The Best Online Casinos in Ireland – Top Casino Sites for Irish Players

Written By Scott Lawson Published on 20.02.2019 Last Updated on 21.08.2024

We will walk you through the most important aspects of the top Irish casino sites. The main emphasis will be on safety and reliability because let’s face it – we are all gamblers who want fair results! Next, we will explain our ranking in terms of chosen criteria for evaluation. Also, you will find a complete range of games to enjoy at the best casino sites in Ireland, followed by an insight into the best welcome bonus packs.

The Best Online Casinos in Ireland Ranked

Without further ado, let’s get into the best online casinos Ireland has in store. Each of the casinos we’ve reviewed and ranked here scored highly when it comes to player safety, game selection, mobile compatibility and the value of the welcome bonus. Our highest priority was, however, the legality of such sites in Ireland. We’ll be exploring all these criteria later on in the page, so you can better understand exactly how we made our choices. In the meantime, check out our ranking of the best Irish casino sites below and what they have to offer.

The Best Online Casino Sites in Ireland for 2024

• ?? LeoVegas (Best Online Casino in Ireland)
• ?? Betway (Top IE Casino for Slots)
• ?? Nomini Casino (Top Casino Site for Jackpots)
• ? Megarush (Most Reputable IE Casino Site)
• ? 21Bit (Top-Rated Live Dealer Casino)
• ? Royal Panda (Excellent Software Providers)
• ? JackpotCity (Best Irish Site for Blackjack)
• ? PlayZilla (Irish Casino Site with Best RTP)
• ? 888Casino (Top-Rated for Game Variety in Ireland)
• ? Wild Fortune (Top Operator for Roulette Variations)

These amazing casino sites in Ireland have been checked thoroughly by our team of experts to ensure their value and quality. We never recommend sites unless they come equipped with licences from the appropriate regulatory bodies and seals of approval from third-party arbiters. All operators have been confirmed to be fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and have had their software tested for its fairness towards the players.

As you can see, there are different types of Irish casino sites that you can join. In the table above, we have categorized them based on what their strongest aspect is. No matter what type of player you are, we are confident that you will find a suitable pick from our best casino sites Ireland list. Continue reading as we explain in our next section how to pick an operator.

If you are a first-time player at these Irish online casinos, you might feel overwhelmed by all the choices on the market. To make things easier, we’ve broken down three steps that can help you in your selection process while you check out online reviews. Here are the three main things to look out for:

Of course, even with the above steps in mind, finding the right casino can be tough. This is made all the more difficult by the fact that new casinos are being launched all the time, adding more options into the already bustling market.

Similarly, bonuses can come and go, and it can be difficult for many prospective players to stay abreast of the latest seasonal offers and limited-time deals. To keep you clued in on all the Irish online casino news, you can check out our frequently updated newsfeed below.

Ireland Casino Review Criteria

Let’s get started with the main factors for the evaluation of an online casino in Ireland. When it comes to selecting our featured casinos, security is always our top priority. To establish a site’s trustworthiness, we screen for valid licences, encryption software, and partnerships with responsible gambling organisations.

In addition to security, we also look at the value of the casino’s bonus, the quality of the game library and how the software fares on a mobile device. If any particular criterion is of interest to you, you can click the corresponding link below. Otherwise, keep reading for the full low down.

Casino Game Catalogue

An online casino is nothing without a healthy mix of games on offer. While all our featured casino online Ireland sites aim to appeal to the broadest possible player base, there will be some that lean more towards slots than table games and vice versa. As a player, game selection is a good way to narrow down your casino search.

The Irish casino sites in the table below represent the best and most varied game catalogues overall. These include RNG games as well as live dealer titles, all combined to give you the most comprehensive gaming experience online. Here are the top casino sites in Ireland based on their games variety:

The Top Slots Available in Ireland

As you become more familiar with the many casino sites on the market, you’ll quickly learn that slots outnumber every other kind of game. For the full list of the best sites to play slots, check out our list of the best slots casinos in Ireland.

