Best betting sites in Ireland | TOP Irish bookmakers compared 2024

Sports betting sites in Ireland are among some of the best in the world. As you explore our list of the best, you’ll find competitive odds, a vast number of betting markets, live betting, and an experience that can’t be matched. We’ve been really impressed with what we’ve found, so now we want to share it with you. Read on as we delve into the details of the best Irish sports betting sites. Now you too can enjoy all that we have.

When you’re looking at the best betting sites. Ireland, the top choice has to be 1Bet. A look at any 1Bet review will show this to be an operator that’s relatively new, being launched in 2021, but with a great deal going for it. For a start, we can do away with any concerns about 1Bet lacking credibility. We’ve seen that it has a licence to operate in Ireland, which is issued by the Curacao authority.

What makes this the best on the betting scene is the fact that, no matter what sport you’re a fan of, 1Bet has you covered. There are more than 30 sports to bet on and the range of markets is outstanding. Indeed, when you consider football alone, there are more than 300 markets to get in on and the margins are as low as 3.45%. As well as being the best overall sportsbook across Ireland, it is also one of the best football betting sites, and you’ll find it hard to find another matching the experience. Just some of the bet types we found here include:

• Match winner
• Over/Under
• Both teams to score
• Handicap
• Moneylines
• Totals

There’s also plenty going on with in-play bets and we were impressed with the odds here too. The only downside is that there is no live stream yet, but we still enjoyed the virtual display along with the opportunity to cashout. Beyond traditional sports, we also found a great range of esports. There were titles such as LOL, Dota2, and Counter-strike. Plus, we’re also fans of the live betting options.

When looking at the best sites in Ireland for 2024, we wanted to make sure that we found the best bonuses and promotions for you to enjoy. At 1Bet, new customers have the chance to claim a 100% match up to €100. However, this online bookie goes beyond just offering a great welcome bonus. There are ongoing seasonal offers too, such as free bets on Wimbledon and on the UEFA Champions League. There are also enhanced odds alongside a weekly offer that awards a €5 free bet when you deposit €50.

We were also impressed with the number of payment methods on offer here. There’s the chance to use a range of e-wallets as well as the likes of Visa and MasterCard. The minimum deposit is set at €20 and the maximum is €15,000. Betting sites for Irish punters also need to show that they offer first-class support. That is certainly the case here, with customer support available via both email and live chat. The live chat is 24/7 and we found that our queries were answered in an instant and that the agents were knowledgeable and polite.

Overall, this is an online bookmaker that shines so we hope that you enjoy it as much as we have. Here’s what our expert, Eugene Ravdin, has to say about the 1Bet site:

When looking at the biggest and best Ireland betting sites, it becomes clear that there are certain betting features that make them stand out from others around the world. Let’s take a look at the top features that these betting sites offer:

• Focus on horse racing: Betting sites Ireland-based maintain a strong focus on horse racing. Why? Well, as you probably already know, horse racing is huge in Ireland and Irish bookies go all out to cater for this passion. In fact, bookmakers in Ireland are the best horse racing betting sites, and they offer in-depth coverage, live streams and the best odds.
• Mobile betting: We found that online betting sites in Ireland understand that customers demand an oustanding mobile experience. The best betting app Ireland is one that is flawless and allows you to enjoy all of the action on the go. Even when there is no betting app in place, all of the best online betting sites in Ireland have ensured they are optimised for mobile so that you can play via your browser.
• Gaelic Games: Online sports betting in Ireland also comes with a great range of betting options for Gaelic sports. This means that you’ll find options such as Gaelic football and hurling. These sports are hugely popular across the country and this is why Irish bookies offer the best odds for them.

So, when looking at Irish betting sites in 2024, which are the best? As you read on, you’ll find that we’ve listed 10 you’ll want to try out. These have all been checked by us before they make it onto our list. This means that you can be sure they offer a top betting experience with great offers in a safe and secure environment.

1. bet365

One of the best Irish online bookmakers can be found at bet365. This is an operator that has been around since 2000. If you digest any bet365 review, you’ll see that this online bookmaker is popular around the world. There’s no doubting the credibility here as there are licences from the Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar, and the UK Gambling Commission. We also note a sponsorship deal in place with the EPL, highlighting that this is a serious bookmaker. This is a site that’s loved in Ireland and the UK, and has plenty to offer.

