Irish online casinos for Real Money
Welcome to Real.casino’s top picks for the best online casinos in Ireland! Our expert team has thoroughly reviewed and curated a selection of the most reliable and trustworthy platforms, ensuring you a safe and exciting real money gaming experience. Dive into the world of online gambling with confidence, knowing that our recommended casinos meet the highest industry standards and cater to the specific preferences of Irish players.
Ireland Casino Guide
Getting Started
Ireland is a country known for its sportsbooks, in particular, those with a sense of humour. As a country where it is legal to bet online, but land-based casino gambling is sketchy at best, it is best to take a closer look at what you can (and cannot) do when gambling in the Republic of Ireland. The first thing we need to mention is that the gambling laws of the Republic of Ireland (Ireland) do not mirror those in Northern Ireland. Moreover, the gambling laws of Northern Ireland differ from those of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. In this guide, we’re specifically referring to the Republic of Ireland.
With that said, let’s explain the legal situation for gambling in Ireland and find out where it is best to bet and why in our guide to gambling in the Emerald Isle (or the southern part of it, at least).
Ireland’s Gambling Laws and Regulations
The Republic of Ireland’s gambling laws stem from the 1931 Betting Act, the Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1956, and a series of amendments. Gambling has effectively been legal in Ireland since 1854. However, there are notable exceptions and loopholes that we need to cover.
Firstly, operating a land-based casino in Ireland is illegal. However, there are loopholes that permit slot halls, arcades, and other venues (even the odd bookmaker) to support gambling games that many would deem akin to casino games. A Gambling Control Bill was put forth in a bid to sort out this issue and legalise and regulate this sector, but that has failed to pass. While Ireland does talk of closing these loopholes for land-based betting, the current situation means that it is technically legal for you to gamble in these venues.
Now, onto online gambling. The situation here is a lot clearer. Ireland amended the Betting Act in 2015 to formally legalise online gambling. In theory, operators are supposed to obtain a license to cater to players in Ireland, but this is not as straightforward as it seems. For the time being, Irish players are invited to play at (theoretically) any licensed casino and sportsbook.
Other forms of online gambling (bingo, sports betting, poker, and lotteries) are also deemed legal in the country.
Who Regulates and Licenses Irish Casino Sites?
As touched on above, operators who wish to cater to players in the Republic of Ireland are supposed to obtain a license from the Revenue Commission. At least, that was the plan. To date, no licensing body has been set up, save for the Revenue Commission, which has been known to hand out licenses to selected sportsbooks.
Online gambling enterprises which haven’t obtained a license are supposed to be blocked by Ireland’s internet service providers. However, the country does adhere to EU gambling law here, which states that without a possible way to obtain a national (Irish) license, EU operators can offer their services to players in Ireland without one.
To combat this conundrum, Ireland does permit its nationals and residents to play at any online casino that is licensed in the European Union. You’re also permitted to play at UK Gambling Commission-licensed casinos as part of the many special agreements between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Between these options, Irish players have no shortage of top sites to join. In fact, many of the options at their disposal are amongst the best and most regulated online casinos (and sportsbooks) found anywhere in the world.
Ireland’s Most Popular Gambling Games
Ireland is a country which doesn’t seem to favour one type of gambling game over another. Both bingo and lotteries are immensely popular in the country, with Ireland being a participating nation in the Euro Millions lotto. At the same time, sports betting is huge in a country famed for its rugby team and Gaelic football. Some of the world’s most renowned sportsbooks have Irish roots.
It is worth noting that there aren’t any major Irish casino software providers, though. Precious few of these exist, and none have made it to the mainstream online casinos that cater to Irish players. Instead, Irish players tend to rely on games from UK and Scandinavian casino software providers at betting sites.
Who Can Play?
Irish players can choose from Irish licensed betting sites (but these are few and far between for now), UK casinos and sportsbooks, and those based in the European Union. In theory, they can play at offshore casinos (such as those licensed out of Curacao), but these are less regulated. Given the options, there is no reason for an Irish player to play at less regulated and certified casinos and betting sites when there are so many heavily regulated and well-respected ones for them to choose from. Both Irish licensed sites and those based in the UK and EU are generally accepting of players from each other’s countries, so you can play wherever you like, within reason.
Online Casino Payment Options
Below is a comprehensive list of the most common payment methods for online casinos available exclusively for players in Ireland. They are categorized into Credit/Debit Cards, E-Wallets, Bank Transfers, Mobile Payments, and Cryptocurrencies.
Credit/Debit Cards:
- Visa: One of the most widely accepted credit/debit cards globally, Visa is commonly used by Irish players for online casino transactions. It offers secure and fast transactions, as well as fraud protection.
