus upon joining, too. However, this only extends up to €122, making this promotion somewhat limited when compared to other online betting sites.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
22Bet mobile app | Limited live streaming options |
Ongoing promotions for regular players | Only 6 deposit methods |
Over 40 sporting categories | |
Live statistics |
Sportaza
From multi-language customer support to over 30 different sporting categories, it’s safe to say that Sportaza doesn’t compromise when it comes to variety. And, if football is your primary sport of choice, this site is guaranteed to impress.
You’ll find over 200 football markets here, with impressive in-play options too. Over 8000 events are featured in this section of the site (spanning many different sports), allowing you to truly immerse yourself with a live experience.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Over 30 sporting categories | Limited live streaming |
Varied in-play options | No Cash Out options available |
200+ football betting markets | |
Generous VIP programme |
LeoVegas
Already a pretty big name within the online gaming scene, LeoVegas is commonly associated with casino games. However, don’t be fooled by this reputation, as LeoVegas is one of the top sports betting sites in Ireland – and offers great online betting opportunities.
Fully licensed and offering betting markets specific to Irish culture (Gaelic sports etc.), LeoVegas is super versatile. You can easily search for the exact betting options you’re looking for, and getting in touch with their customer support team couldn’t be easier.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Impressive range of betting markets | No promotions exclusive to horse racing |
Impressive horse racing coverage | |
Industry-leading bonuses | |
Novibet
Launched within the Irish betting market in 2021, Novibet may not have been around for as long as some other online betting sites – but it’s certainly earnt a top name for itself already.
Offering a great range of sporting categories, Novibet offers statistical sports data in real-time for a truly immersive experience. Newcomers are also able to claim €50 when making an initial bet of just €10.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
30 sports categories | No live streaming options |
NoviLeague programme | No ongoing promotions |
Real-time sports statistics | |
Android and iOS downloadable app |
Playzilla
If you’re an avid sports punter but also enjoy online casino games, Playzilla is the perfect website for you. Featuring a varied sportsbook and guaranteed competitive odds throughout, you’ll also find a whopping 1000+ slots and classic table games to enjoy – if you fancy a break from sports.
You’ll also find a thriving VIP scheme at Playzilla, as well as great 24/7 customer service available via phone, email or live chat.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
100% match bonus for newcomers | No live streaming |
Variety of sporting categories | No cryptocurrency payments available |
Great online casino with 1000+ games | |
Reliable customer service |
Betinia
With 34 sports categories available at Betinia, this number makes this site one of the largest online bookmakers available. From American football to golf to snooker, there are a huge range of options for you to bet on, making Betinia suitable for a wide variety of sports tastes.
However, one major downside of this betting site is its lack of horse racing, as well as greyhound racing.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Over 30 sports betting categories | No horse or greyhound racing |
Sports tournaments | Limited live streaming options |
Live in-play betting options | |
Sports-specific promotions |
Sports Betting in Ireland
As mentioned earlier in this review, Ireland is known as one of the most competitive online gambling markets in the world. This explains why there are so many online betting sites available.
Currently, there are an estimated 800 Irish betting shops throughout the country, in addition to 30 fully-licensed Irish betting sites. The Irish betting market is worth €315 million, and this is set to increase as we head into 2025.
Rugby, football, horse racing and Gaelic sports are some of the most popular sports betting options in Ireland, with snooker also being a top choice for many bookies. Due to the popularity of betting in this country, Irish bookmakers have come increasingly competitive with top betting sites offering increasingly advanced features.
History of Irish Sports Betting
During the 17th and 18th centuries, horse racing began to rise in popularity throughout Ireland and became legitimised. Since Ireland was somewhat autonomous from England during this time (despite still being categorised as a colony), betting was easier and less regulated.
However, when Ireland became independent in 1922, the government decided to make more regulations – including across gambling. The first lottery and gambling laws were established in 1926, with the goal of regulating betting and providing protection to both bookies and punters.
Irish Sports Betting Regulations
Since bookmaking is the most popular form of gambling in Ireland (more so than online casinos), some of the earliest gambling laws were focused on bookmaker establishments. The Betting Act regulated sports betting until 2015, and has since been updated to the Betting Amendment Act of 2015.
This new legislation was created as a means for betting exchanges and offshore sportsbooks to integrate into Irish policies, expanding the overall Irish sports betting scene. However, regardless of location, all websites offering betting services to Irish citizens must be fully licensed.
