Best Grand National Betting Sites in Ireland 2024 – Racing Free Bets

Grand National Betting Ireland Facts

How do we rank the best Grand National betting sites?

Unsure what you should be looking for when it comes to Grand National betting sites in the Irish market? Here are some features we consider good elements of a good betting site for grand national betting in the Irish market:

Safety and security

You want to find a betting site that is safe and secure to play on; this will give you peace of mind that the site is legit and legal. You can find their licence to operate in the terms and conditions, about us page, or even by asking their contact team themselves. If a betting site has a licence, you can rest assured that your money is being handled responsibly and that you are being treated fairly. Another thing they will provide are robust security measures to protect you while on the site. This includes coverage for your financial and personal information.

User friendly

A good betting site should have an intuitive and user-friendly interface. It should be easy to navigate, place bets, access account information, and view relevant race details. A clutter-free design and clear layout enhance the overall user experience. This helps make playing on the site enjoyable, but the rater finds it troublesome.

Reputation

What is everyone else saying about the betting site? Opt for a reputable and well-established online betting site with a strong track record. Look for sites that have been operating for a considerable period, have positive customer reviews, and hold relevant licences from reputable gambling authorities. To find this out, simply consider reviews online and what other players are saying; this can help you figure out if the site will be worth your time.

Odds

You want a site that offers competitive odds consistently; this will ensure that if you are successful, you will receive a higher payout. Some sites even offer enhanced odds or promotions to boost the odds on the Grand National since it is a major betting event.

Live streaming

Live streaming allows you to watch the Grand National directly on the betting site, enhancing the excitement and enabling you to make informed in-play bets. Look for sites that offer live streaming services for the race and provide in-play betting options. Many players prefer watching big events like this live due to the advantages it offers as well as the thrill.

Bonuses and promotions

Consider the bonuses and promotions available on the site, including welcome bonuses, free bets, or special offers for the Grand National. These can provide additional value and enhance your overall betting experience.

Payment options

Check the available payment methods and ensure the site supports your preferred banking options. Look for sites that offer secure and convenient deposit and withdrawal methods with reasonable processing times.

Best Grand National Betting Sites in Ireland for 2024

Here are some reviews of the following bookmakers with regard to wagering on the Grand National within the Irish market: These could be good places to begin your research into a good betting site.

Bet 365

Bet365 provides players with a range of betting options when it comes to gambling on the Grand National in the Irish market. They offer markets in outright betting, place bets, each-way bets, and various unique bets like exacts and trifecats, so there is something for everyone and plenty of new things to try. Also, Bet365 offers reliable, competitive odds for horse racing and the Grand National. They also offer live streaming services; these features allow you to watch the Grand National live and place bets while the events are happening. If you’re someone who prefers betting on their mobile, you will be glad to know Bet365 has a mobile app to make betting on your phone easy and accessible on the go. They also have a range of promotions for both new and existing customers.

Pros	Cons
Solid odds Live streaming Range of markets Reputable betting site	Some countries may be excluded from using the site or promotions.

Ladbrokes

Ladbrokes is a well-loved betting site for Grand National betting in the Irish market and has expertise in horse racing gambling. They have wide coverage of horse racing events, including the Grand National, with competitive odds and plenty of markets to choose from. Ladbrokes offers various betting features to enhance the horse race betting experience. This includes options like Best Odds Guaranteed, where they pay out at the highest odds if the starting price is higher, and Extra Places, which offer more places for each-way bets. In addition, they have good live streaming of the event, so you can watch and bet live.

Pros	Cons
Live streaming Good odds Wide coverage and plenty of markets Range of payment options	Restrictions on locations Some say their platform is not as intuitive as other betting sites.

Boylesports

Boylesports has a range of horse racing events besides the Grand National to cater to horse racing fans. They also offer Grand National live streaming to make betting more thrilling. They have a selection and regular promotions specific to horse racing, as well as an easy-to-use site and mobile app. This makes playing with Boylesports rather enjoyable and stress-free. While they do offer plenty for horse race betting, some of their markets are simple and lack depth, although due to the popularity of the Grand National, they do pay attention to such a major event.

Pros	Cons
Good odds Live streaming Grand national-specific bonuses	The mobile app has faced complaints about functionality.

