Best Betting Sites

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The competitive nature of the online bookmaker niche benefits all users (we can choose a platform that meets our needs in terms of features, markets, odds, and more!). Every year, new bookies enter the scene and even those with a strong reputation and history need to update their prices, odds, promotions, welcome bonuses, and services for all customers. Those who fail to update and upgrade their services are left behind.

In this guide, we want to introduce you to the factors you need to consider when choosing an Irish betting site. What’s more, we’ll explain how you can get started on a platform, how to utilise some of the most advanced features, and we’ll even answer some of the most frequently asked questions!

Online Gambling in Ireland

Often, one of the most common questions in Ireland is whether betting is legal. While the Betting Act from 1931 lasted many decades, it was eventually replaced in 2013 by the more modern Gambling Control Bill to accommodate the online world. What’s more, the Gaming and Lotteries Act from 1956 was also updated. What does all this technical jargon mean? Gambling is legal so long as consumers use regulated and licensed platforms.

When you see a betting platform listed on this website, you can be sure that it meets the legislation and is licensed and regulated in Ireland. Even when these platforms aren’t based in Ireland, they’re still required to meet Irish regulations thanks to an amendment in 2015.

What’s the Best Irish Betting Site?

Unfortunately, you won’t find a single answer to this question because there’s no such thing. If you see an article suggesting that a single betting platform is the universal best solution for everybody, they normally have something to gain from this recommendation. Ultimately, the best Irish betting site depends on YOU.

What do you want from an online bookmaker? What sports do you like to bet on? Do you bet in-play? Do you take advantage of promotions and bonuses? What payment methods do you use? Your answers to these questions will determine the ‘best’ betting site for you. While you can take recommendations from other people, only when you consider your own needs will you find the platform that truly matches them.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online Bookie

Licensing

Firstly, you need to ensure that the bookmaker is licensed to operate in your country. In this case, we’re looking at the best services in Ireland. As a player in this country, you need to stick with sites approved by the relevant Irish bodies if you want a fair and protected experience.

Odds and Payout Percentages

Next, look at the odds for the sports important to your experience. For example, those who mainly bet on horse racing need to weigh up the horse racing odds on one platform compared to another. When payout percentages are higher, this typically means that the odds are better. Traditionally, Bet365 has the strongest odds, but new competitors are challenging for the throne (and this is why comparing services is essential!).

Selection of Sports and Markets

When looking at Irish betting sites, you also want to review the sports and markets available with particular services. If you like to bet on greyhound racing, it doesn’t make sense to sign up for a platform that doesn’t offer greyhound racing (you would be wasting your time!).

Thankfully, the rising wave of betting means that most bookmakers cover all the major sporting events around the world. This being said, there is some fluctuation in odds and availability with the lesser-followed sports and leagues. For instance, those who bet on badminton events will need to compare platforms closely.

As well as reviewing sports, you can also look at the number of markets there are available for individual fixtures and events. Choose a bookie that has the right sports, leagues, and markets.

Additional Betting Features

Over the last decade, betting sites have grown exponentially (and this has been helped by the rise of smartphone technology). As a result, what we’re left with is a world where the betting experience is enhanced by features such as live betting. Just look below at the number of live betting markets available on Bet365 (and this is early in the morning!):

Imagine how this list is populated at peak sports times – with the right platform, there’s always something to bet on regardless of the time or day.

As well as live betting, you might enjoy live streaming and cash out features. While platforms struggle to stream the Premier League and other leagues where TV rights are costly, they often stream horse racing and other sports. Meanwhile, the cash out feature helps you to secure profit (or minimalise losses!) in the middle of an event or accumulator. This excellent twist is now prevalent in betting and offered by most betting sites.

Promotions and Welcome Bonuses

We mentioned the competition in the online betting world, and this has led to a culture where betting sites are vying for attention. Therefore, they offer exciting offers and bonuses to new players. As an example, you might get €30 in free bets when you create an account and place a €10 qualifying offer. Below you can see an example from:

Either way, make sure you get a nice reward for joining a betting platform. However, don’t let this be the determining factor when choosing a bookie. Remember, you’re only a new customer once. As well as welcome offers, look at the promotions for existing customers. While some lack in this area, others offer acca boosts, enhanced odds, and several other perks for loyal customers.

When it comes to promotions, pay attention to the small print (you don’t want to get caught out!). For example, you may need to ensure that your odds are at a minimum level for qualifying bets.

Payment Methods and Transaction Charges

Next, the number of payment methods available will determine how you deposit and withdraw from the platform. These days, influential European bookies tend to offer debit cards, online wallets, bank transfers, and prepaid cards. Although the market is getting smaller, some still accept cheques too. In recent times, the Irish betting market has removed credit cards from the available payment methods.

Before signing up for a platform, make sure your preferred payment choice is available. Furthermore, review any transaction charges. For instance, you might get charged a small percentage for all withdrawals (or a flat fee).

