Sports betting is a cherished pastime in Ireland, where fans eagerly wager on everything from Gaelic football and hurling to international soccer and horse racing. With a robust legal framework ensuring safety and fairness, Irish bettors have access to some of the world’s most reputable betting platforms. As of May 2025, the Irish Revenue Commissioners regulate online betting under the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015, while the newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) prepares to roll out a modernized licensing system starting December 2025. This comprehensive guide explores the top legal sports betting sites in Ireland, offering detailed reviews, comparisons, and tips to help you bet confidently and responsibly.
Sports betting has been legal in Ireland for decades, with online betting explicitly permitted since the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015. The Irish Revenue Commissioners currently oversee licensing, requiring operators to obtain a remote bookmaker’s license to serve Irish residents. This ensures that betting sites adhere to strict standards for security, fairness, and responsible gambling.
In October 2024, the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 was enacted, establishing the GRAI as the new regulatory body. The GRAI, operational since March 2025, is set to introduce a phased licensing rollout, with betting licenses available from December 2025 and online gaming licenses following in Q1 2026. This transition aims to enhance consumer protection, with measures like a National Gambling Exclusion Register and stricter advertising rules. Until the new licenses are issued, existing operators continue under Revenue Commissioners’ oversight, ensuring continuity for bettors.
Choosing a licensed betting site is paramount. Licensed operators are audited for fairness, use secure encryption, and provide tools to promote responsible gambling. The following sections review five top legal betting sites in Ireland, each recognized for its compliance, features, and appeal to Irish bettors.
Paddy Power, a household name in Ireland, has been a leading bookmaker since 1988. Known for its mischievous marketing and extensive betting options, Paddy Power is part of Flutter Entertainment, a global leader in sports betting. Its deep roots in Ireland make it a favorite for local bettors.
Licensing
Paddy Power operates under a remote bookmaker’s license from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, ensuring full compliance with Irish laws. It also holds licenses from the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority, reinforcing its credibility (Paddy Power Regulatory Information).
Sports Covered
Paddy Power offers betting on over 30 sports, including:
Betting Markets
The site provides diverse betting markets, such as moneyline, point spread, over/under, accumulators, and prop bets. Live betting is a highlight, with real-time odds and cash-out options for dynamic wagering.
Odds
Paddy Power’s odds are highly competitive, particularly for popular sports like soccer and horse racing. The site often offers enhanced odds promotions for major events, boosting potential returns.
Bonuses and Promotions
New customers can expect a welcome bonus, typically a free bet or matched deposit (e.g., bet €10, get €50 in free bets). Ongoing promotions include:
User Interface
The Paddy Power website is intuitive, with a clean layout and quick access to sports, live betting, and promotions. The green-and-white design reflects its Irish heritage, making navigation enjoyable.
Mobile App
Paddy Power’s mobile app, available for iOS and Android, is among the best in the industry. It offers seamless betting, live streaming, and push notifications for promotions and results.
Payment Methods
Supported payment options include:
Customer Support
Paddy Power provides 24/7 support via:
Responsible Gambling
Paddy Power prioritizes responsible gambling, offering tools like:
BoyleSports, founded in 1982, is Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker. With a strong presence in retail and online betting, it’s a go-to choice for Irish sports fans, particularly for Gaelic games and horse racing.
Licensing
BoyleSports holds a remote bookmaker’s license from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, ensuring legal operation in Ireland. It’s also licensed by the UK Gambling Commission for international operations (BoyleSports Review).
Sports Covered
BoyleSports covers a wide range of sports, with a focus on:
Betting Markets
The site offers numerous betting options, including singles, accumulators, handicaps, and in-play betting. Special markets for Gaelic games, like first goalscorer, are particularly popular.
Odds
BoyleSports provides competitive odds, often matching or surpassing industry leaders. Regular price boosts enhance value for major events.
Bonuses and Promotions
New users can claim a welcome offer, such as €40 in free bets after a €10 wager. Other promotions include:
User Interface
The BoyleSports website is user-friendly, with a clear layout and dedicated sections for sports, live betting, and casino. The design is functional and appealing to both new and experienced bettors.
Mobile App
The BoyleSports app, available for iOS and Android, supports all desktop features, including live streaming and cash-out. It’s highly rated for its speed and reliability.
Payment Methods
Accepted methods include:
Customer Support
Support is available 24/7 via:
Responsible Gambling
BoyleSports offers robust responsible gambling tools, including:
Bet365 is a global betting giant, renowned for its extensive sports coverage and innovative features. It’s a popular choice in Ireland for its reliability and comprehensive betting options.
Licensing
Bet365 is fully licensed for Irish players, holding a remote bookmaker’s license from the Irish Revenue Commissioners. It also operates under licenses from the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority.
Sports Covered
Bet365 offers one of the broadest sports selections, including:
Betting Markets
Bet365 excels in market variety, offering:
Odds
Bet365’s odds are among the best, with low margins and frequent early payouts for certain markets (e.g., soccer 2-goal lead).
