ireland

PAYMENT METHODS AND ONLINE CASINOS IN IRELAND

Top Casinos and Best Banking Options for Irish Players

Historically speaking, the Irish were not immune to the attractions of gambling, especially since their neighbours across the sea to the east were already enchanted by it when they conquered the island in the 17th-century. Thanks to the British, betting on games of chance such as horse racing, blackjack and roulette became popular in Ireland, and some activities became an integral part of Irish life.

The Emerald Isle is famous for its green countryside, rich history and pubs stocked with whiskey and Guinness. But if you ask a local gambler, he will probably point out the popularity of horse racing and greyhound racing. Let’s not forget about the saying “the luck of the Irish” – during the Gold Rush most miners who struck it rich were either Irish or of Irish descent.

The laws passed in 1956 deemed casinos illegal in the country. These acts still stand but are bypassed by the fact that all the land-based casinos in Ireland are established as “private gambling clubs” and not traditional casinos. Visitors must be members and the membership is free and merely a formality. You Irish are quite clever, aren’t you? Must be all that cunning leprechaun folklore.

The current climate in Ireland is very favourable when it comes to online gambling. The industry emerged slowly and its current presence is strong across the Irish nation. Both online casino gambling and sportsbook betting were legalised, which is why Casino Banking Methods was all over the market, digging to bring you a comprehensive guide to the best online casinos and banking methods in Ireland.

Best Irish Online Casinos

The gambling system in the country is going through a process of modernisation; after several changes and reforms, the Irish gambling ecosystem now offers some excellent online casino options for gambling fans based in the Emerald Isle. CBM is confident that you will have a smooth and enjoyable gambling session if you sign up to any of these licensed, trusted casino sites for Irish gamblers. Why? Because these have proved to be the best of the best.

  • Live chat available 24/7
  • Home to top software providers
  • Mobile-friendly casino games
Apple Pay logo
Gw}vopu AstroPay casinos
Bank Transfer logo
Binance banking method logo
Bitcoin Logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • Multiple welcome bonuses
  • VIP club
  • Hot tournaments
Gw}vopu AstroPay casinos
Bank Transfer logo
CASHlib logo
CashtoCode logo
eZeeWallet oooour

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • Sportsbook with live betting option
  • Accepts Cryptocurrencies
  • Thousands of casino games
Aktia Payment
Alandsbanken
Bank Transfer logo
Blik logo
CashtoCode logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • Instant deposits
  • High payout limits
Apple Pay logo
Bank Transfer logo
Google Pay logo
Jeton Logo
Mastercard logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • Low deposit limits
  • Fast withdrawals
Aktia Payment
Alandsbanken
Bank Transfer logo
Blik logo
CashtoCode logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • PayID payments
  • Impressive live casino
  • Great selection of games
Apple Pay logo
Gw}vopu AstroPay casinos
Bank Transfer logo
Binance banking method logo
Blik logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • Transactions without fees
  • Instant processing time
Apple Pay logo
Bank Transfer logo
CoinsPaid |ooent method logo
Google Pay logo
iDebit logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • Sports-betting page
  • Daily cashback
  • 3-in-1 welcome bonus
Apple Pay logo
Bank Transfer logo
Boleto Logo
Flexepin Logo
Google Pay logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • Sportsbook page
  • Crypto payment methods
  • Games with high RTP rates
Bank Transfer logo
CashtoCode logo
Flexepin Logo
Inpay logo
Interac Logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • 2 types of welcome bonuses
  • 15,000+ casino games
  • No-deposit bonus
Gw}vopu AstroPay casinos
Bank Transfer logo
CASHlib logo
CashtoCode logo
eZeeWallet oooour

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply

Top Casino Banking Methods in Ireland

Great games, user-friendly website, super bonuses, customer support always on stand-by – that’s all splendid. But how’s the banking? That’s precisely what we’ve been wondering. And we’ve solved the mystery surrounding the top online banking methods for Ireland. If you want to play for real money at the top casinos for Irish players, make sure that you also select the best payment options when you deposit. We present them below.

