As online betting continues to grow in popularity across Ireland, punters are seeking more than just somewhere to place a bet.
They want safe betting sites with tailored sports coverage, lots of markets to choose from, competitive odds, and easy access on mobile.
This betting site guide focuses on what Irish bettors truly care about: the sports that matter and the features that elevate your experience.
Irish sports fans are among the most passionate in the world and that energy translates into a vibrant betting scene.
Whether you’re following your local GAA team, backing a favourite at Leopardstown, or tracking top-level football, the right betting site should offer odds for all the events that matter to you.
But that's just the starting point. The prices need to provide value and there should be plenty of bonuses and boosts on offer.
Perhaps most crucially, betting sites need to be safe to use, which is why we only highlight licensed bookmakers.
Horse racing is woven into the fabric of Irish sporting culture.
From Punchestown and the Curragh at home to Cheltenham and Aintree across the water, betting on racing has been popular in Ireland for centuries.
Look for horse racing betting sites that offer:
Football remains one of the biggest drivers of betting activity in Ireland, spanning everything from the Premier League and the Irish international team to domestic League of Ireland fixtures.
Key features to look out for at the best football betting sites include:
Gaelic games hold a special place in Irish sport and GAA betting surges in popularity each summer, when the inter-county season reaches the business end.
However, not all betting sites treat it equally. Many platforms offer only basic coverage, while others go the extra mile - providing a far richer GAA betting experience.
The best online bookies have:
Golf is another favourite among Irish punters, especially during the four majors and big tour events featuring homegrown talent.
What sets the best betting sites apart isn’t just market coverage, but added value offered around major tournaments.
Look out for sites that provide:
While rugby betting options are more consistently available than GAA markets - there is some similarity between the two, because too many bookmakers don't do enough for rugby bettors.
The best rugby-focused betting sites typically stand out by offering:
At Gambling.com, we follow a strict review and rating methodology for every betting site we recommend.
This means we sign up and thoroughly test all of their features, so we can provide a full overview and rating for each one.
Our expert reviewers evaluate a detailed 10-step process when evaluating each new betting site - a hands-on review that takes up to two months to complete.
This rigorous process ensures every rating reflects real user experience and practical site performance.
At Gambling.com, we’ve been testing and reviewing sports betting sites since 2006.
Backed by a global team of over 600 professional betting experts, we rigorously evaluate each platform - signing up, depositing, placing bets, verifying bonuses, and testing withdrawals - to ensure only the most secure and reputable betting sites make our list.
We also value the real-world experiences of users, factoring in community feedback and comments in our rankings.
At Gambling.com, you don’t have to sift through dozens of unverified sites - we highlight the ones that deliver a safe, smooth, and rewarding betting experience.
So when you're ready to start betting, you can do it with confidence, knowing you've chosen from the very best.
Yes, online betting is legal in Ireland. It is regulated under the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015, which requires operators to obtain a licence to offer services to Irish residents. Both domestic and international betting companies can operate legally, provided they meet licensing requirements and adhere to Irish gambling laws.
QuinnBet is one of the best betting sites that accepts Revolut for both deposits and withdrawals. Some other Revolut betting sites in Ireland are BoyleSports, Ladbrokes, bet365 and William Hill.
Odds vary depending on which sport or event you're betting on. bet365 is rarely beaten when it comes to football odds. BetVictor has outstanding prices when it comes to horse racing. If you're betting on GAA, Ladbrokes and BoyleSports provide the best value. We recommend holding a few different betting accounts and comparing the odds before placing bets, so you can shop around for the best prices.
Betting sites make money through the overround, also known as the vig or margin. This means the total implied probabilities of all possible outcomes exceed 100%, ensuring a built-in profit. By adjusting odds and balancing bets, they secure earnings over the long-term, even when you factor in the variance of sporting results.
The vast majority of Irish betting sites accept PayPal as a payment method, including big names in the industry like Betfred, BoyleSports, Ladbrokes, Betway and bet365. It's worth being aware, however, that some welcome offers can't be claimed from PayPal deposits, so we advise reviewing promotional terms before you claim a bonus.