Naturally, you don’t need to go far to get your fill of slot-based action. You’ll find hundreds of exciting titles at all operators from our best online casino Ireland list. If you’re a newcomer to the scene, slots are a great way to get started as they often have the lowest minimum bets of any game.

You can also typically play free demos before committing to spending any real money, allowing you to learn the rules and features of a game before flashing any cash. To get started, check out our selection of the best Irish casino sites that are mainly focused on slots:

Best Ireland Blackjack Offers

Blackjack is widely enjoyed, both online and off, due to its simplicity and high RTPs. There are many great variants to choose from, and you can expect to find a great variety of these scattered throughout the libraries of our recommended casino sites.

To start playing the classic game of 21, simply click over to any of our featured sites below. These scored the highest with Irish blackjack players in our research. Alternatively, you can explore the game and where to play it further on our page about the best online blackjack sites in Ireland.

Best Ireland Online Roulette

There’s nothing quite as thrilling or glamorous as a game of roulette, and online versions capture these qualities beautifully. At each casino online in Ireland you can expect to find a wide selection of the classic game’s many variants, with betting limits to suit all budgets.

Check out our top Irish casino sites for roulette below, along with their respective game highlights. Alternatively, you can get a more general overview of the game and the different titles on the market by reading our best roulette sites guide.

Ireland Live Casino Platforms

Recent developments in technology have brought us the greatest breakthrough in online casino entertainment to date – live casino suites. It’s rare to find a quality online casino nowadays that doesn’t come equipped with a live platform, allowing you to play against real dealers.

Though most live games are streamed from specialised studios, you can also find titles that stream from some of the most lauded and luxurious gambling resorts across the globe. Just be aware that playing live can seriously eat into your data usage, so keep an eye on your internet connection.

To start playing live today, check out our recommended live casinos from our best casino sites Ireland list. The sites below boast the best software and the greatest selection of live titles, including exclusive games unavailable elsewhere. Enjoy the best real dealer tables from some of the best providers, such as Evolution, at the operators below.

Full List of the Online Casino Games Available in Ireland

Irish players are fortunate in that they can access the broadest possible array of casino games online. There are no games that are explicitly outlawed, so you can enjoy everything your chosen casino has to offer with no legal limitations when playing from the Republic of Ireland.

To explore all of the options available to you, or to learn more about games with which you have little experience, simply click on any of the links below to be taken to our dedicated pages. The below pages include examples of popular games, as well as in-depth player guides.

First Class Casino Software

We’ve already said that a casino is nothing without its games, and those games need to come from high-quality and industry-recognized software developers. As a casual player, while you don’t need to have in-depth knowledge of different game studios, it is worthwhile to become familiar with some of the biggest names in the business.

Knowing these names will help you ascertain if a casino is trustworthy. Furthermore, by becoming familiar with a company’s output and back catalogue, you can better identify the games you enjoy and where to find them. We’ve outlined some of the most beloved software providers by Irish players below, along with their most popular titles.

Casino Safety and Licensing for Ireland

If it feels like we’re being a broken record about safety, it’s only because it really is the most important aspect of any of the top online casinos Ireland has to offer. The easiest way to establish that a site is safe, is by checking for a valid licence from the appropriate regulatory body.

As Ireland currently does not have an official regulatory body tasked with licensing online casinos, Irish players are advised to look for licences from Britain’s Gambling Commission. The UKGC is one of the world’s most respected gambling regulators, due in large part to its high-security standards.

To check if your chosen site has a valid licence, all you have to do is scroll to the very bottom of the page. This is where you will find licensing information, along with links to responsible gambling organizations. Needless to say, all operators from our best online casino Ireland list hold valid licences.

However, as you can see in the table above, there’s more to casino safety than just a licence. Another aspect of security you can watch out for as an Irish player is if there are any certificates from third party arbiters for fairness and data encryption. Great examples are eCOGRA and iTechLabs.

Companies that screen for fairness will regularly assess casinos to ensure that the games have not been tampered with, and thus the house edge hasn’t been unfairly increased. This means that you can trust that the site at which you’re playing is not trying to scam its players.