So, what do we like here? Well, firstly there are more than 20 sports to bet on. With a range of Gaelic sports, we feel that this is one of the best GAA betting sites around. You’ll also find a range of markets to bet on across sports such as football, rugby, American football and more. There are also great betting and live streaming options here, with 10,000+ live events every month. Something else that stands out here is the number of esports that can be bet on. This site is widely regarded as one of the best for esports and it covers a range of titles, such as LoL, COD, and FIFA.

As you’d expect from one of the best betting sites in Ireland, there are also some attractive bonuses here. When you sign up, you can claim €50 worth of free bets simply by betting €5. There are also ongoing promotions, odds boosts and features such as a bet builder.

There are plenty of payment options, with the likes of Visa, Skrill and Neteller to choose from. You can get in on the action with a deposit as low as €5 and, if you’re a high roller, you can go as high as €150,000 a time. We’re also fans of the mobile app here and the 24/7 customer support via live chat.

We came across comments online stating that bet365 is slow with withdrawals. We thought that we’d take a closer look at this. In our experience, there are no issues here at all. We think that complaints may be from people opting to use some of the slower options. We used Neteller and found our winnings with us in less than an hour, even though it says it can take up to 12.

For us, bet365 is one of the best in the betting industry with a solid reputation and an abundance of sports betting markets. Here’s a look at what our expert, Eugene Ravdin, is saying about the bet365 site:

2. William Hill

While there are plenty of new bookies on the scene, William Hill was one of the very first. Reading any William Hill review shows that this operator has been around since 1934 and has flourished since the arrival of the internet. With licences from the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission, you can be sure that, when it comes to betting, this site can be trusted.

As one of the best online bookies, there are a total of 33 sports to bet on, with a range of bet types, such as moneylines, parlays and handicaps. We’re really impressed with the attention paid to horse racing here, with every event you can think of being covered. The odds are attractive too and there are low margins across the board. Just like the other sites that we’ve looked at so far, William Hill also comes with an impressive range of esports to bet on, and we enjoyed our time exploring this section.

If you’re looking for offers as an Irish punter, you’ll find that William Hill offers you €30 of free bets when you bet €10. This may not be the biggest welcome bonus we’ve seen, but it is certainly worth claiming. Ongoing promotions are linked to ongoing events, but one thing that disappointed us a little was the lack of a VIP program.

There are plenty of payment options here, such as Paysafecard, Skrill, Trustly and Apple Pay. The minimum deposit is just €5 with the maximum set at a whopping €99,000. We came across comments saying that William Hill seems to be obstructive when it came to withdrawals. We really don’t understand where these comments come from. Our withdrawals were processed without issue. We spent time using the William Hill app when reviewing this site and found it was easy to navigate and offered a great overall experience.

Ultimately, this is a betting shop steeped in history that can be trusted to offer a first-class experience for years to come.

3. Boomerang Bet

Before we jump into this Boomerang Bet review, it’s worth noting that this online bookmaker only launched in 2023. Being a new betting site, this could cause concern for some in Ireland, but we can say without doubt that it’s safe, secure and credible. The Curacao licence alone goes some way to showing this, and should put any worries at ease.

The first thing that jumps out here are the live betting opportunities. There are more than 5,000 live events every month and these span across all of the major sporting events. There is also the early cashout option here and this is something that all of the best Irish bookmakers offer. What is missing though, is live streaming. Aside from the live betting, there are more than 30 sports to bet on with a focus on football, racing and GAA. Boomerang Bet is often described as an esports enthusiast’s haven thanks to the markets on offer. We can see how it has earned this reputation, and we were impressed with the range of tournaments covered.

When you open a betting account here, the welcome bonus is a little different to what we’ve seen so far. Here, you can bet up to a maximum of €500 on your first event and, if your selection loses, you can claim a 100% refund so you can bet again. The downside here is that the offer comes with x40 wagering requirements, which is slightly steep.

Our examination of online comments was interesting here. We came across nothing but glowing comments about the levels of customer service. It seems that this company goes above and beyond to keep customers happy.

The minimum deposit at Boomerang Bet is €20 with the maximum being €5,000. We were pleased to see that a range of cryptocurrencies are accepted. We were also impressed with how easily the banking section worked over on the mobile site app. The betting section was equally easy to navigate and, overall, this bookmaker was a joy to use. The slight downside is that the withdrawal options are limited when compared to the deposit methods.