84%
Boku Logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • Good option for UK players
  • Extremely convenient
  • Bank account not required
Boku Review
87%
PayPal Logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • Trusted around the world
  • Fast casino withdrawals
  • Great option for UK, SE, IT, ES
PayPal Review
86%
Paysafecard logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • Fast & secure payments
  • Positive player feedback
  • Very good reputation
Paysafecard Review
86%
Zimpler rq{ent method logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • Instant casino deposits
  • Excellent reputation
  • Great option for Sweden, Finland
Zimpler Review
93%
Funid Payment Logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • 200+ payment services included
  • Near-instant deposits and withdrawals
FunID Review
92%
Visa Logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • Fast casino transactions
  • Available around the globe
  • 165 supported currencies
Visa Review
91%
Mastercard logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • A leading payment solution
  • Maximum security
  • Fast & easy casino transactions
Mastercard Review
90%
Yaspa Payment Method

Review & Best Casinos

  • Available in different industries
  • Instant payouts, withdrawals and refunds
  • Innovative safer gambling solution
Yaspa Review
90%
Voucherry Banking Method

Review & Best Casinos

  • Fast and reliable payment method
  • Easy to buy a voucher
  • High security and anonymity
Voucherry Review
90%
Sepa Payment Method

Review & Best Casinos

  • Accepted in 32 European countries
  • No fees for EU transactions
  • Available for mobile transfers
SEPA Review
90%
VouWallet logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • Wallet with multiple currencies
  • Accepted worldwide
  • Mobile app for iOS, Android, and Huawei users
VouWallet Review
90%
MoneyGo logo icon

Review & Best Casinos

  • Fast and easy transactions
  • User-friendly service for everyone
  • Worldwide operations
MoneyGo Review

Laws and Regulations on Online Gambling in Ireland?

Regulation icon

Land-based casinos are a no-no, but online sports betting sites and online casino are both legalised in the past decade in Ireland. The law permits both local and offshore operators to enter the market, which means there are Irish online casinos aplenty. You just need to know where to look, and we are here to help you with that.

The first gambling laws were passed shortly after the Irish independence, but the most significant acts of law came after World War II. The Gaming and Lotteries Act was passed in 1956 and it established the basic regulations related to all forms of gambling in Ireland. Online gambling in the country has been officially legal since 2015, when the Betting (Amendment) Act was passed. So, the remote gambling industry has been open for both offshore and Irish operators for several years now and the business is going great.

The Betting (Amendment) Act of 2015 allows residents of the country to enjoy online casinos, sports betting, daily fantasy, lotteries and online poker. Which bodies are in charge of managing internet gambling in Ireland? Well, there is no specific gambling regulatory body in the country just yet. Online betting is regulated by the Revenue Commissioners. Lotteries are regulated by the Regulator of the National Lottery, An Garda Síochána (Republic of Ireland police), or the District Court. All operators within the Irish market must comply with the obligations of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010.

Certificate icon

We have to mention another piece of legislation which is the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act of 2019. The act was passed in 2019, but it came into effect on December 1st 2020. The main purpose behind it was to update the significantly outdated prize and stake limits, as well as introduce a standardised minimum age of 18 for all forms of betting. Another aspect of the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill of 2019 is launching a new regulator entity. Ireland’s Minister for Justice stated that the launch of the country’s new gambling regulator will be delayed until at least 2021.

However, in November 2022, the Irish Government approved the new Gambling Regulation Bill. The new legislation was approved to change and update outdated regulations. Firstly, it defines that the government agency Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, will observe gambling in the country. A new regulator will start working as soon as the new law officially comes into force.

The GRA will have the power to regulate online gambling, mobile apps, and advertising. Moreover, gambling operators who want to provide services in the country must register with the GRA. They can apply for three types of licenses: B2B, B2C, and licenses for charity. Finally, the new regulator will create a gambling self-exclusion program which will become available to players at all licensed gambling sites and even offline. A National Exclusion Register will enable gamers to exclude themselves from gambling if they need to.

Irish Market Updates

  • December 2022: Irish Parliament publishes a new Gambling Regulation Bill, announced in November. The GRB is expected to become law in late 2023 when the Parliament approves it.