Encryption certificates are also hugely important. You can check for these certificates by clicking the little lock icon on the left side of your browser’s address bar. This will show you the domain’s security information. Data encryption basically means your data will not be vulnerable to theft by third parties.

Ireland Best Mobile Casino Options

Modern casino fans are using mobile devices like smartphones and tablets to access their favourite sites more often than using desktop or laptop computers, which means casino operators have had to adapt to survive. As a result of this, mobile compatibility is a feature we screen for when selecting the best sites.

The best online casino sites in Ireland will typically have a downloadable mobile app, a mobile-optimized website, or both. However, in recent years, more operators are opting for mobile-ready sites, as they present no need for players to sacrifice device storage in order to play.

Customer Service in English

We all visit casino sites hoping to have a good, hassle-free time. However, sometimes we run into issues – be they technical or otherwise – and need to find a quick resolution. That’s where customer service comes in and saves the day. Players overlook the importance of customer service at their own risk.

When playing at the best casino sites in Ireland, we understand how important it is to have access to support representatives who speak English and will respond quickly and efficiently. The very best sites will provide support via a variety of contact options, including live chat, phone and email.

The Best Online Casino Bonuses in Ireland

Bonuses are often the biggest selling point for playing online, as it’s a feature you simply can’t get in a land-based casino. However, bonuses are not created equal, and while some might seem hugely rewarding, the fine print can often reveal them to be a waste of time.

To save you from poring over the long terms and conditions of various deals before making a decision, we’ve done the hard work for you and have identified the best bonuses available in Ireland. Check out our top picks below, and use the links provided to claim any of the deals that appeal to you.

When it comes to ranking bonuses, we take a few different things into account. Obviously, the advertised value of the bonus is a factor, but we also pay careful attention to the wagering requirements and the period of validity. These are important indicators of a good bonus, which we’ll discuss next.

Top Online Casino Offers and Promotions: Terms and Wagering

The first thing players need to understand about bonuses is that bonuses are not free money. In a lot of cases, you will end up paying more than the value of the bonus itself just to be eligible to withdraw the advertised amount. That’s where wagering requirements become important.

Wagering requirements vary wildly from casino to casino. They can refer to the value of your deposit, the value of the bonus itself, or both. In order to be able to withdraw the bonus, you must first wager the value of the aforementioned. So, if a bonus is worth 50, and the requirements are 2x the bonus, you need to wager 100.

In addition to this, you will only have a limited time in which to meet these requirements. The period of validity also varies a lot and can be as little as 24 hours or as much as 90 days. Finally, your choice of game also plays a large role, as some games will not count towards your wagering requirements.

Typically, slots will count 100% towards your requirements. Meanwhile, roulette and blackjack games can count anywhere from 10% to 25% towards the requirements. Other games might be excluded from the deal outright, so be aware of this when opting into the offer.

We could write at length about the various ins and outs of bonuses, but for first-time players, it’s only really necessary to know a handful of terms. We’ve explained these terms below:

RTP: List of the Best Payout Online Casino Sites for Real Money in Ireland

If you chat with other casino players online, RTP is something you’ll hear come up a lot. This usually refers to a game’s theoretical rate of return as expressed by a percentage, but it can also refer to the theoretical rate of return of a casino as a whole. That’s what we’ll be discussing here.

A casino’s RTP, or payout as it is sometimes known, is estimated by finding the average RTP from its entire game catalogue. By examining casino payouts, you can get a good idea of which sites are the most rewarding, thus simplifying your selection process further. Here are our picks from the best casino sites in Ireland with the top payout:

• LeoVegas – 96.90% Payout Rate

• Betway – 96.36% Payout Rate

• 888casino – 96.00% Payout Rate

• JackpotCity – 95.40% Payout Rate

While a high RTP does not guarantee you a win, it is a strong indicator of how rewarding a site is when you play over an extended period of time. RTPs are also trustworthy, as a game’s payout is set by the developers and cannot be influenced or interfered with by the casino.