4. Hot.bet

As our Hot.bet review shows, this bookmaker hit the scene in 2020. It comes with a Curacao licence and we’re pleased to say that it’s another Irish bookmaker that can be trusted. It is also another online bookmaker in Ireland that has a lot going on and plenty to keep you entertained.

There are more than 30 sports to bet on here, and the average margins across the board come to an impressive 5.8%. There’s a thriving live betting section too but, unfortunately, there’s no live stream. All of the major sports and betting markets are covered here and there’s also a good selection of esports to explore. If you’re a fan of betting offers then you’re going to like Hot.bet. The welcome bonus offers a 100% match up to €100. However, where things get interesting is with the ongoing promotions. There’s a reload offer where you can claim 50% up to €50, an additional €25 free bet, and €50 of free bet tokens to claim.

The minimum deposit is €10 with the maximum set at over €42,000. There are plenty of options to choose from with the likes of Skrill, Neteller and an array of cryptocurrencies. The real plus here is that the crypto options mean that, when you withdraw your winnings, they reach you in an instant. This is great news as no one wants to be hanging around to get their hands on their money. The downside comes after your first withdrawal of the month though. After this, there are fees added (between 5%–8%). Our advice is to build up your winnings before you withdraw so that you minimise the number of transactions and avoid fees as much as possible.

This is an Irish sportsbook that we really enjoyed exploring. If you give it a go, we’re sure that you’ll be impressed with the betting markets you can explore and that you’ll find the site not only looks good but is easy to use too.

5. TonyBet

Another Irish bookmaker that is well worth a visit, this TonyBet review speaks highly of an operator that has been around for over a decade. Over this time, the offerings have grown and the site has seen some tweaks, leading to an improved experience. The first thing to note is that TonyBet is fully licensed by the authorities in Estonia, so you can progress with confidence that this is a credible site. We were also impressed with the latest advert from TonyBet. Featuring footballing legend Tony Cascarino, there is comical touch to this.

So why does TonyBet join our list? Well, we were impressed by the fact that there are 39 sports to bet on. We also like the fact that there is a good range of esports to get involved with. This includes some of the most popular titles, such as League of Legends, Call of Duty, and Dota2. What stood out more, however, was the fact that there are more than 2,000 markets to bet on. This means that there’s always something a little different to explore alongside some of the more common bet types. There’s also a thriving in-play section and you can live stream popular sports such as football, rugby and tennis. Another reason to join in with the action here is the generous welcome bonus that offers a 100% match up to €100.

When it comes to payment methods, there are almost 20 to choose from. As well as traditional methods such as Visa, there are e-wallet and crypto options to use. Depending on the method you go for, you can deposit anywhere from €1 and go right up to €100,000.

We came across comments relating to the TonyBet app stating positive qualities but issues with crashing. We downloaded the iOS version and used this extensively. It has to be said that we didn’t experience any problems at all.

What tops this sportsbook experience is the VIP program. It has 6 tiers and, as you move up, you’re given access to special offers. Generally, this links to earning points and these points can be exchanged for free bets at the end of the month.

6. Sportaza

A look at a Sportaza review shows that this bookmaker was launched back in 2019, so now has a good few years of experience under its belt. As a well-established bookie, Sportaza can certainly be seen as a safe and reliable site and the addition of a Curacao licence adds to its credibility.

You won’t be disappointed with the range of sports that you can bet on here. You’ll find that all of the most popular are catered for, but that you’ll also come across more niche ones such as surfing and futsal. While we’re impressed with the in-play options and the live streaming, what really stands out here are the odds. With the popularity of horse racing in Ireland, this is the bookmaker where you’ll find the best odds, guaranteed. However, tennis odds are nowhere near as competitive. If you’re a fan of betting on esports then you’re going to like what’s on offer here. As well as the more common titles, you’ll find others like Valorant, Rainbow 6, and Starcraft 2.

If you’re based in Ireland and looking for an attractive welcome bonus, Sportaza has you covered. The bonus offers a 100% match up to €100. What we really like though, is the fact that there are plenty of ongoing promotions, and the boosted odds option really caught our eye. We’re also fans of the 10% weekly cashback.

There are plenty of negative comments out there about Sportaza and how it processes big withdrawals. We dug into the detail of this and found that there is no issue at all. The bookie simply complies with money laundering regulations so, at times, it will request documents to verify the identity of winners. This is standard practice across betting sites.

