How We Rank Ireland Gambling Sites
We do our best to evaluate the best online casinos Ireland. Although plenty of gambling sites are available, not all of them make it into our top lists. Here is how we decide which Irish online casinos make the cut:
Excellent Bonus Offers
Bonuses are a great addition to any player’s gambling experience. In our list, you will find online casinos that feature lucrative bonuses for both new and existing gamblers. Most often, these bonuses come in the form of welcome offers, free spins, and loyalty programs.
Furthermore, we check the terms & conditions of each promotion. This helps us point you in the direction of those casinos that have simple-to-understand bonuses.
Popular Payment Methods Accepted
Having access to several convenient payment methods at Irish casinos is essential. This will help you deposit easily and quickly, without difficulties. As such, we try to recommend Irish online casinos that accept a wide range of payment methods.
Variety of Casino Games
All gamblers prefer gambling sites that feature an impressive games library packed with a range of various titles. So, we make sure that we make their wish come true. We are looking to add to our list casinos that have a variety of games.
Therefore, you can find more than just one game to your liking. Moreover, the best Ireland online casinos will have a straightforward and easy-to-use form. This means that you can sign up painlessly.
Brand new Ireland online casinos with a variety of games are being added regularly to our list!
Fast Withdrawals
This is another important feature of an online casino, that we pay attention to. Alongside a wide selection of payment methods when withdrawing funds, time is crucial. See our same day withdrawal online casinos!
Mobile Experience
Our recommended casino platforms provide an incredible mobile gaming experience. Many of them offer native mobile apps that you can easily download to your smartphone or tablet.
With so many casino sites to choose from, you might think that it is quite confusing to make a good selection. Yet, by using our available sorting tools, it is easier than ever to choose the right Irish online casino for you.
Plus, we have added a Medal Filter System, which offers even more help to players. When you see a casino site that has a Gold Medal, you can be sure that it is safe. On the other hand, if you see a gambling site with a Black Medal, then you should avoid it.
See our casino’s review page for more useful information. You will find users' comments and ratings, as well as the best gambling sites that accept players from Ireland.
Casino Gambling Laws in Ireland
With the Betting Act of 1854, regulated gambling started to take shape in Ireland. Step by step evolved into today's regulatory structure.
Casino gambling in Ireland was addressed through the Gaming and Lotteries Act in 1956. Before 1956, most forms of gambling in Ireland were not regulated.
The Gaming and Lotteries Act in 1956 strictly prohibits commercial casinos from operating in this state. Yet, business owners were quite lucky because they knew how to take advantage of a loophole in this law.
Therefore, they started to develop gambling clubs that are not prohibited in Ireland. These clubs are nothing else but smaller casinos that offer casino games such as slots, poker games, and video poker. Today, there are around 14 clubs of this type in Ireland.
If you would like to participate, then note that these clubs require a membership. You can safely enjoy casino games at these establishments because they do not violate the Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1956.
An effort has been made to legalize gambling in this state, through the Gambling Control Bill of 2013 which was authored by Alan Shatter. Through this Bill, up to 40 brick-and-mortar casinos with up to 15 tables each will be allowed to operate in Ireland.
Moreover, the Gambling Control Bill of 2013 also includes provisions for regulating and developing the online and offline casino poker & bingo market.
A very important change to the regulatory landscape in Ireland was the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015. This act actually provided for the regulation of betting intermediaries as well as remote bookmakers for the first time. These changes were considered an interim solution.
The Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019 also made several ’stop-gap’ changes to the Irish gambling market and lotteries legislation. The Act streamlined the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 and created brand new exemptions for promotions and charitable prize draws.
In March 2019, a Report on Future Licensing & Regulation of Gambling was published by the Government. This was the report that actually led to the publication of the General Scheme in October 2021 which we talk about below.
On 21 October 2021, the General Scheme of the Gambling Regulation Bill was published by James Browne TD, the Minister of State for Law Reform. The main purpose is to create a brand new statutory body, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.
This authority would be in charge of creating a totally new licensing and regulatory regime in this country. The establishment will actually be a very good thing, as more effective regulation of gambling in Ireland will be achieved.
NOTE
When it comes to online gambling, this activity is legal in Ireland. The gambling laws in this country allow Irish gamblers to engage in licensed and regulated offshore gambling and licensed domestic online gambling.
The concept of online gambling was fully embraced by this state in 2003 when locally licensed interactive betting was integrated into the Irish gambling market. Today, both Irish licensed and licensed offshore gambling sites are legal for Irish players.
