The Irish are among the biggest sports enthusiasts in Europe, especially in betting. For this reason, many football betting sites have started to offer their services in the country, allowing punters to sign up, claim a bonus, and bet on their favourite teams.
But how do you choose an Irish betting site? What do the best Irish companies for sports betting have to offer? What is the top Irish bookmaker? These are some of the questions we’ll be answering today.
With our guide, you’ll be able to understand what makes a great Irish gambling site, what payment options you can use, and what are the best football competitions to bet on. Did we pique your interest? If so, be sure to stick around.
Best Irish football bookies
This is what you came here for – to learn more about the best Ireland football (soccer for some) bookies. Below, you’ll find a list of our top betting companies in Ireland. All the betting sites presented were extensively tested according to various criteria, including licensing, bonuses, and payments.
How we rated the best football betting sites
All sports gambling sites featured in our guide were subject to a detailed reviewing process before earning their spot. To achieve this, we developed an in-depth testing method that evaluates betting sites according to multiple criteria, ranging from football bonuses to security features.
Promotional offers for football
These wouldn’t be the best betting sites in Ireland if they didn’t feature exclusive promotional offers for football lovers. We tested all bookies based on their football bonuses, such as the variety of offers and the wagering requirements. Some of the best offers we found include free bets and boosted odds.
Bonuses
Even though we ranked the best football betting sites, that shouldn’t be the only sport where punters can grab bonuses. As such, we also looked at the other promotions to verify what sports they’re compatible with. The best sports betting sites will often have bonuses that allow you to bet on various sports, including horse racing, greyhound racing, and others.
We also browsed through casino welcome bonuses if the operators had any for the sake of our customers who like both sportsbooks and casinos.
Market assortment
One aspect that makes Irish bookmakers great is the variety of sports betting markets available. Many bookies in the country will feature thousands of events with hundreds of football markets to be on. During our testing, we searched for the most common sports bet types, such as 1×2, over/under, handicap, and others.
Payment methods
Irish bookmakers are known for offering diverse payment methods with fair limits and low fees. Before we recommend a betting site, we verify what options are available, what are the minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts, and if transactions are subject to fees. We also check if the sites accept less traditional payment methods, such as cryptocurrencies.
Special features
Sports betting sites rely on special features to stand out from their competitors. Some of the best betting site features in Ireland include cash out, live streaming, and Bet Builder. We compared the different tools offered by bookies based on how intuitive they are and what markets they’re compatible with.
Licences & reputation
Playing at a licensed bookmaker helps ensure your safety. We only recommend the best Irish casinos that are licensed by trustworthy gambling commissions, like the Irish Revenue Commissioner, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), and HM Government of Gibraltar. In addition, we rank them based on their reputation and number of years in the industry
Mobile Experience
Betting on mobile devices is like having a Guinness while watching your favorite team – you can’t go wrong with it. When reviewing a bookie, we always check if it has a betting app or a mobile site. Betting through an app or mobile site should be as intuitive as using the desktop version.
Security
As we’ve mentioned, licenses are crucial to ensure the safety of punters. However, that’s not the only thing we look for. We also evaluate the security features Irish bookmakers use, such as encryption protocols, KYC procedures, and GDPR guidelines. The goal is to ensure the privacy of punters and that their information isn’t shared with third parties.
A closer look at the top rated football betting sites in Ireland
We already present the best Irish bookmakers and how they were tested. Now, it’s time to let you know our findings based on the parameters evaluated. Take a closer look at what the top Irish betting sites have to offer:
1. LeoVegas
LeoVegas isn’t the site you’d typically associate with sports betting. However, it’s here for a reason. Even though it’s known as one of the best places for casino games, LeoVegas is also a great option for Irish punters. The site offers a 10% profit boost on bets placed on their partners – Manchester City and Inter Milan and a sports betting app.
Pros ConsOver 10 years of experience in the businessNot the widest variety of payment methodsExclusive sports app for iOS and AndroidGreat football odds
2. 888sport
888 is also a bookie usually associated with slots and other casino games. In reality, it’s one of our top contenders for the tip of the best online bookie in Ireland. In addition to offering over 150 betting markets on various events, it also features an exciting free bet welcome bonus.