The Best Payment Methods for Irish Players

It might not seem like a high priority for many players, but a good selection of payment methods really makes all the difference when playing at a casino site. After all, you can’t place bets without first making transactions, and you need to know you can make those transactions quickly and safely.

There’s no point playing at a site if it doesn’t offer methods that you’re familiar with and trust, which is why we screen for varied options that allow players to choose methods they feel comfortable with. Here are the preferred payment methods by players from Ireland:

Of all the above options, we recommend PayPal the most often. This is because by using PayPal, or indeed other eWallet services, you never have to share your banking details directly with the casino site – adding a layer of security. Furthermore, PayPal tends to be one of the most widely available and trusted payment methods across casino sites. It promises faster transactions than card payments or bank transfers and is protected by encryption software.

Gambling in Ireland 2024 – the Latest Trends

A 2019 study found that 65% of the Irish population gambles at least once a year. Of this figure, almost half admitted to gambling online at either casino sites or sports betting sites. These figures show that not only is the gambling industry alive and well in Ireland, but the online scene is also thriving.

When probing further into the study’s findings, it appeared that a further half of those who play online access their sites of choice on a mobile device. We expect this number to increase over time, as more and more operators invest in better mobile technology.

Currently, the gambling industry in Ireland accounts for nearly €10 billion annually or just under €380 per capita. The popularity of casino games, lotteries, scratch cards and sports betting all contribute to these numbers and show no signs of abating any time soon.

Is Gambling in Ireland Legal?

The legal situation in Ireland is strictly regulated now, however that was not the case only a couple of years ago. OnlineIrish gambling is governed by the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015 while the earliest legislation was introduced in 2001 (the Horses and Greyhounds Racing Act).

Before this, the gambling situation in the past century was governed by the original Betting Act in 1926 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act from 1956. Naturally, these acts refer only to land-based casinos and other gambling outlets. While online casinos are legal, there is currently no official regulatory body in place.

Nowadays, it is enough to see if an online Irish casino is licensed by the UKGC or Malta in order to be 100% certain that it is a safe casino. Several government institutions do take care of the regulation and monitoring of the gambling operators in Ireland though. These are the Regulator of the National Lottery and the Revenue Commissioners which are responsible for licensing and taxation.

The Department of Justice and Equality is also responsible for the issuing of betting licences. It is also important to notice that in Ireland winnings from gambling are absolutely tax-free, which is one of the country’s major advantages.

Casinos to Avoid in Ireland

While there are many fantastic and trustworthy online casinos in the Irish market, there are still some sites you should avoid at all costs. These have lost their licences by failing to meet the regulations set in place by institutions such as the Gambling Commission and are not worth your time or money.

Though many of the above sites can still be accessed, we explicitly warn players against visiting them. Their security standards are subpar and could result in your data and money becoming vulnerable to theft. At the end of the day, it simply isn’t worth the risk. That’s why we recommend sticking to operators that are from our best casino sites Ireland list.

History of Gambling in Ireland

As with many European nations, the history of gambling in Ireland stretches back centuries. The earliest gambling regulations were introduced in the 17th Century under British rule, and primarily related to betting on horse races.

When Ireland gained independence in 1922, it quickly began work on regulating the thriving gambling industry. 1926 saw the introduction of the Betting Act, which was later revised in 1931. This act decreed that all gambling institutions and events required licensing from the government.

Restrictions came in 1956 with the introduction of the Gaming and Lotteries Act. This act effectively allowed for lotteries associated with charities, but prohibited casinos in the country. However, legal loopholes in this act meant that many casinos simply rebranded as “private members clubs”.

The 1986 National Lottery Act shifted the tide from charity-run lotteries to state-run lotteries and allowed any Irish citizen aged 18 or over to purchase a ticket. 1988 would then see the founding of Paddy Power, which would go on to become one of the most successful betting shops in Ireland and the UK.

