Ireland is home to one of the most advanced and progressive sports betting markets in the world, with this built on the nation’s rich history of horse racing.
The roots of this industry can be traced back to 110BC when chariot races would take place on the Curragh during the lifetime of the monarch Conaire Mor.
As the range of popular sports in the Emerald Isle has increased, however, so too sports betting in Ireland has become an increasingly viable pastime. But is it actually legal to bet in Ireland? If so, who are the best and safest operators active in the marketplace?
Is Sports Betting Legal in Ireland?
Given the rich heritage of horse racing in Ireland, it should come as no surprise that bookmaking and pari-mutuel wagering have been regulated for nearly 90 years.
In fact, the Betting Act of 1931 regulated all sports betting activities until 2015, by creating licensing criteria for operators to adhere to and ensuring that these are met on an ongoing basis.
However, the rise of offshore sports betting created new challenges for regulators, especially in terms of taxation and the adequate safeguarding of punters. So, the Betting (Amendment) Act of 2015 was signed into law in 2015, and primarily enacted as a way of regulating offshore sportsbooks and integrating them into licensing policies and tax levies.
More specifically, it compelled online betting brands both at home and abroad to acquire a remote bookmaker or betting intermediary license before targeting the Irish marketplace.
This also ensured that remote sports betting was put on a par with online casino gameplay, with the latter having been formally legalized in 2001 and emerged as a thriving global market just two years later.
What to Bet on in Ireland
Betting trends and markets tend to reflect consumer demand in Ireland, with horse racing one of the popular disciplines across the board.
Prior to the pandemic in 2019, attendances at Irish race meetings were recorded at 1.315 million, with this up by 3.2% annually and creating an increased demand for in-play betting too.
Association football is currently considered to be the most played team sport in Ireland, while punters also bet regularly on their favorite sides and international tournaments such as the European Championships.
Of course, betting interest in the delayed Euro 2020 tournament may have been impacted slightly by Ireland’s absence from the championship, but the country’s most popular operators are still expected to see an uptick in profits as a result of the competition.
Other popular betting disciplines in Ireland include boxing and golf, while national sports such as Gaelic football and hurling are also home to a number of intriguing betting markets.
How to Bet Online Safely in Ireland
There are currently approximately 300 sports betting sites that accept Irish punters, the majority of which are based outside of Ireland (either in the UK or the EU).
This contributes to an increasingly competitive and high-quality marketplace, and one that’s also capable of delivering a safe and ultimately transparent iGaming experience.
But who exactly are the best operators in Ireland?
Well, William Hill arguably tops this list, with this entity fully licensed by the UK Gambling Authority (UKGC) and renowned for offering a large selection of in-play markets.
William Hill also offers an excellent live-streaming service, so you can watch events as they unfold and target in-play wagers with far greater effectiveness.
Bet365 is another popular betting platform in Ireland, with this home to an even larger range of betting markets across sports such as football, horse racing, boxing and many more.
Interestingly, the Irish government is poised to overhaul its gambling legislation towards the end of 2021, so it will be interesting to see how the landscape changes going forward.