Pros ConsFree bet bonus without wagering requirementsThe Bet Builder resource isn’t compatible with all sportsAccepts 10 deposit and withdrawal methodsMost events have over 150 markets to choose from
3. kwiff
This online bookie is known for having one of the most innovative betting offers in the business – the “getting kwiffed” bonus. Essentially, every bet you place has the chance of being automatically boosted, increasing its potential payouts if you win. The bookmaker also features a detailed in-play section and an app.
Pros ConsExciting bonus that can boost your odds betting at any timeIt doesn’t have Bet BuilderThe bookmaker has an app for iOS and Android devicesExtensive live betting section with good football betting odds
4. Luckster
Even though it was founded in 2021, Luckster is already becoming a popular option among Irish punters. This betting site has everything you could ask for, including cash out, Bet Builder, and exciting bonuses. During our testing, we found football matches with over 300 betting markets, making it one of the most diverse bookies in Ireland.
Pros ConsHas cash out and Bet BuilderIt doesn’t have free bet bonusesMost football events have over 300 marketsExciting welcome bonus to boost your bankroll
5. BoyleSports
BoyleSports is a well-known football betting site among Irish punters. The bookie, founded way back in 1982, has gained plenty of experience with football betting markets. BoyleSports offers a range of promos, bonuses, a bet calculator, cash-out options, and boosted odds. It offers daily specials, too, so we recommend checking in occasionally to see if there are specific offers for a match you plan to bet on.
Pros ConsCash-out optionsLoyalty program limited to retail shopsFootball specials and boosted odds No football live-streaming Great mobile app
6. Bethard
Bethard is a popular gambling operator founded in 2012. Punters who sign at this bookmaker will be able to grab an enjoyable welcome bonus and other potentially rewarding features, such as cash out, odds boosts, and Bet Builders. Although it doesn’t have the largest variety of events, or tournaments, some matches have over 700 markets to bet on.
Pros ConsBet Builder, cash out, and other betting tools are availableNo further sports betting offers besides the welcome bonusSome football events have over 700 betting markets availableCompatible with various payment methods
7. NetBet
NetBet is one of the earliest bookmakers on our list. Founded in 2001, it benefits from an extensive reputation and has licences from major gambling commissions. Throughout the years, NetBet has introduced many innovative betting tools, including SnapBet, Bet Maker, and others. It also has several bonuses for sports enthusiasts, such as free bets.
Pros ConsA trustworthy site that’s been in the business for over 20 yearsIt doesn’t offer a streaming serviceExciting and innovative betting featuresFree bet welcome bonus without wagering requirements
8. TonyBet
TonyBet is a reputable bookie that operates in Europe with a licence issued by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. The bookmaker is known for being one of the most diverse Ireland football betting sites – some events feature thousands of markets! Tonybet also comes with several fun promotions for sports enthusiasts.
Pros ConsVarious sports promotions, including a welcome bonus, a VIP club, and tournamentsThe welcome bonus has higher wagering requirements than other bookiesOver 10 years of expertise in the businessHuge variety of football betting markets
Are there many Irish football betting sites to choose from?
Yes. Punters can Ireland can literally choose from hundreds of football betting sites. However, it’s important to opt for tried and tested bookmakers such as the ones you can find in this guide. Alternatively, you can look for new bookies using our testing criteria as a reference.
Which Irish bookmakers are the best for football betting
Here are a couple of recommendations if you’re looking for the top betting companies in Ireland:
TonyBet
There are many reasons to choose TonyBet if you’re looking to bet on football. However, we can easily simplify it into two reasons – bonuses and features. TonyBet has multiple sports betting bonuses with low wagering requirements and highly innovative betting features, such as the Bet Editor.
kwiff
This betting site is everything a modern Irish bookmaker should be – fun, daring, and innovative. Bonuses at this site are different from everything else, as they randomly reward punters with huge boosts. Talk about getting kwiffed!