Are You Required to Pay Taxes on Winnings?

Taxes icon

Irish players aren’t required to pay taxes on their winnings, i.e. they’re exempt from both VAT and CGT. However, professional gamblers must declare their profits as taxable income; otherwise they risk getting in trouble with the Revenue Commissioners.

This particular tidbit is notoriously unclear, which has many experts wondering if something like the Hakki decision would stand in court. If you didn’t know, this was one of the biggest gambling-related cases in the UK’s recent history.

Tony Hakki was late on his child support payments and had troubles with his finances. To alleviate his situation, he wanted to wiggle his way out of paying taxes on his poker winnings. Even though he was by all definitions a pro, the court decided that his playstyle, patterns and habits were more akin to a habitual gambler.

And since Irish and British gambling laws are almost identical, no politician or regulator wants to touch this matter with a ten-foot pole.

Can Casinos That Accept Irish Players Be Trusted?

Handshaking icon

As we’ve mentioned earlier, gambling online is fully legal in Ireland. You can play blackjack, poker, slots, roulette and baccarat online while you are in Ireland, without having to worry about breaking any laws. While waiting for a governing body to be established in the country, Irish residents have access to casino operators based in the nearby UK, as well as other EU gambling hotspots like Malta. These sites are licensed and can be trusted, as they are internationally reputed online casinos.

Fair gaming icon

Powered by software from a number of leading online casino software companies, trustworthy Irish casinos online provide a secure environment for real money play without any reason to doubt them. The employment of the industry-standard encryption technology in combination with licensing by reputed authorities makes casinos secure and worth trying out. Feel free to check out casino websites with licenses obtained from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) or the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) until the local licensing authority arrives. The government oversees the websites that operate in the Irish market and offshore licensing bodies are accepted for the moment.

Best Casino Bonuses for Irish Players

If you join a premium online casino for Irish players, you expect stellar bonus offers that go with it, don’t you? Perfectly understandable. We have thought of this, as well, and while we were exploring the casino platforms and looked into banking methods, we’ve also singled out some of the most attractive and lucrative bonus options for Irish players we could find. Take a look at our selection and enjoy the exclusive Irish casino bonus perks.

Betalright

Welcome Package

35x (D+B), 40x (FS Wins)

Ongoing

€10

No

71%

BoaBoa

Welcome Package

35x (D+B), 40x (FS Wins)

Ongoing

€10/AU$15

No

71%

SpinBetter

Welcome Package

35x (B+FS Wins)

Ongoing

€10

No

71%

Vipzino

Welcome Package

35x (Bonus)

Ongoing

€15

No

71%

Spades Queen

Welcome Package

WELCOME100

40x (B+D)

Ongoing

€20/AU$30

No

71%

PlayFrank

Deposit

Free Spins

Not needed

35x B

Ongoing

£20

No maximum

79%

Crab Slots

Welcome Package

40x (B+D)

Ongoing

€20

No

71%

OneDun

Welcome Package

40x (B)

Ongoing

€20

64%

Local Payment Methods to Consider

Ireland banking icons

Making a correct banking choice when playing online casino games can make or break your online gambling experience. That is why we pay special attention to this aspect of online casino sites. Each individual market comes with some locally accepted methods that players have rated as the most convenient and the easiest to use. Online gamblers from Ireland have a wide choice of alternatives when it comes to deposits and withdrawals to casinos on the web, but some of the methods that stand out more than others are PayPal, Paysafecard, Boku, Zimpler, Monzo, Payforit, Bitcoin, Revolut, Skrill and Neteller.

The Irish audience values electronic wallets, prepaid cards, mobile-compatible payment solutions, as well as the anonymity that comes with crypto. PayPal and Paysafecard are favoured in this part of Europe for their convenience and proven record with the users. Neteller and Skrill battle for supremacy with PayPal, but still have a loyal following in a lot of active players. The Monzo app has a tool to help people self-exclude from gambling when things start getting out of hand, which is a great feature. If you prefer pay-by-phone options, Boku is a fantastic method to benefit from. Also, Revolut provides a great deal of flexibility and has a growing list of features (such as buying cryptocurrency, for example).

