Ireland

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Ireland Casino Guide

Ireland is known as the country of a thousand welcomes, and tourists flock to the Emerald Island in their millions every year. The country boasts a long and rich cultural heritage, not to mention picture-perfect scenery the length and breadth of the land. Visitors invariably partake of a glass of the ‘black stuff’ in one of the thousands of pubs in Ireland, and for a little more glamour there are plenty of private gaming clubs to choose from here as well.

Land-Based Casinos

Unlike in the United Kingdom, land-based casinos are illegal in Ireland but there are lots of options for those who fancy a flutter. While the 1956 Gambling Law does not allow for casinos, a loophole in that law means that ‘private gaming clubs’ – effectively casinos in all but name – are permitted. There are 12 of these establishments around the country, mostly in the larger cities, and gaining membership is as easy as turning up to the door.

Here is a list of some of the best private gaming clubs in Ireland:

• Fitzpatrick’s Casino, Limerick
• Caesar’s Palace, Galway
• The Fitzwilliam Casino & Card Club, Dublin
• Macau Sporting Club, Cork
• Amusement City Casino, Dublin
• The Sporting Emporium, Dublin

Patrons at private gaming clubs in Ireland must be at least 18 years of age to enter. These clubs offer the range of slots and table games that you would find in any casino, although the number of tables varies widely between the various establishments. The future of these private casinos in Ireland remains in doubt, as new laws passed in 2019 restricting the amount that can be wagered have forced some establishments to close and may result in more following suit.

Best Casino in Ireland

One of the most popular casinos in Ireland is the Sporting Emporium club in the centre of Dublin. Live gaming action is available between 6pm and 6am, with a variety of slot machines and casino gaming tables. It is possible to join the Sporting Emporium online, and new members are welcomed with betting chips worth thirty euros. One floor of the Sporting Emporium is dedicated to poker, with enough space to hold 14 poker tables and cash games available every day on demand. There are also cash game leagues which offer extra rewards to players who spend at least 60 hours on the tables during the poker league season.

Online Casinos in Ireland

In 2015 legislation was passed to allow for online casinos to operate legally in Ireland. Both domestic and international casinos can operate in the territory, as long as they have received an online gaming license from the government. This means that there are hundreds of online casinos available to Irish players, including some of the biggest names in the business.  

Here is a list of some of the best online casinos for Irish players:

• Casimba Casino
• Genesis Casino
• Leo Vegas
• bCasino
• Spinland
• BetVictor Casino

Winnings from gambling in Ireland are considered to be the ‘receipt of luck’ rather than an income and so are exempt from being taxed. The online casino industry is estimated to be worth around €250 million in Ireland, with the Irish government taking 20% of the profits in the form of taxation.

Poker in Ireland

Poker is a very popular game in Ireland and the country has played host to some major international poker tournaments over the years. Live poker is available at most of the private gaming clubs, while there are numerous online poker sites which Irish players can enjoy. PokerStars, William Hill Poker and Bet365 Poker are just three of the many sites which accept Irish players.

Sports Betting in Ireland

Ireland is a sports-mad country where a wide range of different sports are played and viewed. Soccer is as popular as in most European countries, with most Irish football fans a supporter of an English Premier League team. Domestic games like hurling and gaelic football have a huge following, while rugby and horse racing are also traditional favourites. Betting on all of these sports and more is perfectly legal in Ireland, and there are countless sports betting sites to choose from for Irish punters.

Horse Racing in Ireland

Horse-racing has a long and proud tradition in Ireland, and the country has produced some of the finest horses, jockeys and trainers in the history of the sport. There are 26 race courses in Ireland, and big events like the Irish Derby, Galway Races and Irish Champion Stakes attract enormous crowds. Betting on horse racing is covered under sports betting legislation, and Irish punters can place bets at the track, in bookmakers or online.

Bingo in Ireland

Bingo is a favourite pastime for many Irish players. Every town and city hosts numerous bingo events, and there are also a host of online bingo rooms to enjoy from Ireland. This most social form of gambling is hugely popular in halls and online bingo rooms with Irish players.

• Cork
• Dublin
• Dundalk
• Limerick
• Malahide

FAQ

Q: Is gambling legal in Ireland?
A: Yes. Gambling is completely legal in Ireland since the 1956 Gambling Act was passed. More recent amendments to the gambling laws have also made online gambling legal since 2015.

Q: What is the gambling age in Ireland?
A: You must be at least 18 years of age to place a bet in Ireland.

Q: Are online casinos legal in Ireland?
A: Yes. Online casinos are legal under the 2015 amendment to the Gambling Act and licences are issued by the Irish government.

Q: How many casinos are there in Ireland?
A: While casinos are technically illegal in Ireland, there are around 12 private gaming clubs dotted around the country which are effectively casinos in all but name.