The surge of online gambling in recent years has pushed the Irish government to replace their existing regulations. These new laws that have significantly advanced the Irish gambling industry. Today, Irish players can legally join hundreds of online casinos based within or outside the rugged isle.
In this Irish casinos guide, our casino professionals share their best tips for making the most of your gambling experience. They’ve condensed the long and complicated history of gambling laws to bring you up to speed with the current situation in Ireland. Ultimately, our casino pros put in some extra hours to select and list the best Irish online casinos that you might like right here on this page.
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Our casino professionals at JohnSlots make it their priority to offer you safe and secure online casinos. You’ll find their relentless efforts in reviewing and comparing the very best gambling options for Irish players all throughout this guide. To make the process as fair an operation as possible, our experts use a star rating system backed up by their lengthy list of criteria.
Let’s take a look at some of the criteria that they use to determine whether an online casino is worthy of our Irish casinos’ top list or not. We’ll further elaborate on each point below the table.
WHAT WE CHECK
HOW IT AFFECTS OUR RATING
Bonuses & Rewards
Casinos receive an extra star for showering both new and returning players with welcome bonuses and additional rewards.
Deposit Options
Varied, secure and convenient payment options play a big role in determining the rating of any online casino.
Withdrawal Times
The quicker the withdrawals, the higher the rating.
Casino Games
One of the biggest chunks of our rating criteria is focused on the quality, demand and diversity of casino games.
Customer Service & Security
Ratings can suffer slightly if there is no adequate customer support system available.
Regulations & Licences
Only licensed and regulated online casinos are considered for our rating process.
Bonuses & Rewards
Bonuses heavily influence our casino ratings. The aim here is to give you easy access to online casinos with generous welcome offers, no deposit bonuses, free spins promotions, VIP rewards and more. For this to happen, our expert team reviews and compares numerous casinos but only those with the most competitive offers make the cut.
The best offers, though, don’t always mean the biggest bonus. If the bonus terms are unfavourable, then the bonus might fail to bring good value for your money. High wagering requirements, short expiration times, low winning caps and poor games eligibility all impact the quality of your bonuses. All of this and more is considered during our casino rating procedure.
In our casino reviews, you’ll always find a full list of deposit options available. As well, we display the minimum deposit required to claim your welcome bonus. We also make a point to inform you if any of the payment methods, mostly Skrill or Neteller, exclude players from receiving bonuses. Or if there are any sneaky fees involved too.
Withdrawal Times
Our casino pros analyse every aspect of an online casino to provide you with up-to-date and accurate information. This includes withdrawal times linked to each payment method. In most cases, timings differ depending on the banking option. For example, bank cards can take up to 3-5 working days. On the other hand, bank transfers may take a tad longer, and your bank dictates the withdrawal speed in this instance.
Withdrawals via e-wallets are usually the speediest option. You’ll wait less than a day or two for your winnings to reach your bank account, depending on the site. But they can also have negatives, such as withdrawal processing fees.
Our effective rating system helps us to find well balanced online casino sites that can offer swift withdrawals. In this light, you know where you can extract your winnings quickly and safely.
Casino Games
Games are the foundation of any online casino. Our casino pros love playing them for fun or real money. This way, they get a good grasp on what’s on offer. Only they can decide if they can overlook any small casino imperfections because of an excellent games library. And, by excellent, we mean top-quality popular games, fun new releases, and well-executed sequels.
We rate online casinos best when they boast a diverse mix of slots, table games and live dealer options. Of course, extra points go to casinos that are powered by the top developers. Exclusive content or casino games from up and coming developers, if high-quality and entertaining, get top marks too.
Customer Service & Security
Professional, considerate and friendly customer assistance is what makes an online casino great. For this reason, it’s one of our key requirements when reviewing a casino. Another requirement is for the casino to have a good mix of customer support channels. We’ll give positive marks to a casino that operates both phone and email support services. However, the highest ratings will always go to casinos with live chat support enabled 24/7. We’ll also bump up the rating if the casino supplies players with a thorough and logically-structured FAQs section.
It goes without saying that safe and secure gambling is at the top of our criteria list. We only review online casinos that have bank-grade encryption technologies installed to protect your personal and financial information.
Regulations & Licences
You’ll never find unlicensed online casinos in our recommended casino options. The reason for this is that we simply do not rate rogue casinos. All our suggested casinos are licensed by the legitimate gambling regulatory bodies. In particular, we look for licenses from the Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority and other trusted international gambling authorities.
Irish Casino Industry
Similar to the British, the Irish have a natural passion for gambling. Irish players especially love horse racing and sports betting. According to the Independent.ie, the Irish gambling industry generates at least €100 million a year in taxes. To oversee this ever-growing industry, the Minister of State, David Stanton, has established an independent gambling regulatory body, operating under the Department of Justice. The main goal of this gambling authority is the licensing and regulation of all gambling activities offline and online in Ireland.