You can make deposits with Visa, MasterCard and bank transfer. You can also choose to use a range of cryptocurrencies. The minimum deposit is €10 and the maximum is €5,000. We like the fact that any withdrawal requests are actioned almost immediately and that funds reach you within an hour.

We enjoyed our time exploring Sportaza and it’s another Irish bookmaker that we highly recommend.

7. Qbet

If you’re looking for somewhere online to place a bet in Ireland, the Qbet bookmaker is another top choice. This operator has been around since 2022 and it very quickly gained popularity and expanded its offerings. The Curacao licence is a good sign here as it means that you gamble with peace of mind.

Something that may surprise you as part of this Qbet review, is the fact that there is no sportsbook welcome bonus. While the casino bonus offers a generous 100% match, sports fans seem to have been neglected. However, this is soon made up for when you look at the ongoing promotions. There’s the chance to claim 5% cashback each week along with the opportunity to grab a €5 free bet on every football match day. Talking of football, there are more than 300 betting markets for this alone, with plenty more for all of the sports you’d expect to find.

We were pleased to see that Qbet offers plenty of in-play betting opportunities alongside the chance to cashout early. However, there is a downside here with the lack of live streaming. There’s also a thriving esports section. There are titles such as Rainbow 6 and Mobile legends, as well as multiple games of Efootball, Ecricket, and Ebasketball.

When it comes to payment options, here are a range of e-wallets and cryptos to choose from. Minimum deposits are just €10 with the maximum reaching €10,000. We were pleased to see that crypto allowed for instant withdrawals.

This is a bookmaker that grabbed our attention thanks to the number of betting markets to explore. While the lack of a welcome bonus is a downside, this is easily made up for elsewhere.

8. Luckster

If you’d like another Irish bookmaker to try out, then we think that Luckster is well worth a look. This is a site that was launched in 2021 and, along with the sports offerings, it also offers an attractive online casino. The licence here comes from the Malta Gaming Authority. This can be seen as a stamp of approval showing that this operator is legitimate.

When compiling this Luckster review, we saw that the current welcome bonus offers new customers the chance to claim a 100% match up to a maximum of €100. Something else that we’re fans of here is the offer that relates to Accas. By claiming, you can see 77% more cash being added to your bet which, of course, can lead to bigger wins.

There are more than 35 sports to bet on here and all of the popular markets are covered. We have to say that we are particularly impressed with the horse racing section. We found that the odds are competitive and we also like that there are so many races available in the live betting section. Adding a live stream would really add to this, so we hope that this is something that’s added in the near future. We were also pleased to see that Luckster has paid attention to esports given how popular they’re becoming. That being said, we do feel that the selection is a little limited and we’d like to see this grow.

The minimum deposit at Luckster is just €10 via the likes of Visa, PayPal, Skrill and Neteller. When it comes to upper limits, Luckster itself doesn’t have any, so it’s down to the method you use and the limits it sets. This makes Luckster a great choice for those who gamble responsibly but like to wager large amounts.

9. Spreadex

If you want to get into spread betting then Spreadex is the number-one choice. Established back in 1999, reading any Spreadex review shows what makes this site unique: it’s the only bookie offering both spreads and fixed odds in the same place. With a licence from the UK Gambling Commission, this operator is also regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

It has to be said that the number of markets to bet on at Spreadex are almost endless. No matter what you’re looking to bet on, you can be sure there’s an option here. While the overall average margins come in at 5.7%, it has to be remembered that, when you move to spread betting, this is a unique experience and the odds will vary greatly.

With spread betting, Spreadex sets a spread of potential outcomes. For example, if looking at basketball, it could be that the spread says a team will win by 5–10 points. If you think that the team will win by more than 10 points, you bet on them. If you think they’ll win by less than 5, you bet against them. The closer the result is to your prediction, the more you win. There are a few comments online saying that they found Spreadex a little confusing. It may take some getting used to, but we found the help centre to be outstanding and the customer support agents great at explaining.

While Spreadex offers something quite different when compared to other Irish sites, it still comes up trumps with its welcome bonus. When you sign up as a new customer, there’s the chance to claim rewards worth €50. This is made up of 5 x €5 fixed odds bets, 4 x €5 spread bets and 50 free spins on the Starburst slot. The free spins are a nice little touch too. There are also plenty of ongoing promotions and you can even gain rewards by inviting your friends to sign up.