Economics of Sports Betting in Ireland
It’s no secret how popular sports betting is in Ireland, making it a big contributor to the way upcoming sports games and matches are marketed. It’s estimated that the Irish sports betting market will grow just over 4% year on year, meaning its market value is set to reach €370.5 million by 2027.
The amount of Irish betting punters is looking to increase, too. By 2027, the number of users on these sites is set to reach almost 500,000, with almost 7000 people being employed by these establishments (on either a full-time or part-time basis).
Sports Betting in Ireland and Across the World
The Irish sports betting market is one of the largest in the world. Ireland currently sits at no.3 – behind only Singapore and Australia in terms of how much punters spend on sports betting.
Online sports betting is considerably more popular than visiting physical establishments, and sports betting sits above casino games, slots and lotteries in terms of popularity. Sports betting is estimated to make up over 15% of the overall online gambling market in Ireland, with slots, casino games and lotteries coming in at between 5-10%.
How to Choose the Best Online Betting Site for Irish Players
From available sports categories to overall player experience, there are a wide range of factors to consider before committing and creating an account. Our experts recommend paying particular attention to the following:
Available Sports Betting Market
The vast majority of Irish betting sites will offer multiple-spot betting options. But, some will inevitably be more extensive than others. Be sure to double-check exactly which sports are available before committing, as popular options like horse racing and greyhound racing may be absent.
Live Streaming by Betting Sites
In addition to a varied sportsbook, live streaming has become an increasingly popular feature. Allowing you to watch your favourite sports using the same platform you use to bet, live streaming offers greater convenience and allows you to make your decisions in real-time.
Favourable Terms and Conditions
All of today’s best betting sites will have specific terms and conditions players must abide by. While many are pretty standard across the board, it’s always important to check that a site’s T&Cs align with your online betting style. From responsible gambling to ID documents required, make sure you understand all requirements.
Good Reputation and Player Experience
As with virtually any online experience, reputation and reviews count for a lot. The majority of online shoppers will always check out customer reviews before buying – and online betting sites are no different.
If a site has a negative reputation, it’s probably not for no reason. Be sure to investigate betting site experiences fully and get expert advice where you can.
How to Create a Betting Account
Once you’ve done enough research, you’ll most likely be ready to create an account. Signing up is a pretty simple process, but can seem overwhelming for a newcomer. Here’s a simple outline of how to get your account up and running:
Initiate the Registration Process
No matter which online betting site you choose, there will always be a ‘Create Account’ button that’s easily visible from the homepage. Alternatively, buttons may say different phrases like ‘Sign Up’ or ‘Join Us’; keep an eye out and click when you find it. You’ll then be taken to the registration page.
Put in Your Personal Information Details
All online bookmakers will require basic information about you. This will include your first name, last name, email address and phone number. Some sites may ask for your residential address too, as well as evidence of your ID. This is for security reasons, to ensure your account is legitimate.
Confirm Your Account
Check all your details have been inputted correctly, and submit any required ID documentation the site needs. Once everything has been approved, your account will be confirmed and up and running. You are now able to get started on making your first bet.
Fund Your Account and Make Your First Bet
All online sports betting sites will have a minimum deposit amount you must meet. But don’t worry, this is usually very low! Most sites require simply €10, allowing you to fund your account and bet without committing too much to begin with. However, the exact amount you choose to deposit is entirely up to you, so long as you meet the minimum requirements.
Ireland Betting Sites: Essential Features
We’ve already discussed how competitive the Irish betting market has become, simply due to its popularity among bookies. This competitiveness has pushed for more impressive features to be implemented across the board, delivering a better quality gaming experience for players. Some of today’s key betting site features include:
Cashback Offers
Online betting cashback bonuses are often referred to as ‘risk-free betting’. In short, cashback offers mean that if your total stake is lost (or a portion of it), it will be returned to you.
Deposit Match Bonuses
Very commonly seen throughout online casinos too, deposit match bonuses are popular welcome offers. Simply meet the minimum betting requirements, and the bookmaker will match the amount you deposit. So, if you make a payment of €100, you’ll receive another €100 on top to bet with.
Live In-Play Betting
Ideal for those looking for a more thrilling betting experience, live in-play betting allows you to make (and alter) your bets during a particular game. The game will often be live-streamed with a commentary too, providing a more immersive atmosphere.
Create Your Bet (Bet Builder)
A relatively new feature to hit the Irish betting scene, ‘Bet Builder’ (or ‘Create your Bet’) allows you to build your very own accumulator within a single game or event – across different markets.