888sport

888sport dominates the online betting environment and is thereby reputable, popular, and trustworthy. They have a range of markets for the Grand National as well as live streaming for the major events. You will find a selection of markets available for the Grand National, including all your common markets as well as extras such as trifectas. You will also find specific promotions for the Grand National, including enhanced odds and free bets, as well as special offers ready for the event.

Pros	Cons
Range of markets Good grand national promotions Good reputable, and trustworthy	tend to focus on bigger horse racing events rather than smaller ones Mixed reviews on their customer support Live streaming can be unreliable.

Grand national betting markets

The betting markets for the Grand National typically offer a wide range of options for bettors. Here are some common types of bets you might find:

Betting market	Explanation
Win bet or outright bet	Betting on which horse you think will win the race.
Each-way bet	A mixture of the outright bet and a place bet, If your horse wins, you receive a pay out for both the win and place portions. If your horse finishes in the top places (usually the top 2, 3, or 4, depending on the number of runners), you receive a pay out for the place portion only.
Each way extra	This is a variation of the each-way bet where bookmakers may offer additional places, increasing the chances of a pay out. For example, instead of the standard top 3 places, they might pay out on the top 5 or 6 places.
Match bet	In a match bet, you select one horse to finish ahead of another horse. This bet disregards the overall race outcome and focuses solely on the head-to-head performance of the chosen horses.
Bets without the favourite	This market allows you to bet on a horse to win the race, excluding the favourite. It can provide an alternative option if you believe the favourite is likely to win and want to back another horse for a higher potential pay out.
Place bet	This is a bet on a horse to finish in the designated place positions (e.g., top 2, 3, 4, etc.). The number of places paid out can vary depending on the number of runners and the bookmaker’s rules.
Winning distance	This market involves predicting the winning distance between the first- and second-placed horses. Bookmakers may provide a range of distances, and you can bet on whether the winning margin will be greater or smaller than a specified distance.
Non-runner, no bet	This market offers a bit of insurance for bettors. If you place a bet on a horse, but it subsequently becomes a non-runner before the race, you will receive your stake back.
First fence faller	This market involves betting on which horse will be the first to fall at the first fence. It’s a fun and unique bet that adds an extra layer of excitement to the race.
Jockey or trainer bets	Some bookmakers may offer special bets on jockeys or trainers participating in the Grand National. These can include bets on a jockey to ride multiple winners during the event or on a trainer to have a certain number of horses finish in the top positions.
Forecast bet	This is a bet on the horses that will finish first and second in the correct order. It requires predicting the exact finishing order of the top two horses.
Tricast bet	This is a bet on the horses that will finish first, second, and third in the correct order. It is more challenging to predict correctly than a forecast bet.
Special bets	Some bookmakers may offer special or novelty bets for the Grand National. These can include bets on the gender of the winning jockey, the number of finishers, the colour of the winning silks, or other unique aspects of the event.

Popular types of Grand National welcome offers for new customers

Here are some likely Grand National welcome bonuses for new customers:

• Free bets

This is a common type of welcome offer where bookmakers provide new customers with free bet credits when they sign up and place their first qualifying bet.

• Enhanced odds

Some bookmakers may offer enhanced odds or price boosts on specific horses or jockeys in the Grand National. These enhanced odds can provide significantly higher potential winnings if your bet is successful.

• Money-back offers

Bookmakers may introduce money-back offers, where you receive a refund of your stake as a free bet if your selected horse finishes second, third, or in another specified position. This type of offer provides a form of insurance if your chosen horse narrowly misses out on winning.

• Extra places

Given the large field and competitive nature of the Grand National, bookmakers often offer extra places for each-way bets. Instead of the standard top 3 or 4 places, they may pay out on the top 5, 6, or even 7 places. This increases the chances of your each-way bet being successful.

• Cash-back offers

Certain bookmakers may provide cashback offers where you receive a percentage of your net losses as cashback up to a certain amount.

• Deposit match bonus

Instead of free bets, some bookmakers may offer a deposit match bonus as part of their welcome offer.

Why are welcome bonuses important?

Wondering why bother searching for the best welcome bonus? Here are some reasons that make the welcome offer so beneficial to new players:

1. Extra funds

Welcome bonuses will typically give players more credit to spend. This amplifies players chances of winning and allows them to play for longer.

2. Risk-free betting

Some extra credit means players can bet without risking too much of their own money. This can be appealing to new players since it allows them to make riskier bets or try out new strategies without the fear of losing their own money.