Depositing with EUR Currency

Euro symbol

In the Republic of Ireland, the official currency is the Euro. It replaced the Irish Pound in 2002, so if you gamble in Ireland with EUR currency, you don’t even have to think about conversion and pesky exchange fees. All the casinos oriented towards Irish players will allow making deposits in Euros, as they will probably want to attract other European bettors to join and play in their local currency as well.

With an account open at any of the recommended Irish real money casinos, you will be able to make deposits and request withdrawals in the official European currency without additional expenses. While doing so, make sure that you adhere to the minimum and maximum limits of the casino. In many cases, the minimum deposit of €10 will activate a bonus and give you a favourable head start.

Top Land-Based Casinos in Ireland

Land-Based Casino icon

Top ‘o the morning to ya! Believe it or not, brick-and-mortar casinos are technically illegal in Ireland. But wait, why are we even writing this section, then? Well, there’s a neat loophole in the 2013 Gaming Control Bill, which allows operators to run members-only gambling clubs. Of course, this is just a euphemism for brick-and-mortar casinos. Every venue is limited to just 15 tables, which gives Irish casinos a cozy and intimate atmosphere. If you’re planning to visit, you should stop by any of these five places:

Goldrush Casino Naas

If you’re in the Naas area, you’ll definitely want to check out Goldrush Casino. This sleek and stylish venue is packed with all your favorite games, including blackjack, roulette, and poker. The dress code is casual, so you can come as you are, relax and give everything a try. And most importantly, the employees are charming and helpful. And they’re very patient with demanding guests, too. But it’s not just the games that make Goldrush Casino a top destination. The casino doesn’t have any extra facilities, but it’s located in a spot from where everything is reachable. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a drink with friends, or a place to stay the night, this city of Naas has you covered.

Goldrush Casino Dublin Camden St.

While most people would find Irish gambling laws too restrictive, Goldrush actually thrives in this environment. Just like the Naas location, the casino at Camden St. thrives off its intimate atmosphere and a focus on electronic games. That’s right – the closest thing to traditional games are Goldrush’s digital roulette terminals. Don’t be discouraged, though. Not only are the software and UI immersive, but the casino accepts bets as low as 0.01EUR. Slots also have the same minimum bet, which makes this venue by far the best place for beginners. If you don’t want to feel pressured to spend money or dress like a snob, Camden St. is your destination.

Fitzpatrick’s Casino Limerick City

The biggest and oldest of all Fitzpatrick’s venues, this casino is still going strong. Unlike Goldrush, it’s more of a mid-sized venture. There’s enough space to move around and mingle, but the interior as a whole still exudes that iconic Irish coziness. And we have to say, hardwood floors and red carpets are a match made in heaven. As for the games, there’s a balance between modern and old-school influences. On one side, you have blackjack, and classic slots, while on the other, there are electronic versions of blackjack, poker and roulette. Recently, Fitzpatrick’s added an entire row of video poker terminals, further cementing the respect this venue garners amongst players.

The Sporting Emporium Dublin

When people say Irish casinos are all the same, we just point them to the Sporting Emporium Dublin. If you don’t mind dressing formally and walking under crystal chandeliers, then you’ll feel right at home. Underneath the shininess, though, is perhaps the best collection of games you’ll get to experience. This is probably the only casino to offer Free Bet Blackjack, along with a new roulette side bet called Prime Time. Three-card poker and baccarat are also worth checking out. But whatever you do, don’t miss the chance to join a poker tournament. They’re held throughout the week and often attract over 100 competitors.

The Jackpot Slot Club

Many of our readers play slots and nothing else, so we felt it was only right to include the Jackpot Slot Club. As the name suggests, there are no table games except for a couple of electronic roulette terminals. New players must get a membership, for which they receive free bets and a chance to spin the Wheel of Fortune. In terms of slots, this casino is unrivalled in all of Ireland. Whether it’s single-reels, video slots or even experimental releases – you name it, and the Jackpot Slot Club has it. And the best part? Every slot machine is connected to a central jackpot system, so you never know what might happen.