Land-Based Irish Casinos

There are a number of casinos scattered throughout Ireland, though primarily located in cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick. Though these cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be described as casino resorts, they remain popular among locals and tourists.

Fitzpatrick’s is easily the most common name in the Irish land-based casino scene, with the company owning locations throughout the country. There are four Fitzpatrick locations in county Dublin alone, with further establishments in Limerick city.

All of the nation’s casinos offer a large variety of classic games, though there does appear to be a particular emphasis placed on slots and roulette. Unlike casinos in some other countries, Irish casinos are not typically located within hotels, so accommodation would need to be sourced separately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Casinos

We always do our very best to be thorough and answer any potential questions you might have throughout the course of our pages. However, if there’s something we’ve missed, you can contact us on [email protected] or read our FAQs below.

Which is the best online casino in Ireland?

There is a wide range of online casinos available to Irelanders, so we have created our best online casino Ireland list. In it, you can find the top-performing operators that can offer you some of the best games, promotions, payment methods and security on the market.

Are online casinos legal in Ireland?

Yes, online casinos are legal in Ireland, as long as they are fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. This is because there is no dedicated Irish regulator and they use the assistance of the UKGC, which we go over in detail in our Irish legal gambling section.

Which is the safes casino online in Ireland?

The topic of Irish casino sites' safety is an important one. The safest IE operators are those that are not only licensed and regulated but also have additional certificates and security. An SSL encryption is almost mandatory nowadays and a partnership with a responsible gambling organisation.

Which is the best Irish slots site?

Almost all operators from our list of best casino sites in Ireland offer a lot of slots, but a few of them can be called the best Irish slot casinos. They feature in most cases thousands of slot titles from some of the best software providers. A good number of them also offer free spins as part of their welcome bonus.

Which Irish online casino has the best payouts?

Payouts or RTP (Return to Player) percentages are derived from hundreds, if not thousands, of spins and combined the average out of all to find the percentage. The best online casino Ireland payouts can be found at some of the most reputable operators on the market. Check out our guide for more details.

What online casinos in Ireland offer fast withdrawals?

Fast withdrawals are dependent on the choice of online casino and payment method. This is actually one of the Ireland online casino criteria, which we used to make our list of the best online casinos in the country. If you want the fastest withdrawals, we recommend using e-wallets, such as PayPal.

Which Irish casino site has the best bonus offer?

The best online casino Irish bonuses are the ones tailored towards new players. We recommend checking out our list of best casino sites in Ireland and picking an operator with a welcome bonus that suits your playstyle the most. Having free spins as part of the package is an excellent boon.

Which casino sites in Ireland offer the most games?

Great game variety is one of our main criteria when picking an online casino. That's why all of our picks for the best casino sites in Ireland have a wide range of Irish casino games. Some casinos even offer over a thousand titles from great software providers.

Do all Irish casino sites take PayPal?

While not all of the best casino sites in Ireland have PayPal, most of them do. In our guide, we have listed all of the Irish casino sites categories, including the best PayPal operator for IE players. Explore them and see what other perks they offer!

Do all Irish online casinos offer secure deposits and withdrawals?

From our list of the top Irish casino sites, all operators feature some of the most popular, safe and secure IE online casino payment methods. There is a variety of card payments, e-wallets, bank transfers and even pre-paid cards available to Irelanders.

Conclusion – Find Trusted Online Casino Sites for Irish Players

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for sticking with us on this comprehensive run down of this guide for finding the best online casino in Ireland. We hope that you now feel confident in the legality of Irish casino sites, and that you will have many happy hours playing at any of our featured sites.

While we rate all of our featured casinos highly, we’ve categorized them for your convenience in the table above to ensure that you get the very most out of your gaming experience. You can also click on the links provided to take a look at our other top picks for each category.

More Ireland Casinos

Naturally, there’s a lot more to the Irish online casino market than just the sites we’ve covered here. For the full overview of what’s available, check out our list of all Irish casinos, and see details on the promotions, games, payment methods and mobile options that are meeting our expectations for safe, fun and trustworthy casinos.