It has to be said that, when it comes to payment options, Spreadex is extremely limited. It does have the basics of Visa, MasterCard and bank transfer though which, while limited, are still well-known and trusted methods. Minimum deposits are a low €10, and there’s no upper limit.

This site does look a little dated in truth and the lack of payment methods may cause concern for some but, for us, Spreadex is still worthy of being included here thanks to the unique offering that it is.

10. 10bet

This is another top Irish bookmaker that has been around for more than a decade. Launched in 2003, a 10bet review shows that this operator has a coveted UK Gambling Commission licence. This means you can be sure that all 10bet’s offers are fair and above board, as there are stringent conditions that it must adhere to.

There are 30 or more sports to bet on here, and you’ll find the likes of handicaps and parlays to enjoy. We were interested to see that there were even markets where you can bet on politics. Across the board, the average margins come in at 6.9%. While this may be higher than some of the others that we’ve seen, it’s still an impressive figure. The only real downside we came across were people commenting on the in-play odds being low. We checked these out and believe that they’re still competitve, but other sites on our list are better. As well as offering markets in more traditional sports, 10bet also has a healthy showing of esports to bet on.

10bet is a bookie that’s all about offers. At the time of writing (July 20024), here’s a look at just some of what can be claimed:

• 100% match up to €50 Euro bonus.
• Bet €40 on tennis and get €5 in free live tennis bets.
• Claim a €10 free wager for football.
• Claim €5 free bets for horse racing.
• Get €5 free bets for greyhounds.
• Claim €6 free live bets for cricket.
• Bet €30 on the app for €5 free bets.

What makes these offers so great is the fact that they cover a range of sports. It’s usual to cater for football fans but it’s a little rarer to have free bets on offer for the likes of greyhound racing. This is a real plus point.

When it comes to making a deposit, the minimum amount is €10 and can be made using common e-wallets as well as Visa and bank transfer. The maximum you can deposit is €50,000. This all adds to what is a great bookie experience and leads us to recommend 10bet highly.

Of course, we all have our preferences when it comes to the type of bet we like to place and the sport that we want to place it on. The good news for those in Ireland is that, no matter what your preference may be, you can be sure there’s a bookmaker that caters for you. As you read on, we’re going to look at some of the most popular sports and the betting sites Ireland that offer the best experience:

Best betting site for football

Football is the most popular sport around the world. Although in Ireland there are the likes of horse racing and Gaelic sports, football still pips them to the post. A top football betting site should cover all of the major leagues and tournaments. While the EPL is perhaps the biggest league in the world, we like to see German, Spanish and Italian as a minimum. Of course, the more leagues the better and we also want to see domestic and international tournaments to bet on.

When it comes to placing bets on football, the number one bookmaker has to be 1Bet. Why? Well, there are more than 300 football markets to bet on and the average margins for football come in at a low 3.45%. There are also plenty of bonuses that make football betting that much sweeter. As of July 2024, you can claim a €50 free bet on who will win come the end of the next season as well as up to €50 on the upcoming women’s World Cup. The Bet Builder option just adds to the experience and presents the chance for some big wins. We have to say that putting this all together makes us huge fans of the football betting opportunities at 1Bet.

Best betting site for horse racing

We’ve already seen that the best bookmakers in Ireland need to offer something special when it comes to horse racing. Ireland itself has some 25+ plus racecourses and these alone ensure there’s plenty of action to wager on. While we’re big fans of the races in Ireland, we also like to see an international touch. We want to see races from the likes of the UK, the USA, France, and even Japan. When analysing international racing, we make sure we can bet the whole year round.

For us, the best horse racing site is Luckster. To start with, it covers a vast range of races from around the world. The other key point that brings us to Luckster is the Acca bonus. There is the chance to add another 77% cash to your Acca here. While this type of bet can be used across other sports, it’s used the most on the horses so it makes sense to place your bets here.

Best betting site for GAA

It’s not just those in Ireland who are fans of betting on GAA. The truth is that these sports add something a little different and we certainly find them exciting. Gaelic football and hurling are huge, with the betting markets extremely active. When looking at what makes the best GAA sites, we need to see a range of markets and some great odds. For us, it’s Bet365 that comes up trumps here.

When it comes to Gaelic football, all of the top tournaments, such as the Sam Maguire Cup, are available to bet on. We found the same to be true with major hurling events, such as the Christy Ring Cup. We also saw that Bet365 covers it all, from club level to intercounty, offering some great odds. With GAA being so popular in Ireland, this is a great reason to visit Bet365.

