Learn more about the history of Irish bookies online and read our short reviews on the best Irish betting sites you can join and bet at.
A History of Irish Bookmakers Online
Betting on sports is pretty popular in Ireland. The country has a rich history of horse racing and other sports so it’s not so surprising that betting has grown to be so popular.
Since online betting is properly regulated from a legal standpoint, several hundred Irish bookmakers online sites offer their services to Irish players and have thousands of fans.
Horse race betting seems to be the most popular type of bet, with football and certain Ireland-specific sports also making the list.
Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie are among the other popular sports Irish players can bet on.
When it comes to online betting, Ireland is seen as one of the countries with the most lax online gambling laws. Web-based bookies can freely offer their services to Irish players after being officially legalized in 2003.
The first web-based betting operator was established in 2004 and ever since then, online bookies in Ireland have thrived.
All the best Irish betting sites must obtain a license from the Irish government in order to operate. Many local bookies offer betting on a wide range of sports and an even bigger number of foreign bookies that can legally operate in the country.
This has led to a literal explosion of the number of punters that love to place bets online on horse racing, football, and many other sports.
Short Reviews of the Best Irish Betting Sites
Let's now have a look at the best Irish betting sites online as we delve deeper into what each of the bookmakers has to offer.
Boylesports
Boylesports is the largest independent bookie in Ireland and also one of the oldest of the best Irish betting sites. It was established back in 1989 by John Boyle who opened the first betting shop. The bookie became an instant hit with Irish punters, resulting in shops all over the country and the establishment of its online betting site later.
Now considered the biggest Irish online sportsbook, Boylesports is also a supporter of the biggest horse races and football clubs in the country. Its brand ambassadors include former football player Kevin Kilbane as well as jockey Robbie Power.
The site sets itself apart from the competition by offering a range of sports and markets and a “better customer experience”. You can bet on all Irish horse races and more from around the world along with all the football markets you can imagine. Rugby, tennis, darts, and field hockey are also on offer with an array of specials that elevate the experience to a new level.
Plenty of free bets and other promos are on offer for new and experienced punters. These will boost your bankroll nicely and give you a chance to win big. All of it is paired with great odds and a blog that puts Boylesports on the pedestal of online betting in Ireland.
BetMcLean
BetMcLean’s main page asks a simple question: Do you wanna bet? Check out the Irish bookie and you’ll surely want to. From a cool welcome bonus to plenty of horse and greyhound racing promotions that will send your returns roaring, BetMcLean is one of the top Irish bookies.
With over 50 stores across the Emerald Isle, BetMcLean has a strong presence offline and online. A mobile-friendly bookmaker with over 30 sports on offer, BetMcLean has all the markets you can think of. You can wager on football, horse racing, greyhounds, rugby, snooker, tennis, MMA, and other major and obscure markets as well.
Typical for an Irish bookie, BetMcLean pays a lot of attention to horse racing in the UK and Ireland. It has a comprehensive coverage of major events across the UK and internationally.
Even better, the bookie has several great event-specific promotions on both horse races and greyhound races. Thanks to Best Odds Guaranteed on a variety of UK horse races, you will get great returns on many races.
Live betting is also available on selected sports along with the Cash Out feature. If you’ve been looking for one of the best Irish betting sites with a focus on horse racing, BetMcLean is the way to go.
Bet365
A global leader in online sports betting, Bet365 is one of the most recognizable brands of all time. The legendary bookie offers its services to players around the world including Ireland.
It has an incredibly wide range of sports markets along with plenty of promotions that make Bet365 a world-beater in the field of online betting.
Bet365 has one of the longest lists of sports and markets we’ve seen. You can place bets on major and minor football leagues and a variety of horse races and greyhound races as well.
Esports, snooker, tennis, and even virtual sports betting are in its offer as well with special non-sport events spicing up the offer. Read our guide on how do I bet on Bet365 to help you understand more on placing bets at this bookie.
As a giant in the industry, it’s not hard to guess that Bet365 has industry-leading odds on most sports in its offer.
This goes especially on football and certain horse racing events. Bet365’s renowned live betting platform is widely considered as the best among online sports betting sites.
It comes with live streaming for registered users which is another big plus. Detailed live statistics are available for each live match and truly capture the essence of live betting.
Available on desktop and mobile phones, Bet365 is one of the biggest bookies you can bet on. Don’t miss the Bet365 bet credits promo and other promotions that will nicely boost your bankroll.
QuinnBet
QuinnBet is just a cog in the Quinn gambling industry wheel which also includes QuinnLotto, QuinnPools, QuinnCasino, and QuinnVirtuals. It’s also one of the most popular Quinn properties thanks to the focus on UK and Ireland horse racing and great odds on many sports.
A popular bookie in Ireland with a variety of sports on offer, QuinnBet is regulated by the Irish government and the UK Gambling Commission.
The sportsbook platform is provided by FSB and works perfectly on desktop and mobile devices. QuinnBet’s list of sports features football, tennis, basketball, greyhound racing, and horse racing which seems to be in the bookie’s focus.
Click on horse racing to bring up a comprehensive list of races and events with industry-leading odds. Apart from a huge variety of events, QuinnBet offers excellent horse racing deals.
For example, you might claim a race-specific cashback that will cover a part of your losses. Other promos include Best Odds Guaranteed, Price Boosts on all sports, and of course, a barrage of free bets.
Greyhounds racing is also nicely covered with great odds on most events. Live betting is one of QuinnBet’s focal points with constantly updated odds and statistics that should increase your returns.
Sportnation
A popular bookmaker in the UK and Ireland, Sportnation is one of the biggest names in the industry. Known as the bookie that rewards it's players through it's loyalty scheme where you can earn points for prizes and free bets.
Sportnation doesn't fail in it's promotions for players. A generous sign up bonus for Irish players making it an obviouss choice for first time bettors looking for a kick start to their betting bank.
The bookmaker offers a stand out variety of great promos and a long list of sports for all players online.
You can place bets on football, cricket, NBA, NHL, NFL, horse racing, greyhounds, tennis, and other sports markets. Every day, Sportnation posts Enhanced Odds Boosts that guarantee a better return.
Racing multiples and free bets are also available to new and regular customers, and that comes in addition to the welcome offer and other Sportnation bonuses.
The live betting platform allows you to cash out your winnings on selected events. It’s a great way to profit from your bets early and can be easily done on desktop or mobile devices.
What's more a simple login qualifies you to watch Live International horse racing and Greyhound action.
All in Sportnation easily ranks in the top 5 of best irish betting sites online.
FAQ's on Irish Bookmakers
You ask the questions on Irish bookmakers and we answer.
Does Bet365 Work in Ireland?
Yes, Bet365 has a global reach and is open for Irish customers. What's more you can claim the Bet365 bet credits offer as well.
The award-winning bookmaker has plenty of sports in its offer including horse racing. It’s a special focus for Bet365 which is music to every Irish punter’s ears.
With great odds on all horse races and event-specific promos, Bet365 is one of the best in our opinion (if not the best) bookies you can wager at.