OfferBet credits for new customers
LicenceUKGC, MGA
VisaPayPalApple PayBank
Best bookmakers in Ireland
Ireland bets more per head than almost any country in Europe, with the biggest brand in the market, Paddy Power, born in Dublin. Licensing is in transition: the Revenue-issued betting licences that governed the market for decades are giving way to a new regulator, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, created by the 2024 Act. Winnings are tax-free; the operator pays a duty on stakes. Here are the three that scored best in our tests with an Irish account.
How betting works in Ireland
For years Ireland regulated remote betting lightly: an operator needed a remote bookmaker’s licence from the Revenue Commissioners, paid a two percent duty on bets from Irish customers and followed the consumer rules of its main licence, usually British or Maltese. The Gambling Regulation Act of 2024 replaced that with a single regulator, GRAI, with powers over licensing, advertising, a national self-exclusion register and a social impact fund; the new licences and rules are being rolled out through 2025 and 2026, and the market’s brands are all applying.
The practical experience is close to Britain’s: verified accounts, free bets rather than deposit matches, racing and football everywhere, limits on winners. Prices track the British books, which run the same trading desks for both markets. The Irish exchange, Betfair’s, is licensed too and used heavily for racing.
Payments are debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay and, increasingly, Revolut; withdrawals to cards arrived the next day in our tests and to PayPal within hours.
The three best betting sites in Ireland
Ranked by our test score. All three hold Irish remote licences and are applying under the new regime.
OfferFree bets for new customers
LicenceRevenue remote licence; GRAI application
Debit cardPayPalApple PayCash in shop
OfferFree bets for new customers
LicenceRevenue remote licence; GRAI application
Debit cardPayPalApple PayCash in shop
The three, in short
bet365
bet365 serves Ireland from its UK operation with an Irish licence: the same live menu, streaming and early payouts, and card withdrawals the next day in our test.
Paddy Power
The Irish bookmaker that became Flutter, with shops across the country, the loudest promotions in the market, money-back specials on Irish sport and PayPal withdrawals within hours in our test. Prices are standard; the promotions and the retail network are the draw.
BoyleSports
The largest independent Irish bookmaker, with a big shop estate, a strong racing product with best odds guaranteed and card withdrawals within a day. The app has caught up with the leaders in recent years.
Other tested operators licensed in Ireland
The six British-licensed operators in our ranking also hold Irish licences.
OfferFree bets for new customers
LicenceUKGC, Gibraltar
VisaPayPalApple PayBank
OfferFree bets, sportsbook and exchange
LicenceUKGC, MGA
VisaPayPalSkrillNeteller
OfferWelcome offer, live streaming
LicenceMGA, UKGC
VisaPayPalTrustlyBank
OfferFree bets for new customers
LicenceMGA, UKGC
VisaPayPalSkrillPaysafecard
OfferFree bet for new customers
LicenceMGA, UKGC
VisaPayPalApple PayBank
Payment methods that work in Ireland
Debit cards and PayPal everywhere; Revolut is accepted by most as a card; cash deposits at the shop counter at the Irish brands.
Debit cardPayPalApple PayRevolutBank transferSkrillPaysafecardCash in shop
Frequently asked questions
Is online betting legal in Ireland?
Yes, with licensed operators; the licensing regime is moving to the new regulator, GRAI.
Are winnings taxed?
No; the operator pays a duty on stakes.
What changes with the 2024 Act?
A single regulator, a national self-exclusion register, advertising limits and new licences for every operator.
Can I use a credit card?
The new Act restricts credit-card gambling; debit cards and PayPal are the norm.
Rankings on this page come from our tests with a real account opened in the country. Some links are affiliate links; sponsored boxes are labelled and never affect the order.