Best Legal Betting Sites in Ireland for 2026

Ireland’s new licensing regime

Irish betting law changed fundamentally in 2026. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 created the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), and from 1 July 2026 any bookmaker taking online bets from Irish customers needs a GRAI remote betting licence. Licences issued under the old system expired on 30 June 2026, so a site that was legitimate last year is not automatically licensed now. You must be 18 or over to bet, and there is no tax on winnings for players.

Our separate Ireland laws guide explains the Act, the licence timetable and the planned National Gambling Exclusion Register in more detail.

Why our Irish ranking has only one sportsbook

At the moment, TonyBet is the only bookmaker in our Irish list. That is not because it is the only good sportsbook Irish punters use, but because it is the only one we have so far been able to match to a GRAI remote betting licence, number GRAI-0191-RB-26-0001. The GRAI register is new and still filling up, and we will not add a brand on the strength of its reputation or an old licence.

We would rather show you a short list we can stand behind than a long one built on guesswork. As we confirm more GRAI licences, more Irish bookmakers will join this page, ranked by the same score we use in every other country.

What TonyBet offers Irish bettors

TonyBet scores 8.8 overall, with particularly strong ratings for odds, payouts and responsible gambling tools. It is a smaller brand than the household names, and it runs separate sites for each market it is licensed in, which in practice means the Irish site is built for Irish customers in euro.

• Licence: GRAI remote betting licence, and also licensed in Ontario and Alberta
• Welcome offer: 100% free bet up to €100 (check the full terms on the site)
• Payments: Visa, PayPal and Skrill, with a €10 minimum deposit
• Withdrawals: 12 to 24 hours to e-wallets in our checks

Betting on Irish sport, responsibly

Irish betting has its own rhythm. Horse racing is central, from Leopardstown at Christmas to Punchestown and the Galway Races, alongside Irish runners at Cheltenham. Gaelic football and hurling championships fill the summer, the Six Nations brings rugby to the fore in spring, and Premier League football runs all season. When you compare bookmakers, look at how well they cover these events rather than just international leagues.

Set a deposit limit when you open an account and use time-outs if you need a break. If gambling is causing you or your family harm, the Gambling Care National Helpline is free on 1800 936 725.