- Mastercard: Another popular option among Irish players, Mastercard provides a reliable and secure way to deposit and withdraw funds from online casinos. It also has robust fraud protection measures in place.
E-Wallets:
- PayPal: PayPal is a popular e-wallet service in Ireland that allows players to deposit and withdraw funds from online casinos. It is known for its convenience, speed, and security features.
- Neteller: Neteller is another e-wallet service that is commonly used by Irish players for online casino transactions. It offers instant deposits and fast withdrawals, as well as advanced security measures.
- Skrill: Skrill is a widely used e-wallet service in Ireland, offering fast and secure transactions for online casino players. It is known for its ease of use and low transaction fees.
Bank Transfers:
- Bank of Ireland Online Banking: As one of the largest banks in Ireland, the Bank of Ireland offers online banking services that enable players to make secure and convenient transactions with online casinos.
- AIB Online Banking: Allied Irish Banks (AIB) is another major Irish bank that provides online banking services for online casino transactions. Its secure and user-friendly platform makes it a popular choice among Irish players.
Mobile Payments:
- Revolut: Revolut is a mobile-based financial services platform that allows Irish players to make payments to online casinos. It offers quick transactions, low fees, and advanced security features.
- Apple Pay: Apple Pay is a mobile payment service available for iPhone users in Ireland. It allows players to make secure and convenient deposits to online casinos using their Apple devices.
Cryptocurrencies:
- Bitcoin: Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency and is accepted by some online casinos in Ireland. It offers fast transactions, low fees, and a high level of anonymity.
- Ethereum: Ethereum is another popular cryptocurrency accepted by some Irish online casinos. It provides fast and secure transactions with lower fees compared to traditional payment methods.
Please note that these payment methods are accurate at the time of writing and may be subject to change. Before using any of these payment methods, it’s essential to verify their availability and any restrictions that may apply to your specific online casino.
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F.A.Q's
1. Is online gambling legal in Ireland?
Yes, online gambling is legal in Ireland. The Betting (Amendment) Act of 2015 regulates online gambling and ensures that operators hold a valid license issued by the Irish government. Make sure to choose licensed and regulated online casinos to guarantee a safe and secure gaming experience. For more information on licensing and regulation, visit our Licensing and Regulation guide.
2. How can I deposit money at an online casino in Ireland?
There are numerous deposit options available to Irish players, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and bank transfers. For a detailed list of popular payment methods and how to use them, refer to our Payment Methods page.
3. What are the most popular casino games among Irish players?
Irish players enjoy a variety of casino games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker. Live dealer games are also gaining popularity as they offer an immersive and interactive gaming experience. Learn more about the different games and their requirements on our Casino Games & Requirements guide.
4. Are there any bonuses and promotions available for Irish players?
Yes, most online casinos offer bonuses and promotions tailored to Irish players. These may include welcome bonuses, free spins, deposit bonuses, and loyalty programs. For a comprehensive overview of bonuses and loyalty programs, check out our Bonuses and Loyalty Programs guide.
5. How do I know if an online casino is safe and secure?
Ensure the online casino you choose is licensed and regulated by the Irish government. Additionally, look for casinos that utilize SSL encryption, have a strong privacy policy, and use reputable software providers. For more information on safety and security, visit our Safety and Security guide.
6. Can I play online casino games on my mobile device in Ireland?
Yes, most online casinos offer mobile gaming options for players in Ireland. These may include mobile-optimized websites or dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices. For more information on mobile gaming, check out our Mobile Gaming guide.
7. How can I withdraw my winnings from an online casino in Ireland?
Withdrawing your winnings is typically a straightforward process, with options such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and more. Be sure to review the casino’s withdrawal policy and processing times. For detailed information on withdrawing at online casinos, visit our Withdrawing at Online Casinos guide.
8. Is responsible gambling promoted in Ireland?
Yes, responsible gambling is promoted in Ireland. Online casinos are required to provide tools and resources to help players gamble responsibly, such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and access to support organizations. For more information on responsible gambling principles, refer to our Responsible Gambling Principles guide.
9. Can I use cryptocurrency for online gambling in Ireland?
Some online casinos in Ireland accept cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Cryptocurrencies provide a secure, anonymous, and fast method of depositing and withdrawing funds. To learn more about cryptocurrency and blockchain in online gambling, visit our Cryptocurrency and Blockchain guide.
10. Are there any resources available for problem gambling in Ireland?
Yes, there are resources available to help individuals struggling with problem gambling in Ireland. Organizations such as Gamblers Anonymous Ireland and the Rutland Centre offer support and assistance to those in need. For more information on problem gambling and available resources, refer to our Problem Gambling guide.