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Legal Sports Betting In Ireland

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  • Find The Best Irish Sportsbooks For 2025
  • Legally Bet On Football, Golf, Rugby, Horse Racing, And More
  • Learn About Ireland's Gambling Laws That Impact Sports Betting

Legal sports betting in Ireland is available through licensed domestic sportsbooks, both land-based and online. Additionally, many Irish punters favor offshore sportsbooks, which often offer a wider range of sports markets, more competitive odds, and attractive bonuses.

These internationally licensed platforms complement the domestic market by providing enhanced flexibility, better technology, and a broader betting experience, making them a popular choice among sports bettors in Ireland.

Keep reading to learn what options are available to Irish punters looking to bet on sports in 2025.

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    The Best Sports Betting Websites In Ireland For 2025

    Site NameCurrent BonusAgeU.S.Visit Site
    Top Rated #1 IconBetonline Sportsbook50% Max $25018+USA Players Legally AcceptedVisit Site Review
    2sports betting logo50% Max $25018+USA Players Legally AcceptedVisit Site Review

    Where Can I Bet On Sports In Ireland?

    In Ireland, sports betting can be conducted legally through licensed operators regulated by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) or via offshore sportsbook sites based outside the country.

    Locally, you can bet on sports at various physical bookmakers and betting shops across the country, as well as through many licensed online sportsbooks that offer mobile apps and websites tailored for Irish punters.

    International sports betting sites also accept players located in Ireland and can do so legally based on the laws and regulations in their home jurisdiction. These sites offer expanded betting markets that locally regulated sportsbooks do not offer, plus they accept cryptocurrency.

    Sports Available To Bet On

    *Offshore Only

    Offshore Only Irish Betting Markets

    • Election Betting – Political betting includes gambling on the next President of Ireland, European leadership, and US elections as well.
    • Entertainment Betting – Betting on entertainment includes wagering on anything that comes on television, movie screens, or happens in the lives of celebrities.

    Horse Racing Betting

    Horse Racing buttonHorse race betting in Ireland is tightly regulated by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) under laws like the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001. Betting is legal both on-course and off-course through a licensed bookmaker.

    While the Irish market is well-regulated, offshore horse race betting sites often offer Irish bettors broader betting options, competitive odds, and attractive promotions. These offshore operators take action on off-track races around the globe and also feature virtual races that are held every few minutes.

    This blend of strong local regulation and quality offshore access ensures Irish bettors have a diverse, safe, and engaging betting experience.

    Sports Betting Laws to Consider in Ireland

    Ireland’s sports betting laws are now regulated under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, enforced by the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). All operators must have a valid license from GRAI to operate legally.

    Key laws include:

    • Minimum Age: 18
    • Licensing: All betting operators, both online and offline, must be licensed.
    • Advertising Restrictions: Gambling ads are prohibited on TV and radio from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and are subject to limits on social media.
    • Payment Rules: Credit cards and all forms of credit for gambling are banned; ATMs on gambling premises are also prohibited.
    • Responsible Gambling: A National Self-Exclusion Register allows individuals to block themselves from all licensed operators.
    • Protections: Operators must contribute to a Social Impact Fund for the treatment and education of individuals affected by gambling harm.
    • Penalties: Breaches can result in heavy fines of up to €20 million and may also lead to criminal charges.

    These regulations aim to protect consumers, prevent problem gambling, and ensure a safe and fair betting environment in Ireland.

    Sports Betting Apps – Ireland

    Sports betting apps in Ireland offer a convenient and exciting way to engage with a wide range of sports, but offshore sportsbooks truly stand out for their superior features. Offshore apps typically provide broader sports markets, better odds, and regular promotions that local apps can't always match.

    Many offshore mobile sportsbook apps support quick deposits and withdrawals, including those made via cryptocurrencies, and offer advanced betting tools such as bet builders and live betting with extensive liquidity.

    The best part about international sportsbooks is that you can bet on your mobile device without downloading software. You can also use your account in any other country that the sportsbook supports.

    Deposit And Payout Options For Online Betting In Ireland

    Local sportsbooks are restricted to the use of Euros via cash or debit cards, but offshore sports betting sites add credit cards, bank wires, cryptocurrency, vouchers, and peer-to-peer networks to the mix.

    What’s most important to us is fast, secure transactions with low fees. Cryptocurrency is our method of choice, and each of our top sites accepts Bitcoin and other popular altcoins. To learn more about what’s available, check out our sportsbook banking guide.

    Personal Experience

    Betting on sports in Ireland has become so much easier and more fun thanks to offshore sportsbooks. I’ve tried quite a few local options, but I find that offshore sites are better because they offer way better odds, more markets, and huge promotions that really boost my bankroll.

    The apps are slick, fast, and user-friendly. I love how I can place in-play bets on everything from football to horse racing without a hitch. Plus, these sites often have better streaming options and massive coverage of international sports that local bookies just don’t offer.

    For me, offshore sportsbooks are where the real value and excitement lie, making my betting experience smoother and more rewarding overall.

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