Best Betting Sites for Football

If you bet religiously on football, we have great news; you have lots of options. Since football is the most popular betting market right now, betting platforms know that they need to cover this area well if they’re to entice customers. As well as lots of leagues, you’ll find hundreds of pre-match and in-play markets for the largest fixtures in England, Spain, France, Italy, and European competitions.

The deeper you go into football betting, the more research you’ll need to perform when selecting a platform. For example, some stick with the major markets in the major leagues. On the other hand, others aren’t afraid to offer under-21s football and relatively unknown leagues like Cyprus, Slovakia, and Iceland.

Here are some of the best betting sites for football:

• Bet365 Claim
  T&Cs Apply >>
• 888sport €100
  T&Cs Apply >>
• Unibet €40
  T&Cs Apply >>
• Betvictor €100
  T&Cs Apply >>
• BetRegal €10
  T&Cs Apply >>
• LeoVegas €30
  T&Cs Apply >>
• Kwiff €20
  T&Cs Apply >>
• Bethard €50
  T&Cs Apply >>

Best Betting Sites for the Welcome Bonus

Every day, we see bookmakers advertising their latest promotions on TV, so where will you find the best welcome bonus?

Top 10 Betting Sites:

Rank	Betting Site	Bonus	Claim
1st	Betvictor	€30 Free bet	Claim
2nd	Mrplay	€20 Free Bet	Claim
3rd	Boylesports	€40 Bonus	Claim
4th	Kwiff	€20 Free Bet	Claim
5th	Bethard	€50 welcome bonus	Claim
6th	888sport	€100 Bonus	Claim
7th	Unibet	Bonus	Claim
8th	bet365	€100 in Bet Credits	Claim
9th	Novibet	€30 Free Bet	Claim
10th	Coral	€20 Free bet	Claim

As well as the experienced and established names above, you’ll also see new names entering the fray so be sure to research and compare (you’ll see lots of brilliant brands on this list!).

Best Betting Sites for Live Betting

In the last few years, consumers have loved betting in-play during events and betting platforms have noticed. Consequently, you’ll notice that all the major websites offer live betting as the platforms compete against one another. As we mentioned with sports and markets, the extent of the live betting offering can differ so make sure your chosen platform has the right live betting markets.

Here’s a list of the most popular and in-demand betting sites offering a live betting platform:

• Bet365 Claim
  T&Cs Apply >>
• 888sport €100
  T&Cs Apply >>
• Betvictor €100
  T&Cs Apply >>
• BetRegal €10
  T&Cs Apply >>
• LeoVegas €30
  T&Cs Apply >>
• mr.play €15
  T&Cs Apply >>
• Bethard €50
  T&Cs Apply >>
• Coral €20
  T&Cs Apply >>

Best Betting Sites for Cash Out

Similarly, you’ll struggle to find a betting site that doesn’t offer cash out features to punters. Here, you can settle bets before the end of the event. By doing this, you can secure a smaller profit or minimalise losses when nervous about an event. While a small number of platforms only offer cash out before fixtures start, others allow cash out throughout live events.

Here’s a list of the top-rated betting sites allowing the cash out function before or after the event has begun:

• Bet365 Claim
  T&Cs Apply >>
• Unibet Claim
  T&Cs Apply >>
• Betvictor €100
  T&Cs Apply >>
• Coral €20
  T&Cs Apply >>
• BetRegal €10
  T&Cs Apply >>
• LeoVegas €30
  T&Cs Apply >>
• mr.play €15
  T&Cs Apply >>
• Kwiff €20
  T&Cs Apply >>
• Bethard €50
  T&Cs Apply >>

Best Betting Sites for Payment Methods

What platforms offer the best payment methods and terms?

Payment details:

Brand	Minimum Deposit	Minimum Stake	Withdrawal Speed	Max Payout
bet365	€5	€0.10	24 hours (e-wallets)	€2 million
Coral	€5	€0.05	4 hours (Visa Direct)	€1 million
Betfair	€6	€2	24 hours (PayPal)	€1 million
Paddy Power	€10	€0.10	up to 24 hours (PayPal)	€1 million
888sport	€10	€0.01	up to three days (PayPal)	€250'000
Ladbrokes	€5	€0.01	6 hours (PayPal)	€1 million
BetVictor	€5	€0.05	30 minutes (Visa Direct)	€500'000

Payment methods accepted:

Brand	MasterCard	Visa	PayPal	Bank Transfer	Neteller	paysafecard	Euteller	Trustly	Skrill
William Hill	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Bet365	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes
888sport	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes
Betway	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes

Getting Started with an Account

How do you enter the world of betting? You first need to create an account on the betting site that suits you. By using our brilliant platform and this advanced guide, you’ll soon learn the sites that will offer the best betting experience. Here are the steps you need to follow (using BetVictor as an example!).

Step 1 – Click the Sign Up button

Step 2 – Fill in your personal information

Step 3 – Verify your account

Step 4 – Deposit and place your first bet

These days, you’ll need to prove your identity and address before you can load up your account and bet for the first time. Remember, you may need to deposit and bet a certain amount to reap the rewards of a welcome bonus (so keep this in mind!).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Betting Sites in Ireland