Bonuses and Promotions
New customers can claim a welcome bonus, such as a matched bet up to €50. Other offers include:
User Interface
The Bet365 website is sleek and efficient, with a focus on live betting and quick bet placement. The interface is customizable for personalized use.
Mobile App
The Bet365 app is top-tier, offering live streaming, in-play betting, and notifications. It’s available for iOS and Android and is praised for its performance.
Payment Methods
Options include:
Customer Support
Support is available 24/7 via:
Responsible Gambling
Bet365 offers:
William Hill, a UK-based bookmaker with a long history, is a trusted choice for Irish bettors. It offers a solid platform with a focus on horse racing and soccer.
Licensing
William Hill holds a remote bookmaker’s license from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, ensuring legal operation in Ireland. It’s also licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.
Sports Covered
William Hill covers:
Betting Markets
The site offers a wide range of markets, including accumulators, handicaps, and live betting. Special bets for horse racing, like place-only, are popular.
Odds
William Hill’s odds are competitive, with regular enhancements for high-profile events. Best Odds Guaranteed applies to horse racing.
Bonuses and Promotions
New users can claim a welcome offer, such as €30 in free bets after a €10 wager. Other promotions include:
User Interface
The William Hill website is straightforward, with clear navigation and a focus on live betting. The design is classic yet functional.
Mobile App
The William Hill app, available for iOS and Android, supports live streaming, in-play betting, and quick deposits. It’s well-regarded for its stability.
Payment Methods
Supported methods include:
Customer Support
Support is available via:
Responsible Gambling
William Hill provides:
Ladbrokes, another UK-based bookmaker, has a strong presence in Ireland, offering a reliable platform with a focus on soccer and horse racing.
Licensing
Ladbrokes is licensed by the Irish Revenue Commissioners for remote betting, ensuring compliance with local laws. It also holds a UK Gambling Commission license.
Sports Covered
Ladbrokes offers betting on:
Betting Markets
Ladbrokes provides extensive markets, including:
Odds
Ladbrokes offers competitive odds, with frequent price boosts for soccer and horse racing. Best Odds Guaranteed is available for racing.
Bonuses and Promotions
New customers can claim a welcome bonus, such as €20 in free bets after a €5 wager. Other offers include:
User Interface
The Ladbrokes website is user-friendly, with a modern design and easy access to sports and promotions. Live betting is prominently featured.
Mobile App
The Ladbrokes app, available for iOS and Android, offers live streaming, in-play betting, and quick navigation. It’s highly rated for its performance.
Payment Methods
Options include:
Customer Support
Support is available 24/7 via:
Responsible Gambling
Ladbrokes provides:
| Feature | Paddy Power | BoyleSports | Bet365 | William Hill | Ladbrokes |
| Irish License | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gaelic Games Coverage | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
| Horse Racing Markets | Extensive | Extensive | Extensive | Extensive | Extensive |
| Welcome Bonus | €50 Free Bets | €40 Free Bets | €50 Matched | €30 Free Bets | €20 Free Bets |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Live Streaming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Responsible Gambling | Robust | Robust | Robust | Robust | Robust |
Best for Gaelic Games: BoyleSports and Paddy Power excel due to their deep coverage of Gaelic football and hurling.
Best for Horse Racing: All five sites offer extensive markets, but William Hill and Ladbrokes stand out for Best Odds Guaranteed.
Best for Bonuses: Bet365 offers unique promotions like early payouts, while Paddy Power’s Rewards Club is ideal for loyal bettors.
Best for Live Betting: Bet365 leads with its real-time stats and streaming, followed closely by Paddy Power.
Best for Mobile: Bet365’s app is top-rated, but Paddy Power and BoyleSports are close contenders.
The GRAI’s upcoming licensing regime will transform Ireland’s gambling landscape. Starting December 2025, operators will need B2C licenses for direct betting services, with stricter requirements for compliance, financial stability, and consumer protection. The National Gambling Exclusion Register will allow bettors to self-exclude across all platforms, and a 1% levy on operator revenue will fund addiction research and treatment. These changes aim to create a safer, more transparent betting environment, but operators may face 20-30% higher compliance costs, potentially affecting odds or promotions.
Until the new licenses are issued, the Revenue Commissioners’ framework ensures that current operators like Paddy Power and BoyleSports remain legal and regulated. Bettors should stay informed about the transition by checking updates on the GRAI website (GRAI Home).
Betting should be fun and approached with caution. Here are some tips to bet responsibly:
Ireland’s sports betting scene is vibrant and well-regulated, offering bettors a range of legal and reputable platforms. Paddy Power, BoyleSports, Bet365, William Hill, and Ladbrokes stand out for their licensing, extensive sports coverage, competitive odds, and user-friendly features. As the GRAI prepares to overhaul the licensing system, these sites are poised to maintain their prominence while adapting to new standards. By choosing a licensed site, comparing features, and betting responsibly, you can enjoy a safe and exciting betting experience tailored to Ireland’s unique sporting culture.
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