Most Famous Gamblers

Gambler icon

Ireland has a rich gambling history, and its best representatives are, as always, poker players. JJ Furlong aka Noel, is perhaps the most famous of them all. He started playing professionally in 1984, and in 1989 he found himself brushing shoulders with Phil Helmuth at the WSOP final table. In 1999, he finally got his WSOP bracelet by winning the main event. Even though he runs a carpet business nowadays, you can still see the sly old dog at the occasional WSOP tournament.

Believe it or not, Ireland has another WSOP bracelet holder – Marty Smith. His rise was meteoric, and it all started in 2007 when he won the prestigious Irish Poker Open. The very next year, though, he won the WSOP event. This earned him nominations for Best Tournament Performance and Player of the year.

Fun Facts

  • Gambling is big business and is becoming almost a part of everyday life in Ireland. The market is estimated at around €1.1 billion per year.

  • Irish themes are some of the most popular in online slots. Anyone who enjoys playing slot machines online knows about Irish Clover, Irish Riches and Irish Frenzy, as well as Book of the Irish and many others.

  • More than 40% of the Irish adult population plays the National Lottery regularly, and approximately 12% of Irish adults bet with a bookmaker every week.

  • The Irish nation gambled an estimated €9.8bn in 2019 or an estimated €379.51 per head of population.

  • Ireland has the most horses per person in Europe and is in the top four producers of racing horses in the world. The Emerald Isle is renowned for its horse racing events and established jockeys.

  • Gaelic football or “Caid” is the most popular sport in Ireland and the subject of many sports bets with major bookmakers. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) established an official playing code for the game no earlier than the 19th century.

  • Famous Irish gamblers include John O’Shea (became famous in 2013 when his documentary “The Gambler” was aired on TV), Barney Curley (achieved the highest betting winnings in the Irish gambling history, won €18 million as a result of a four-hour horse bet), Dara O’Kearney (ranked second in the official Irish Poker Rankings various times).

FAQ

The minimum legal gambling age in the Republic of Ireland is 18. According to the Irish laws, a minor aged under 18 years cannot even buy a lottery ticket or make a bet at any of the gambling establishments both offline and online.

The Irish government encourages responsible gambling and there are many entities you can turn to for qualified help regarding irresponsible, potentially harmful gambling habits. You can contact Problem Gambling Ireland (www.problemgambling.ie), Gamblers Anonymous (www.gamblersanonymous.ie) or Crosscare.

Yes, surely at some point (upon registration or when withdrawing winning for the first time). Both the UK and the International Gambling law require that all users are verified before they can withdraw funds from a gambling account. This is primarily to protect against money laundering but also provides a level of protection.

Stakes depend on the specific games you are playing. The minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal limits will be presented in the terms and conditions and/or the banking page of the casino website.

Pay attention to your preferences and priorities. Ask yourself what you value the most – is it speed, absence of fees, security, anonymity or convenience and familiarity. Luckily, if you are based in Ireland, you can use a lot of good and trusted payment methods, such as PayPal, Payforit, Boku, Zimpler and others.

At the time of writing, online casinos that cater to Irish gamblers are mostly licensed by the UKGC, the MGA, the AGCC or the jurisdiction of Gibraltar. Certain permits are issued by Revenue Commissioners. An Irish national regulatory body for internet gambling licensing is expected to be established sometime in 2021.

Bart Crebolder

Bart Crebolder

Lead Content Manager

Having dedicated nearly a decade of his career to the iGaming industry, Bart Crebolder stands as a valuable member of the CasinoBankingMethods.com team. His journey in the industry has been marked by his pursuit of the latest trends, making him a relevant source for information about online casinos and payment methods. He is an invaluable asset to the team because of his passion for the iGaming world, contributing with his standing as a trusted authority in the online casino industry. Bart's content consists of comprehensive analyses, reflecting his deep understanding of the casino industry and he is setting standards for informed, reliable, and engaging content in online gaming.

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