What payment methods can you use to bet on football in Ireland?
Ireland’s betting sites are known for their fast and safe payment methods. In addition, many bookmakers in the country are compatible with a wide variety of banking options, including:
Debit cards – VISA, Mastercard, Maestro
E-wallets – PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz
Vouchers – Paysafecard
Bank transfers – Trustly and others
How to bet on football in Ireland
Follow the steps to start betting on sports in Ireland in 2023:
Choose a reputable bookmaker.
Sign up for an account.
Make a deposit and claim a bonus if you’d like.
Look through the sports selection.
Select an event you like.
Take a look at the markets available.
Add your selection to your betting slip.
Confirm.
How popular is football betting in Ireland?
Besides Gaelic football, also known as GAA, football is the most popular sport in Ireland. As such, it’s also one of the sports where punters bet the most. However, Irish punters typically prefer betting on overseas competitions, such as the Champions League or the English Premier League.
What football tournaments do Irish punters bet on the most?
As we’ve mentioned, most football enthusiasts in Ireland enjoy betting on international competitions. Take a look at the most popular championships and tournaments in the country:
League of Ireland
The League of Ireland Premier Division is the top tier of professional football in Ireland. Established in 1985, it features 10 teams competing annually. It goes without saying that Irish are passionate for their local teams, and some of the famous clubs include Shamrock Rovers and Linfield FC.
Premier League
The Premier League is the top level for men’s football in English. It consists of 20 teams and takes place from August to May.
FA Cup
The FA Cup is one of the most diverse tournaments in England. Every team can participate – from the Premier League to the 10th level of English football.
UEFA Champions League
The Champions League is an elite competition featuring contestants from the best European leagues. Overall, it has 32 teams that face each other in five rounds.
UEFA Europa League
UEFA Europa League, previously known as the UEFA Cup, the Europa League is the second most popular European competition. It features 48 teams who compete in six rounds
FIFA World Cup
The World Cup is the most prestigious football competition. It happens once every four years, featuring 32 teams who qualify for a spot across their respective continental tournaments.
Bundesliga
Bundesliga, the German top football league is consistently delivering great games and German clubs are battling it out with other top European clubs for the Champions League.
Serie A
Italian Serie A is one of the best football leagues in the world featuring 20 teams. It was founded in 1898, it has a rich history with clubs like Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. The Italian style of football is for tactical play and strong defences.
La Liga
La Liga also has a long history, as it was founded in 1929. Among its 20 teams, are clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona it’s also popular among Irish punters.
What other sports are popular for betting in Ireland?
In addition to football, sports enthusiasts in Ireland also enjoy betting on other sports, including Gaelic football, horse racing, hurling, snooker, and greyhound racing.
Is online betting legal in Ireland?
Yes. Online betting has been legal in Ireland since 2015. The organisation responsible for overseeing the activity of online bookmakers operating in the country is the Irish Revenue Commissioner.
Are Irish football betting sites trustworthy?
Yes. Ireland has multiple trustworthy sites. Many online bookmakers operating in the country are licensed and regulated by strict gambling commissions, like the Irish Revenue Commissioner, and benefit from a long-standing reputation.
Our top 5 tips for football betting in Ireland
Improve the way you bet with tips for sports betting in Ireland:
Record the bets you place: Recording your bets on a spreadsheet can help prevent future mistakes. The information to keep includes the bet placed, the odds, the amount staked and if you won it or not.
Set a budget before betting: One of the most important rules in sports betting is that you should never bet more than you afford to. Only bet an amount you don’t mind losing.
Look into value betting: Value betting is a strategy that involves calculating your own odds and comparing them between different bookmakers. If the bookie’s odds are most beneficial, your bet has value.
Use free bets to your advantage: Free bets are one of the favourite sports betting bonuses for Irish punters. You can use free bets to wager on football without risking real money.
Read the latest news: Reading the news can bring you up to speed regarding transfers, injuries, and other important details.
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedExtern Problem Gambling – www.problemgambling.ieGamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland.
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