Historically, gambling laws didn’t exist in Ireland until the 20th century. In fact, the first piece of related legislation, the Betting Act, was passed in 1926. Other gambling laws have since been passed. Despite that, it wasn’t until 2015 that the Irish government addressed the evident growth of betting and online gaming in Ireland.
Is gambling legal in Ireland?
Technically speaking, gambling in Ireland at land-based casinos is illegal. Subsequent to the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, there weren’t any gambling establishments per se in the Emerald Isle open to the public. But as a gambling-loving nation, Irish gambling operators have found a loophole. As such, they are able to function as private members’ clubs, which aren’t prohibited by the government.
Currently, there are 14 such clubs operating across Ireland. Mostly based in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. These small-scale clubs offer poker, roulette and blackjack tables, sports betting and games of chance.
Though not considered illegal, the ‘private clubs’ are still subject to gambling regulations imposed by the Irish Revenue Commissioners (IRC). To operate, they need to obtain the appropriate licence for their poker rooms, slot machines and any other casino games available on the premises. To be eligible to gamble at these private clubs, you are required to be a club member and of legal gambling age, which is 18 in Ireland.
The Future of Gambling in Ireland
It’s still unclear what the future holds for the overall gambling scene in Ireland. Having said that, some improvements to fight fraud and rogue casinos are underway. Following the gambling statistics published by the Department of Health in 2019, the government took it upon themselves to modernise the outdated Irish gambling regulations. The authorities have agreed that the statistics, showing that more than half of the Irish population engage in one or more forms of gambling, call for some serious amendments to the existing Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956.
Gambling Laws and Regulations in Ireland
The most significant change to betting in Ireland came with the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015, which regulates online and offline gambling in Ireland. Before this, the Betting Act 1931 and the Finance Act 2002 did little to legalise playing at online bookmakers in or outside of Ireland.
The amendment Bill was initially presented to the House in 2013. It went through several stages of debates and revisions before it was finally signed by the Irish President, Michael D. Higgins in 2015. With the amendment came the integration of online gaming into the Irish gambling market.
Sports betting, the most popular form of gambling in Ireland, has especially seen a spike in popularity since the reenactment of the Bill. Today, you can bet on horse racing, football and other sports via many different avenues. These include local street bookmakers, such as the famous Paddy Power and Betfair, local online brands, as well as international online operators.
Any remote operators wishing to engage with Irish players within Ireland must hold the Remote Bookmaker’s Licence issued by the Irish Revenue Commissioners. However, the need for effective regulatory schemes to tackle problem gambling and money laundering across the country remains high.
Gambling at Online Casinos in Ireland
Although land-based casinos remain illegal in Ireland, thanks to the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015, gambling at online casinos is perfectly legal in the country. You are free to join local or international online casinos any time providing you only play at licensed sites and are 18 years old or over.
To register with an online casino that accepts Irish players, you’ll have to provide your personal information and choose your preferred payment method. Below you’ll find more information on how to register an account, which payment methods you can use in Ireland and how to maximise your experience at your new casino.
Compared to the robust UK casino licensing system, Ireland has yet a long way to go to solve unlicensed online gambling operations within the island. Hence you should only ever choose to play at online casinos with valid licences.
How to Sign Up to an Online Casino in Ireland
It only takes a few minutes to sign up with an Irish online casino. Start by choosing a new casino, create a new player account, and you’ll soon be on your way to experiencing the fun of online gaming. Follow the steps below for a smooth gambling session:
First things first – find an online casino. For inspiration, browse our list containing our top-rated Irish casinos with the best bonuses, slots and other casino games.
Hit the ‘Register’ button to start the new player registration process.
When prompted, create a username and a password.
Enter your full name, residential address, and date of birth and any other additional information that may be required by the casino.
Provide your email address and valid mobile phone number. Depending on the licence, you’ll either need to confirm your account via email or SMS.
Read and agree to the terms and conditions and, if you like, subscribe to their promotional emails.
Submit the registration form and move on to the fun part – the games page!
Payment Methods: Play for Real Money at Online Casinos
Depending on the casino, you’ll have different payment methods available to you for adding real cash to your casino account. All our recommended Irish casinos offer safe and secure banking solutions. These include e-wallets, prepaid cards, bank cards and bank transfers. Due to compliance regulations, the use of credit cards is currently banned at online casinos. Below you’ll find the most popular casino payment methods you can use in Ireland:
Top-rated online casinos should offer instant deposits. In addition, they should give you the option to choose your local betting currency if you’re playing at an offshore online casino. Minimum deposits will vary from site to site but will mostly range from € 10 to € 20 at most Irish online casinos. Note that sometimes, the general minimum deposit amount may differ when claiming your bonus, so be sure to check the terms before depositing.
