Ireland

Since the original Irish sports betting laws were formed in the 1800s and mid-1900s, they became pretty antiquated as the unstoppable force of the Internet started changing the entire world. However, although The Emerald Isle’s gambling laws have been subjected to multiple changes and amendments over the years, the country still has relatively flexible gambling policies.

Irish bettors can place wagers on any market offered by licensed sportsbook operators, and as Ireland has many legal bookmakers, punters have numerous sports wagering events to bet on and betting apps to choose from. With this in mind, bettors can place online wagers safely if they are of legal age – 18 years of age and older.

In addition to the online landscape, other forms of sports wagering are also entirely legal, including in-person, horse racing, and eSports betting. For example, over 700 retail bookmakers, so-called "betting shops," can still be found scattered across the country, and the Irish government still pulls millions of euros of revenue from these establishments alone.

From pubs to phones: How Irish gambling is transforming

• March 14, 2025: Ireland's Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI) is now operational under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, overseeing licensing, enforcement, and consumer protection. Led by CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield, the authority aims to modernize laws and tackle gambling-related harm, with licensing set to begin this year.

• February 10, 2025: William Hill reinforces its support for Irish racing by sponsoring the Spring Festivals Trials Day at Naas Racecourse. The event, now named William Hill Spring Festivals Trials Day, highlights the course’s reputation as a top training ground for future champions.

• January 31, 2025: The Dublin Poker Festival celebrates its 10th edition next month at the Bonnington Hotel, bringing players from around the world. Established in 2015, it remains a key event in Irish poker. All eyes are on Tomas Geleziunas (TommyG/LuckyMo) as he aims for a historic third straight title.

• December 24, 2024: Ireland’s gambling regulator works with major banks to introduce voluntary blocks on gambling-related card transactions to curb problem gambling. AIB, EBS, and Revolut have already implemented similar features. GRAI chief Anne-Marie Caulfield supports the move, aiming for stronger consumer protection and a fairer gambling industry.

• December 11, 2024: The ASA and GRAI partner to streamline gambling ad complaints in Ireland. The GRAI will oversee issues related to licensed operators, while the ASA will handle other cases. Consumers will be directed to the ASA for ad-related concerns, ensuring a more efficient complaint process.

In 1956, Irish lawmakers introduced the Gaming and Lotteries Act to address casino gambling, among other things. However, retail casinos in Ireland were deemed illegal back then, and unlike in many other European countries, they are still illegal in the country now.

With this said, Irish individuals can participate in fun gaming options, such as online poker, bingo, lotteries, and many types of online casino games. Here is a quick summary of all the legal gambling options in the country:

• Sports betting (Both in-person and online)

  • Including horse and greyhound racing, as well as eSports

• Casino games (online)

  • Including table games, poker, and slots

• Bingo

• Lotteries

New era, new bets: How Ireland’s younger generations are reshaping the market

Irish punters aren't just sticking with the traditional football and horse racing when the betting industry is evolving. Younger generations have drawn attention to more niche markets, and the rise of eSports and virtual sports has started. According to Statista eSport betting market is expected to grow annually by 4.86% from last year's numbers (US$16.6M) over the next 5 years.

The updated Gambling Regulation Act aims to modernize betting in Ireland. At the moment, eSport and virtual sports are all a bit murky legally, but new actions are taking place, hopefully soon. The demand is definitely there, and bookies can almost smell the profit.

Gambling Sponsorships Under Pressure: What It Means for Irish Sports

For years, Irish sports and bookies have been tied at the hip—sponsorships plastered on jerseys, banners hanging in stadiums, and betting firms keeping the cash flowing. Now, with the Gambling Regulation Bill tightening the screws, that relationship is shifting.

Especially the smaller communities across Ireland are feeling the pinch. Many clubs are fighting for their existence, and sponsorship deals from betting operators are the key factor when it comes to financing the culbs operations.

The new legislation doesn't outright ban gambling sponsorships, but its stricter advertising rules could limit the visibility of betting brands in sports. This is a significant concern for industries like horse racing, which rely heavily on gambling sponsorships.

Any of these deals aren't based on "goodwill," so bookies have to get their money's worth in visibility, even if the changes are made for a good cause. The act also introduces a Social Impact Fund, funded by the gambling industry, aimed at education and problem gambling support. This signals the government's push to address gambling-related harm while reshaping how betting brands engage with sports.

The time Ireland almost legalized "gambling taverns" but didn't: Is it any different from what we have now?

Imagine this—pints flowing, bookies shouting, punters placing last-minute bets while Johnny down the bar nervously watches a horse he swore was a "sure thing." It sounds like something out of an Irish fever dream, but believe it or not, there was a time when "gambling taverns" were almost a legal reality in Ireland.

The idea? A hybrid of a pub and a betting shop, where punters could legally place bets while sinking a few Guinnesses. The proposal gained traction several times between the 1980s and 1990s. At the time government was flirting heavily with the gambling regulation expansions.

Unfortunately, the idea never crossed the finish line. Opposition came from all angles. Religious groups didn't have it, saying it would turn pubs into dens of sin, lawmakers worried about the potential rise in alcohol-fueled gambling losses, and public health advocates warned of a breeding ground for addiction. The bookies weren't keen either—traditional betting shops would have faced stiff competition from every local pub with a TV and a bookie's ledger.

Would it be any different if the bill would have passed? Indeed, the attitude towards sports betting would be much more open in general, but basically, the unofficial bill has passed over time. Nowadays anyone can place a bet using their phone from any pub there is, and it works.