Legal Online Sports Betting in Ireland

  • Map Of IrelandFind The Best Legal Online Sportbooks In Ireland For 2025
  • Bet On Sports Legally Using Mobile Irish Sportsbook Apps
  • Get The Answer To Legal Sports Betting Questions

Bookmaking has a long history in Ireland and is easily the most popular form of gambling in the island nation. The sportsbook gambling industry is currently regulated through the Betting (Amendment) Act of 2015, which updates the Betting Act of 1931 to bring Ireland’s regulatory structure for the sports betting industry into the 21st century.

The law effectively positions Ireland to maximize the benefits of being a player in the global online sports betting and gambling market. Irish citizens may engage in locally licensed sports betting through live bookmaker destinations and online sportsbooks, or through legally licensed offshore sportsbooks offering their betting services to punters in the Republic of Ireland.

Regardless of which platform you decide to use to access Irish-friendly sports betting, you can do so legally as long as you ensure that you are visiting a licensed and regulated destination. The Betting (Amendment) Act of 2015 has redefined the licensing process to include limited remote betting; hence, you have your choice of legally sanctioned options from which to choose.

Ireland’s liberal, pro-gambling policies regarding betting entertainment have ensured that there are a healthy number of online gambling businesses seeking to attract Irish punters. It is safe to say that legal online gambling in Ireland is a thriving industry.

Most Trusted Online Sportsbooks Accepting Punters From Ireland In 2025

Approved For Irish PlayersHere you will find our top recommendations for destinations that offer legally sanctioned online sports betting to Irish punters. They are legally licensed and regulated, and legitimately operating within the industry. Their range of sports coverage, betting lines, and wagering options is unmatched, and their live streaming, live betting, and mobile features are among the best in the business.

They operate with a level of professionalism that has earned them the title of most trusted gambling site in the international gambling market.  This particular brand is also the primary provider for legal online poker in Ireland, as well as legal online casinos in Ireland.

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Sports Betting Apps

Many players enjoy betting on sports from the comfort of their gaff, and with legal sports betting apps, you can bet on just about any sporting event occurring worldwide. Popular sports featured at the sites listed above include Europe’s Premier League, the National Football League (NFL) in America, and UFC events, alongside many other options.

FAQs

Is It Legal For Me To Place Sports Bets Online at an Offshore Sportsbook?

It is perfectly legal for Irish punters to place sports bets at a licensed and regulated offshore online sportsbook. In fact, the Republic of Ireland welcomes international online sportsbooks into the fold through its licensing policies and taxation schemes. The gambling laws in Ireland do not make it illegal to participate in online bookmakers that are licensed, regulated, and located offshore.

What Types of Sports Bets Can I Place Online in Ireland?

As the most popular gambling format in Ireland, bookmaking offers a substantial range of betting lines and wagering options. From live sports betting to legally licensed online sportsbook gambling, you will find just about every sport, match, game, or event covered.

Here is a listing of just a few of the professional and amateur betting options available from legally sanctioned online sportsbooks: football, basketball, baseball, soccer, MMA, UCF, tennis, water sports, motor sports, boxing, golf, horse racing, rugby, darts, Olympic sports, cricket, and much more, depending on where you are betting.

The sportsbooks we recommend in this guide also offer live betting, live in-play betting, mobile betting, prop bets, futures bets, parlays, and, of course, traditional spread and fixed odds betting. This is just a sampling of what you will find at most premium online sportsbooks.

Are there any restrictions on advertising or bonuses for sportsbooks in Ireland?

Yes. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 introduced significant restrictions, including a ban on gambling advertising on TV between 5:00 pm and 9:30 pm and a complete ban on social media advertising. VIP memberships and free bet promotions have also been prohibited to protect vulnerable players.

Can I use a credit card to fund my sportsbook account?

Gambling with credit cards is now prohibited domestically in Ireland; however, international sportsbook sites still accept them. Any site listed here will allow locals to deposit funds using Visa, Mastercard, and sometimes American Express.

Can Irish punters still use international sportsbooks?

Yes, as long as the sportsbook is licensed and regulated, Irish citizens can legally use both domestic and international online sports betting sites. The new licensing regime will require all operators serving Irish customers to obtain a license in Ireland.

What sports and bet types are available at Irish sportsbooks?

Irish-friendly sportsbooks offer a wide range of sports and betting options, including football, horse racing, rugby, GAA, tennis, golf, and American sports. Bet types include live betting, accumulators, parlays, prop bets, and traditional fixed-odds betting.

Are Online Sports Betting Bonuses Worth It?

The value of the bonus offer at a sportsbook varies from site to site. Reputable, high-quality destinations will ensure that a legitimate offer is available to both new bettors and returning customers. The sportsbooks we recommend in this guide all adhere to wagering requirements and terms consistent with industry standards.

These bonuses can often allow you to deliver a powerful punch wager that is stronger than you would have been able to do on your own. Like online casino bonuses, these sportsbook gambling bonuses provide a bankroll boost that may just get you into the major leagues. These bonuses are typically a percentage match bonus, where the sportsbook offers to match a percentage of your deposit.

How Old Do I Have To Be To Bet On Sports Online in Ireland?

The majority of online sportsbooks require players to be at least 18 years old to place bets. This requirement is in line with Ireland’s minimum legal gambling age of 18. To place a bet prior to your 18th birthday is a violation of Ireland’s national gambling laws.

Are International Online Sportsbooks Safe for Irish Punters?

As long as you are visiting an online sportsbook that has been carefully vetted by our team of analysts, then you can rest assured that the betting site utilizes a sophisticated and impressive security profile. During our review process, we carefully evaluate each component of the business, including the security protocols for any given gambling site or business.

Our recommendations include only those types of sportsbook gambling options that employ advanced data encryption, firewall protection, and fraud prevention services. Along with a sophisticated security profile, we also verify a brand’s legitimacy through licensing, awards, and compliance certifications. The online sportsbooks we list in this guide are all high-quality, legally sanctioned online bookmakers.

What regulatory body oversees online sports betting in Ireland?

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is responsible for licensing, supervising, and enforcing compliance for all gambling activities, including online sports betting. The GRAI was formally established in March 2025 and manages the National Gambling Exclusion Register and Social Impact Fund.

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