3. Test out the site.

Welcome bonuses allow new players to explore the different betting markets and types of bets available on the betting site. It gives them an opportunity to try out various betting options and gain experience without spending any more of their own money initially. Furthermore, players can assess the platform’s ease of use, speed, and reliability before deciding to continue using it for their future betting activities.

Popular types of Grand National offers for existing customers

For existing customers, bookmakers often provide a variety of promotions and offers specifically for the Grand National. While the specific offers can vary from year to year and between bookmakers, here are some popular types of Grand National offers for existing customers within the Irish market:

• Money-back offers

Bookmakers may offer money-back promotions where you receive a refund of your stake as a free bet if your selected horse finishes in a specified position, such as second or third. These promotions provide a form of insurance and can soften the blow if your horse narrowly misses out on winning.

• Extra places

Given the large field and competitive nature of the Grand National, bookmakers often offer extra places for each-way bets. Instead of the standard top 3 or 4 places, they may pay out on the top 5, 6, or even 7 places. This increases the chances of your each-way bet being successful and provides an improved chance of a pa yout.

• Odds boosted

Bookmakers may provide odds boosts or enhanced odds on specific horses in the Grand National. These boosts offer higher odds than the regular market price, providing increased potential winnings if your bet is successful.

• Best odds guaranteed

Similar to the above, this common promotion ensures that if you take an early price on a horse and the starting price (SP) is higher, the bookmaker will pay out at the higher odds if your bet wins. It offers added value and protection against potential odometer fluctuations.

• Prize draws

Some bookmakers run sweepstakes or prize draws exclusively for the Grand National. By placing bets on the race, you may have the chance to enter a draw for various prizes, such as free bets, merchandise, or even VIP experiences.

• Cashback offers

This offer is not just for new customers; many Irish bookies may offer cashback promotions where you receive a percentage of your net losses as cashback up to a certain amount. This provides a form of insurance against losses and allows you to recoup a portion of your losses.

• Free bets

Bookmakers may provide existing customers with free bet offers specifically for the Grand National. These free bets can be used to place additional wagers on the race, providing extra opportunities to win without using your own funds.

• VIP or loyalty programmes

Many bookies will offer loyalty programmes or VIP schemes where existing customers can earn points or rewards for their betting activity. These rewards may include free bets, access to exclusive promotions, or personalised offers for the Grand National.

Strategies for betting on the Grand National

Looking for some advice when it comes to gambling on the Grand National? Here are some of the strategies we recommend for both beginners and experienced players alike.

• Form

Familiarise yourself with the past performances of the horses participating in the race. Look for horses with a history of strong performances, consistent form, and experience over fences. This can help you make more informed decisions. Therefore, horses in good form tend to perform better, so look for those that have achieved strong results in their recent races.

• Don’t forget the jockeys.

Consider the jockeys’ track record and experience. Skilled jockeys can make a significant difference in a race, so look for those with a successful history in big races or with a proven ability to handle the demanding Grand National course.

• The course

The Grand National is known for its challenging course, featuring unique fences and demanding jumps. Assess how well a horse has performed in similar races or on courses with challenging obstacles. Look for horses that have proven stamina and jumping ability. Another handy tip is to think about what the ground conditions are like; some horses will perform better on softer ground than on firm ground. This can be checked by looking at the horse’s past performances.

• Weight and handicap

It is always good to think about the weight a horse is carrying and its handicap rating. Horses with lower weights and favourable handicap ratings may have an advantage.

• Past performances

Review the recent form of the horses, paying attention to their performance in the months leading up to the Grand National. Look for horses that have shown improvement or have performed well in similar race conditions. Another thing to consider is a horse’s jumping ability and how skilled they have been in the past.

• Multiple bets

Rather than placing all your bets on a single horse, consider diversifying your bets across multiple horses. This strategy can increase your chances of winning or at least securing a return on your investment. However, only consider placing more than one bet if you are confident, as it is far more risky. You should also consider whether the betting site offers acca insurance; this will give you your money back if the multiple bet loses, thus saving you money.

• Outside opinions

While your own betting decision shouldn’t be based on outsider opinions, they are good to take into consideration. You can find expert options online, such as listening to horse racing pundits and researching recent insights into the horses performance.

FAQ on Grand National Betting Sites in Ireland

Here are some frequently asked questions when it comes to betting on the Grand National in the Irish market.