Best betting site for live streaming

While in-play betting is growing in popularity, we’ve found that live streaming options can often be limited. They either don’t exist or, when they do, they only cover a couple of sports. For us, the best live streaming sportsbook has to cover a range of sports and that means it has to be Bet365.

At Bet365, the live streams cover the majority of sports. You can find the likes of football, horse racing, and rugby. You’ll also find more American-style sports such as baseball, basketball and American football. What tops off the experience is the fact that the streaming quality is exceptional so that you can clearly see the action and immerse yourself.

One factor that’s worth looking at when considering the best betting sites, Ireland, are the awards they have won. Awards mean that an operator has excelled in what it does and been recognised by industry experts. Here’s a look at five recent winners:

Table about 5 award-winning betting sites

Bookmaker	Award	Link
	Online Sports Operator of the Year 2023 (Global Gaming Awards)	Get Bonus
	Best Football Betting Operator 2023 (EGaming Review Awards)	Get Bonus
	Best Horse Racing Operator of the Year 2023 (EGaming Review Awards)	Get Bonus
	Best Value Bookmaker for Premier League 2023	Get Bonus
	Mobile Operator of the Year 2023

When choosing a sportsbook in Ireland, one of the first things people will look at are the offers and promotions up for grabs. Why? Well, when these come your way they all help to make your money go that much further. They can boost your balance and reduce your risk. Here’s a look at some of the most popular offers you’ll come across:

1. Free bets

   A free bet is exactly what it sounds like. These are sometimes offered as part of a welcome bonus, but they can be given at any time. You’ll find sites saying that if you place a bet on a certain event then you’ll get another bet free. An example could be if you bet €15 on tennis you’ll be given a €5 free bet on the same sport. This is an offer that we’ve made great use of over the years. Even when we haven’t won with our free bet, it hasn’t mattered as it hasn’t cost us anything. In fact, we’ve found that free bets are a great way to explore events that we wouldn’t normally bet on, or to take a punt on an underdog. Winning is a bonus but a loss doesn’t matter too much.

   Bear in mind that free bets will still have terms and conditions. They will usually have an expiry date and may also have minimum odds requirements. We should also point out that, when you win with a free bet, you don’t get the whole amount of the winnings because the value of the bet isn’t included. For example, if you had a €5 free bet and from that you won €10, you would get the difference between the value of the free bet and the winnings. In this example, the winnings are €10 minus the €5 free bet, leaving you with €5 overall.

2. Deposit match bonuses

   Matched deposits are one of the most popular welcome bonuses, but they often also come as part of a reload. These work by offering you free funds to play with based on the size of your deposit. Let’s say that the offer was along the lines of a 100% match up to €100. These matched deposits can work in different ways, so let’s have a look:

   • Bonus credited immediately: When you deposit €100 your account is instantly credited with the €100 bonus, giving you €200 to bet with.
   • Bonus released in instalments: When there are wagering requirements, these need to be met before winnings can be withdrawn. Let’s use x10 wagering as an example. You deposit €100 and trigger your €100 bonus. However, the bonus amount needs to be wagered 10 times before winnings from the bonus funds can be withdrawn. In this example, you’d need to wager €1,000 in total.
   • Bonus added after conditions met: Some bookies will have other conditions before they credit your bonus. It could be that your bonus will only be added after you’ve placed a certain amount of bets.

   We are big fans of matched deposits and the chance to double our money. However, we have sometimes been caught out with high wagering requirements and strict time limits, so these are things to check in the terms and conditions.

   Things to watch out for are that some sites may state that certain bets don't contribute to wagering requirements. It’s also worth checking the terms and conditions before you make your qualifying deposit: it’s not uncommon for certain payment methods to exclude you from bonuses.

3. Cashback offers

   We love cashback offers as these act to soften the blow of a losing bet. Often, cashback is given on a weekly or monthly basis. In our experience, the cashback isn’t cash as such. Rather it’s a credit to your account that you can use to place more bets. It’s important not to confuse cashback with cashout. A cashout option relates to in-play betting where you pull your bet early. As an example, let’s say your chosen team has a one goal lead and there are 10 minutes to go. Things seem to be going against you and you’re worried that an equaliser is just a matter of time. In this case, you could cashout your bet and still win. However, the win won’t be as big as it could have been if you’d seen the event through to the end. We’ve often used this when our nerves are on the edge!