Best Online Casino Software Developers for Irish Gambling Sites
Top-rated Ireland online casinos are powered by renowned software developers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, Ash Gaming, Yggdrasil, and iSoftBet. These work meticulously to offer exciting casino games powered by innovative technology.
Key features include mobile compatibilities, HTML5/CSS3 powered graphics, and amazing themes. A better understanding of casino gaming software will actually enable you to better understand fair play, safety, as well as responsible gaming.
Microgaming With over 800 casino games in its portfolio, this casino game software is one of the most appreciated ones in the industry. Microgaming is the longest-standing slot machine software developer worldwide. The company has been on the casino market for more than 25 years, and today, its games have been licensed in over 20 international jurisdictions. Games Global casinos online in Ireland offer some of the most popular slots. The list includes Lara Croft, Mega Moolah, and Thunderstruck. |
NetEnt NetEnt offers some of the most famous slot games such as Twin Spin, Starburst, Dead or Alive, and Gonzo’s Quest. This software developer was launched in 1996, and since then it has come up with some of the most innovative graphics and exciting gameplay. NetEnt gambling sites for Irish players are a wonderful choice if you are looking for a thrilling experience. |
Playtech Playtech was founded in 1999 and it is undoubtedly one of the longest-standing casino software developers in the world. Over time, Playtech has developed more than 700 games, out of which 100 are actually progressive jackpot slots. Furthermore, the company also produces exciting live games, poker, and sports betting. If you choose to gamble at Playtech casinos, you will enjoy top games such as Aquaman or Age of the Gods. |
Ash Gaming Ash Gaming was founded in 2000 and it is a UK casino software developer. In 2011, Ash Gaming was acquired by Playtech for £23 million. Since then, the company serves as one of Playtech’s top game studios. Ash Gaming online casinos in Ireland offer you the opportunity to play exciting games, popular for frequent payouts and high-end design. |
Yggdrasil This casino software provider has started its way by developing high-end games dedicated to English and Finnish markets. Over time, Yggdrasil casino games became more and more popular all over the world. Yggdrasil mostly develops mythology-based slot games. Yet, at Yggdrasil casino sites you can also enjoy 3D slots and other exciting themes as well. The most appreciated ones are Beauty and the Beast, Winterberries, and Jackpot Riders. |
iSoft Bet Even though iSoft Bet is quite new on the gambling market, its games are very popular among worldwide players. iSoftBet was launched in 2010, and at the moment it has two development studios, in London and Luxembourg. This casino software developer specializes in traditional slots and 3D games. Since 2010, it has developed more than 200 exciting and mobile-friendly games. If you opt for casinos in Ireland, then you can enjoy famous games such as Basic Instinct or Vegas High Roller. Choose iSoft Bet top casinos and you will have an amazing gambling experience! |
Playing at Mobile Ireland Online Casinos
We understand the fact that today, increasingly more Irish players use mobile gadgets to play their favorite casino games. Therefore, we regularly add to our list new online casinos Ireland that is mobile-friendly.
Some gambling sites have developed native apps that are easy to download to your smartphone or tablet. These apps provide great connectivity and seamless navigation. Moreover, the app’s layout is very similar to the desktop site for a quite smooth transition.
Mobile casinos use innovative HTML Technology. Plus, they are responsive and optimized to adapt very well to all screen sizes.
Convenience is the main advantage of playing at mobile casinos. You can enjoy your favorite casino games from wherever you are. You can play from your smartphone and tablet device, either from your mobile browser or via a free downloadable app. These usually work for all popular gadgets, including iOS and Android.
It is also important to mention that on our Mobile Online Casinos page you will have the chance to enjoy exciting promotional deals and bonuses.
Exciting Bonuses that You Will Enjoy at Ireland Casinos Online
Whenever you sign up for new casinos that accept players from Ireland, you will have the opportunity to claim a welcome bonus. This promotion will help you get started.
There are several alternative welcome bonuses available for Irish gamblers, with each casino providing its own unique bonus deals.
The available bonuses vary depending on which online casino Ireland you choose. Here is a close look at some of the most popular welcome bonuses you will come across.
Match Deposit Bonus
This is the most common option you will encounter at Irish online casinos. You need to sign up to the casino and create an account. Every casino that offers this bonus requires a minimum deposit.
Once this is out of your way, your deposit will be matched by a specific percentage. This percentage depends on the offer and it can be anywhere from 50% to 400% - up to a predetermined maximum amount.