Early Payout Option
As its name suggests, this feature allows you to withdraw your winnings before the end of the betting event in question. This is often best used if betting on a particular result from a single player. If this result is met before the end of the game, players can take advantage of this and withdraw their winnings.
Accumulator Betting (ACCA)
Most commonly seen in football sports bets, accumulator betting combines bets from multiple games into one single bet. This often results in a bigger payout if successful, making ACCA an attractive option for more serious betters. Four or more selections must be included.
Sports Betting Deposit and Withdrawal Methods
Whether you prefer more traditional payment cards or e-wallets, today’s top betting sites will offer a wide variety of banking methods for you to choose from. This allows you to have more control over your betting experience, without having to deviate from methods you’re most familiar with.
Popular sports betting deposit and withdrawal methods include:
- MasterCard
- Visa
- Skrill
- Neteller
- Paysafecard
- Neosurf
- Trustly
- Bitcoin
- Bank Transfer
Most Popular Sports for Betting in Ireland
While sports like football and horse racing tend to be the most popular, there is a huge range of sporting categories available at the best sports betting sites in Ireland. Here are some key markets you’re likely to find when browsing:
- Horse racing
- Football
- Golf
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Greyhound racing
- Rugby
- Tennis
- Snooker
Online Betting Mobile Apps
With the ever-growing advancement of our digital world, offering a mobile app is essential for sports betting sites to remain competitive. Luckily, all sites we’ve mentioned in this review have their very own downloadable apps.
Available on both Android and iOS devices, simply download the app, log in to your account, and you’re able to begin betting just as you would on a desktop. This offers unparalleled convenience and gives players the freedom to enjoy betting when on the go.
Responsible Gaming in Sports Betting
Whether sports betting or gaming at an online casino, responsible gambling is something that all reputable sites will take very seriously. In fact, you’re likely to find an entire page dedicated to responsible gambling on these sites, outlining all policies they have in place to keep players safe and supported.
From ‘Time Out’ policies (allowing you to pause your account for specific amounts of time) to full account exclusion to monthly betting limits, you’ll have many options available for you to control how you approach your betting. These sites’ customer service teams will also be available at any time to discuss your gambling, providing advice should you feel you need it.
Online Bookies in Ireland: Conclusion
The Irish online betting market is a vast one, and there’s a lot to unpack when researching which sites are most worth your time (and money!). This is why our experts spend extensive time investigating these sites, providing you with the most up-to-date information possible for you to make an informed choice.
It’s great to see that many Irish betting sites are offering cutting-edge features, with an array of sporting categories available across the board. No matter your taste, you’re sure to find a reputable site that suits your preferences.
FAQ
- Is online betting legal in Ireland?
- Yes, online betting is completely legal in Ireland provided you’re betting at a licensed establishment. Always check the terms and conditions of whichever site you’ve chosen to bet at, and go elsewhere if you’re unsure.
- How do I choose a reliable betting site in Ireland?
- Follow all our key tips in this review, and always check a site’s licence first and foremost. If you’re unable to find clear licensing information, we’d always recommend walking away.
- What sports can I bet on in Ireland?
- Virtually all major sporting categories are available to bet on in Ireland, including Gaelic sports. Popular options include horse racing, football, rugby, greyhound racing, cricket and golf.
- What types of bonuses and promotions are available?
- Many bonuses are available across these sites, especially for new players. Free bets, cashback and match bonuses are the most common.
- How do I compare odds on different betting sites?
- The best Irish betting sites will offer the most competitive odds possible. But, for your peace of mind, it makes sense to compare odds across multiple sites to check you’re experiencing the best.
- Do I have to pay taxes on my betting winnings in Ireland?
- As of writing this review, betting winnings in Ireland are tax-free.
- What’s the top betting site in Ireland?
- Our list above mentions the top betting sites directly from our experts. LeoVegas, Novibet and Pribet are very popular amongst gamblers.
- How can I get a free bet or welcome bonus?
- Create an account at your site of choice, wait for your details to be approved, and you’ll be eligible for their welcome bonus - provided you meet the minimum deposit requirements.
- What’s the strategy for the best betting odds?
- In terms of online betting, there are no specific strategies you can rely on. Gambling always has an element of risk, meaning it’s essential you use your best judgement and research your chosen sport.
- Do betting sites provide consistent features and services?
- As mentioned, the betting scene in Ireland is competitive. This means many top sites will offer impressive features and services, designed to enhance the overall betting experience.