4. Accumulator boosts

   If you like multi-leg bets then accumulator boosts can work well for you. They lead to bigger winnings the more selections that you win. While the winning selections all add up, the extra boost makes these wins even better. The bigger the boost, the bigger the rewards. We are fans of using this option but, rather than spread it across several events across several days, we like to use it on horse racing, with all of the results coming in on the same day. Perhaps our favourite event for this is Cheltenham.

   The best example here is the 77% Acca Boost offered at Luckster. Here, you’d need to select at least four options that get combined into one bet. If all of your selections win, the odds and winnings are calculated as normal and then the boost is applied. Let’s say that you bet €10 on a five-fold accumulator with odds of 10. If all selections won, your winnings would be €100. With the 77% boost, you would then have another €77 added, taking your winnings to €177.

   Keep in mind that accumulator boosts will often have restrictions on the number of selections you can include. They will also have restrictions on the odds used. Just be sure to check out the terms and conditions before you wager.

We’ve already looked at what makes payment methods so important when it comes to choosing a sportsbook. Some of the most popular methods that you’ll find in Ireland include PayPal and Neteller. These are both great e-wallets that come with a host of benefits. Let’s take a look:

PayPal betting sites

If you research betting sites that accept PayPal, you’ll find that they are known for being extremely secure. This method is ideal for people who like the convenience and security of not having to enter card details every time they make a deposit or withdrawal. Your details are stored within PayPal and top-notch encryption means they aren’t shared.

The other benefit of PayPal is the speed of transactions. When making a deposit, you’ll see your sportsbook account credited in an instant. With withdrawals, many sites offer instant PayPal withdrawals or, at worst, it may take up to an hour.

If PayPal is your payment method of choice, just be sure to check terms and conditions if you’re wanting to claim bonuses. You may find that some sites won’t offer bonuses if PayPal has been used to make a deposit.

Neteller betting sites

Using Neteller as a payment method also comes with benefits. Just as with PayPal, there is no need to share your financial information with the site so there is both convenience and security. You’ll also find that deposits and withdrawals are fast when you use this option and that’s what makes it more appealing than the likes of Visa and MasterCard.

While we highly recommend Neteller to make bookie withdrawals there is a caveat when it comes to making a deposit. As it stands, Neteller charges a 2.99% fee and, with all the fee-free options around, this seems too steep.

While we’re fans of sports betting, we also know that it’s something you should do carefully. When betting fun comes to an end and you find yourself always thinking about placing your next wager, it could be that you have an issue with your habits. You certainly wouldn’t be alone. Figures from the National Drug Library show that, in 2022, 49% of the adult population gambled in Ireland. Out of these, some 12,000 experienced problems with their gambling. Problem gambling in Ireland is growing and we want to make sure that you keep it strictly entertaining and fun, so here are some tips to help:

Tips for responsible gambling

The good news for gamblers in Ireland is that operators have a responsibility to keep you safe too. As part of their licensing conditions, they’re obliged to offer a range of tools so that you can restrict your gambling and stay in control. Here’s a look at some of the tools you can utilise to keep gambling fun:

1. Self-Exclusion: This is one of the more severe tools in place for gamblers who recognise they have a potential problem with gambling. It allows you to take a prolonged break by putting your account on hold. You can choose a short-term break, from 1–30 days, or a longer break ranging from 6 months to 5 years. At the extreme, you can opt for a lifetime exclusion.
2. Reality Check: This allows you to keep track of how long you’ve been playing for. It will pop up at set time intervals and remind you to take a break. This can be an effective way of stepping back for a short time.
3. Deposit Limits: As the name suggests, this tool allows you to restrict the amount of funds that you can deposit over a set period of time. This allows you to budget for your gambling so it never impacts on your day-to-day responsibilities.
4. Permanent Account Closure: You can choose to close your account and walk away. When you do this, you can cut all ties with the operator so that you’re not tempted to gamble again.
5. Cooling-off Period: Similar to self-exclusion, this option allows you to take a break from gambling. During the set cooling-off period, you’re unable to gamble or even access your account.
6. Activity Statements: It’s all too easy to lose track of just how much you’re gambling. Activity statements allow you to put things into perspective as they provide a clear view of how much you’ve bet, your winnings, and your losses.