Most Popular Online Casinos in Ireland
At JohnSlots, you’re never too far away from the most popular online casinos in Ireland. Our casino pros have done some extensive research to handpick the top player favourite sites for you. These sites are among the front-runners because of their rich games library and generous bonuses. Take your pick and carry on reading to learn how you can make the most of your gambling experience at Irish online casinos.
How to Maximise your Online Casino Ireland Experience
You don’t have to be a pro at online gambling to have the best casino experience possible. Follow the top tips below from our casino experts, and you’ll enhance the way you play online for real money.
Play at licensed online casinos – To have a safe gambling experience, we recommend playing only at online casinos licensed by legitimate gambling authorities. If you need more reassurance, you can read our casino reviews where our casino experts outline the pros and cons of each specific online casino.
Check for high processing fees – Before creating a new account, be sure to check if you’ll incur any depositing or withdrawal processing fees. If the fees are too high, for example, over € 2.5 per transaction, you might want to look for another site.
Sign up with multiple casinos – Signing up with new casinos as a new player, you can enjoy multiple bonuses to use on your favourite games.
Join the VIP club – Many top casinos reward their players for loyalty via their loyalty schemes. So, if you prefer to stick with one casino, choose the site that offers a lucrative rewards system for returning customers. This way you’ll get to benefit from additional bonuses, extra free spins, personalised promotions and much more.
Check out the games selection – At most Irish casinos you can browse the games selection before signing up. Doing so will give you a good idea of what kind of slots you can play, if there are any must-drop jackpots, what table games are available and if there’s a live casino option. Also, check out the bonus terms to see what games are eligible for playing with welcome bonuses.
Play at minimum deposit casinos – Joining an online casino that doesn’t require you to deposit a hefty amount of real cash is a step into the right direction. Smaller deposits such as € 5 or €10 pose fewer risks and can work well if you just want to test their games selection.
Read our tips – JohnSlots’ library is stacked-full of useful information on everything gambling. From the most popular themed slots to pro tips on how to win at blackjack, our library is regularly updated with new topics to help you navigate the thrilling world of online gambling.
Learn More About the Best Online Casinos in Ireland at JohnSlots!
As you will have learned from this guide, all forms of online gambling are legal in Ireland as of 2015. Today, as an Irish player, you can choose to play at either Irish online casinos or sites based outside of the country so long as they hold a valid licence.
Rest assured that all our recommended Irish online casinos hold a valid licence. You’ll find JohnSlots a reputable destination for safe and secure online gaming. Here you’ll find a full selection of UK online casinos, Canadian online casinos, a library of new exciting slots and a wealth of information on all types of bonuses. And if you ever need any more info on the gambling industry, John’s got many tricks up his sleeve to help you have the most enjoyable online gaming experience every time you play for fun or real money.
FAQ Section
You can never have too many questions about gambling at Irish online casinos. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions asked by Irish casino players.
Which is the best online casino Ireland?
The best Irish online casinos are licensed and regulated, offer extensive game selections, low wagering requirements, safe and convenient payment methods and efficient customer support. The best sites also offer generous bonuses to all new players and additional rewards to returning customers. For quick and easy access, you can take a look at our list where we display our top-rated on casinos in Ireland.
Is it legal to play at online casinos in Ireland?
It’s not illegal to play at online casinos in Ireland as long as you are 18+ and have chosen a fully licensed and regulated site.
Is it safe to play in online casinos?
Yes, it’s safe to play at online casinos if they are licensed and regulated by the trusted gambling authorities. The licences to look out for are the GC, MGA, and Curacao, to name a few.
Which online casino has the highest payout rates?
The easiest way to find out which online casino has the highest payout rates is to check their RTP percentage, usually displayed in the footer of their website. For the RTP of individual slots or games, you can load up the game and view the paytable or information tab to find out more.
Can I win real money from an online casino?
Yes, you can! You need to find a licensed online casino that you like, make the minimum deposit required and start playing casino games. To increase your odds at winning, look for Irish casinos with an RTP of 96-99%.
Can I play in euros?
Yes, most international online casinos who accept Irish players will allow you to play in your local currency. You can check this by clicking on the casino’s deposits/banking page to see which payment methods are available to use for depositing in euros.
How do I deposit and withdraw money from an online casino?
First, you’ll need to have a verified casino account. Once you’ve signed up, register a convenient payment method. Then, follow on-screen instructions in the payments page to add funds to your player account.
To withdraw, go to your player profile and click on withdrawals. Here you can choose the preferred payment method and the amount you wish to withdraw. Beware that first-time withdrawals may take longer than usual as they may require further verification.
How do I tell if an online casino is a scam or a fake?
Several tricks can help you identify rogue casinos. First and most effective is the casino’s licence. Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the logo of a reputable licence provider such as the Gambling Commission. If there isn’t one – avoid that site.
The next trick is to check the banking page. Fake casinos will most likely offer illegitimate payment methods. Also, try chatting with customer support. If you can’t find any player support options or a bot operates the live chat, it could be a good indicator of a scam casino.