Free Spins
Free Spins Bonuses are one of the most popular and most appreciated offers at online Irish casinos. You will be awarded a certain number of free spins that you can use on one or more slots online. Gambling sites usually reserve free spins for new titles or slots that must be promoted.
It is important to know that wagering requirements will be applied to these offers. This refers to how many times you must wager your winnings before you can actually withdraw them as real money.
You must also read the casino’s terms and conditions before you claim an offer, as some gambling sites will cap your winnings.
No Deposit Bonus
We highly recommend you a casino no deposit bonus. You are probably wondering why. Well, this type of offer is perfect when accessing a new gambling site. You can actually try out casino games without risking your own money. This is a huge advantage, you cannot deny it.
To claim this promotion, you simply need to create an account on one of the no deposit casinos Ireland from our page. Remember that no deposit is required.
These bonuses usually come in the form of free spins, and you must, again, don’t forget that wagering requirements and caps on winnings may apply. Overall, Ireland casinos no deposit are great for new players.
Reload Bonus
On CasinoFreak, you might also come across an Ireland online casino that offers reload bonuses. With this promotion, you can effectively get cashback from the gambling site depending on their wagering amount.
Check out the best online casinos for Irish players and enjoy a reload bonus!
Top Online Casino Payments for Irish Players
As a gambler, you will always need a reliable and trustworthy deposit method. This way, you can quickly and safely transfer enough funds to your casino account. In the following, we will look at the leading payment solutions for Irish players.
PayPal
PayPal is an excellent way of making deposits at your favorite Irish online casino. All you need to do is to make sure that this is actually linked to a bank card.
PayPal is perfect for transferring money in and out of your favorite casino. Withdrawals are, quite often, instant at PayPal online casinos.
Paysafecard
There are players who prefer this casino payment solution because is highly secure. You can safely use this prepaid card using vouchers with a 16-PIN code. This means that the funds will be secured into the casino, with Paysafecard being now owned by Skrill.
Paysafecard casinos online are a great choice!
Skrill
This is another highly popular e-wallet casino deposit method. Skrill is owned and operated within Irish regulations. When it comes to loading up the online account that allows you to visit casino sites, Skrill works just like other e-wallet methods.
With casinos that accept Skrill, you can be sure that you will make highly secure transactions.
Neteller
Neteller, just like Skrill, is an important payment service provider that is part of PaySafe Group. This e-money transfer service is super easy to use. Moreover, you can withdraw your funds quickly and easily, by using either the Net+ card or by transferring the balance back to your bank account.
If this payment solution suits your needs, then choose one of our recommended Neteller casinos.
EcoPayz
EcoPayz is another secure online payment method among Irish players. You will enjoy the advantages of owning an ecoAccount where you can receive, send, and spend cash all through one secure transaction point. When playing at Payz gambling sites, you can enjoy your favorite games with peace of mind.
NOTE
Due to a ban in April 2020, credit card payments are no longer accepted by casinos in Ireland. Therefore, you should disregard them as an option.
Ireland and Its Gambling Past
This country has always had a very close association with gambling, especially in terms of sports betting. Horse racing is probably most deeply entrenched in Irish society. Ireland is the fourth biggest producer of racehorses in the world.
Gambling in this country goes back centuries. Yet, it wasn’t until the 17th century that gambling started to take root. But what changes took place at that time? Well, the answer is really simple – the popularity of horse racing. This sport was and still is one of the most popular to bet on today.
There were two important factors that influenced gambling activity in this state. The first was, as mentioned earlier, horse racing becoming more established as a sport. The second factor was the re-establishment of English rule in this state
Even though the nation was a British colony, it still retained some degree of autonomy. Governance was mainly left to landlords. They were more interested in making money and not in policing behavior. So, gambling activities in Ireland at that time largely went unnoticed. There was no regulation around it.
In 1922, the Irish Free State was established and things became more official. By 1926, the betting Act was established, and with it also came some important regulations.
The act was revised in 1931 and stipulated that anyone taking bets on a sporting event must own a license from the government.
Get Started with Top Ireland Casino Sites on CasinoFreak
With all the information provided on this page, it is very easy for you to make a good choice in terms of online casinos. So, if you are an Irish player and you want to safely enjoy your favorite games, then you now know exactly what to do.
For an even easier choice that will meet all your needs, don’t forget to use the Medal system we talked about in the first section of this guide.
Ireland no deposit bonus casinos are highly appreciated by many gamblers. Also, low wagering casinos would make an excellent choice, especially for new players.