Support for problem gamblers

The first step towards receiving support for problem gambling is to recognise there is a problem in the first place. Some of the most common signs of this are:

• Being preoccupied with gambling.
• Gambling with increasing amounts of money to feel the same thrill.
• Chasing losses.
• Neglecting other financial responsibilities so you can gamble.
• Lying to family and friends about your gambling.
• Asking people to bail you out financially.
• Risking important relationships so you can gamble.

This isn’t an exhaustive list but, if you recognise any of these behaviours, the good news is that help exists. Here are just a few of the organisations that can assist:

• Extern: For problem gambling Ireland, Extern offers a host of support that is all free of charge. The counselling and support offered are all online and offered to gamblers themselves, as well as their families. If you want to reach out, you can get in touch by calling 07537 188 575.
• Gambling Addicts Annonymous: This is another organisation that exists purely to support those who are experiencing problems gambling. This organisation involves regular meetings with others that are going through similar issues. The idea is that you all pledge to support each other. You can get in touch via [email protected]
• The Priory: This organisation is run by experts who can offer counselling to overcome addiction. This can be online or face-to-face. You can get in touch by calling 0330 162 2479.
• Gambling Care: This website offers a host of resources that can help you challenge your gambling habits. There is also the option to sign up for in-person counselling. You can make contact via 1 800 936 725.

When it comes to gambling online, it’s interesting to look at the various rules and regulations around the world. Our aim is to keep you on the right side of the law and this is why we’re going to explore some of the legalities that apply to gambling in Ireland.

Is online betting legal in Ireland?

The laws and regulations around gambling in Ireland are soon set to change. However, the simple answer is that online betting is legal in Ireland right now, and will continue to be so. This means that you can legally place sports bets and play casino games (as long as you’re at least 18). Both offshore and domestic sites can be accessed as long as they hold the appropriate licence.

As things stand right now, online operators need to hold a remote bookmaker’s licence. These are issued by the Revenue Commissioner and fall under the Betting Act 2015. However, at some point in 2024, gambling laws will change and see updates to the licensing requirements.

Previously, Ireland has never had its own independent regulatory body to oversee gambling. Proposals have been put forward for this to change, however, and this was agreed in the Gambling Regulation Bill of 2022. Part of this bill will see the introduction of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. This new body will issue all licences and will be responsible for ensuring that operators adhere to rules and regulations. This is all good news for gamblers as it will lead to an even more secure environment to gamble in. Does the legal sound of things all sound a little dull? We get you. However, it’s always important to know that when you gamble it’s permitted and there are no repercussions.

How to stay safe betting online

While betting online can be exciting, there are also risks if you don’t start with your eyes wide open. We want to make your experience the best possible, so here are our tips to keep you safe:

1. Beware of Rogue Sites: Avoid any platform that doesn’t clearly display its licence and the issuing authority. Also, steer clear of those that don’t have a secure connection. This is shown by ‘HTTPS’ in the address bar. These types of sites are often scams that, at best, manipulate odds and, at worst, steal your information.
2. Research and Reviews: If someone has had a bad online experience, you can be sure they will want to tell people about it. Before choosing a sportsbook to gamble at, carry out searches and check reviews from reputable sources. It’s also worth checking comments in forums.
3. Budget: With any form of online betting, you need to set a budget and stick to it. You must see this money as funding entertainment and never chase your losses.
4. Payment Methods: Stay safe by only ever using secure payment methods. You should consider using e-wallets and crypto for an extra layer of security.
5. Understand Bonus Terms: Before claiming a bonus, keep yourself safe by checking the terms. Before you deposit, be sure that the terms are fair and avoid any that are unreasonable. It’s worth being wary of extortionate wagering requirements that can make a bonus almost worthless.
6. Set Time Limits: Take advantage of tools such as reality checks so that you can monitor how long you’re gambling for. Take regular breaks and know when to walk away.
7. Strong Passwords: Always use a secure password to keep your account safe. If you’re using multiple platforms, make sure you’re using unique passwords for each. This means that if one is compromised the others are still safe.
8. Two-factor Authentication: If 2FA is available make sure you use it. This gives you added security by requiring a code to be entered before you log in. This code is sent via text or email.
9. Anti-virus Protection: Keep your device up to date with the latest anti-virus software. This will keep you as safe as possible from malware so that your information is safe and secure.

Important references

1. Problem Gambling Ireland
2. Ireland Gambling Laws and Regulations
3. The Independent Betting Adjudication Service (IBAS)