The best online casino in Ireland can offer world-class software, security and simple withdrawals. Excellent customer service is also highly desired - with the ability to reach support via live chat and telephone. Welcome to Platincasino, the best online casino in Ireland Your search for the best online casino Ireland ends here – welcome to Platincasino, an online casino that's as Irish as they come. With so many options available out there, finding a great casino is already a task at times, coming across an impressive all Irish casino however, is as.
The Republic of Ireland is a country which has an illustrious history with gambling, particularly when it comes to horse racing. However, it is also a country which has a firmly established, legalized online gambling industry, and isn't too restrictive when it comes to what its residents and citizens bet on. The small island nation's population can seemingly gamble on anything and everything they wish, within reason. To explain that further, we need to dive into the legality of betting and gambling in the Emerald Isle. With that in mind, let's begin…
An Overview of Gambling in Ireland
Gambling
Ireland has long been known for being home to a large gambling population. The Irish gambling laws have undergone several changes over the years as the country tried to regulate the market, and ensure that most forms of gambling were as open as they always have been. This might seem like an enormous task, but the Republic of Ireland appears to have managed it with ease.
The most recent gambling laws in Ireland stem back to 2013 when the Gambling Control Bill was introduced. This effectively formed a licensing authority which oversees both the land-based betting world and the digital one. Older gambling bills such as the Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1956 are still in effect to some degree but should be overhauled and updated with a new gambling act which is set to be unveiled in 2020.
In 2019, that act was amended to include lottery regulations. These – alongside the National Lottery Act of 2013 – aim to ensure that lottery betting is kept separate from other forms of gambling laws.
Operators who wish to run gambling operations in Ireland are required to obtain a license from the Revenue Commissioners and the Regulator of the National Lottery. Before this, the country deemed Gibraltar, Malta and UK-issued gambling licenses to be the norm.
A Note on Ireland's Gambling Games
Oddly enough, while sports betting and lottery games have long been legal and accepted in Ireland, it is only recently that casino games are starting to be tolerated. For many years, Irish punters frequented offshore casinos to play casino games, as they were not strictly allowed under Irish gambling laws. As mentioned, the recent amendments and new legislation which has passed will allow the Republic of Ireland to legalise those games, albeit under certain conditions, such as having an Irish issued gambling license.
The lack of legality concerning casino games has never really troubled players in the past. In fact, Ireland's casino players have had a more than enough way of dealing with this issue. Like most players across the world who haven't been able to play specific gambling games legally, Irish players visited offshore casinos.
Offshore casinos are foreign internet betting sites which are licensed and based outside of Ireland. For instance, many of these domains are licensed in the United Kingdom, Gibraltar and Malta, as mentioned earlier. These domains do carry a wealth of online casino games and have been ideal for Irish players to sign up to.
To date, the Irish Government has not issued a blacklist of authorised ISPs (internet service providers) to ban access to foreign casinos. Nor are Irish players punished for visiting these foreign casinos. While many casino players in Ireland currently continue to play casino games at these remote casino domains, it is thought that the new gambling laws which are set to come in this year will put a stop to large parts of that. After all, casino games will theoretically be legal at any casino which has obtained an Irish gambling license.
Ireland's Most Played Casino Games
Casino games
The Irish aren't too fussy about what they play. They have a love of many different types of gambling games. With that in mind, it is worth exploring some of these options in closer detail. Any site proclaiming itself as one of the best casinos for players in Ireland will need to carry the following games:
Slots: Slots are one of the few games which until very recently, weren't really permitted in Ireland. That only made them even more in demand amongst the gambling population. Some of the most notable Irish casino domains (many of which were based offshore) came packing hundreds of slot games for Irish players to enjoy. These include progressive jackpot slots, 3D slots, mobile slots and non-progressive video slots. Fruit machines have always been popular in Ireland, too, whether found in pubs, arcades, high-street bookies or online.
Table Games: The Irish do not have such a big love affair with table games, at least not in comparison to players in other European countries. Nonetheless, this hasn't stopped some Irish players wanting to try their hand at them. We'd hesitate to call them popular, but frequently played table games at irish online casino sites will typically include blackjack and roulette. Craps also tends to do rather well. There isn't much of an audience for baccarat in the Republic of Ireland, although, this doesn't mean that you can't play the game at Irish casino sites.
Poker Games: Poker games are one of the few traditional casino classics which does have a large following. It is not uncommon for many of Ireland's most reputable and popular gambling sites to offer not just poker games, but also a wealth of poker tournaments. There are no specific laws in Ireland which relate to poker gaming, so in the past, it wasn't widely available at local casinos. However, offshore poker rooms have regularly been available for Irish poker fans who wish to take their gameplay to the next level.
Live Dealer Casino Games: As most casino games weren't really available in Ireland for long periods, many Irish players had to visit offshore casinos if they wish to get to grips with the latest craze in casino gaming – live dealer casino games. Most of these games are streamed from exotic places, and gameplay can often be found using the euro currency. A variety of gambling games with different table limits can be played at Irish betting sites, although, again, some table games have proven more popular with Irish players than others.
Bingo Games: Bingo is very popular in Ireland, just as it is in the neighbouring United Kingdom. Oddly enough, there are no specific laws relating to bingo in Ireland, as bingo is considered a lottery. Instead, bingo games are governed by the Gaming and Lotteries Act. Because bingo games have been legal for a very long time, bingo halls regularly offer these games in the country. Moreover, online bingo sites are open to catering to players in the country.
Scratch Cards: Scratch cards can be played as a land-based game or online. There isn't much demand for the digital version of these games in Ireland, but the same could be said of any country, really.
Online Casinos Ireland
Lottery, Games: Lottery games are legal in Ireland and fall under the same laws as bingo games, as mentioned. The Irish National Lottery is the state-sponsored game of choice for many, although Ireland does compete in major pan-European lotteries, too. Irish players also have access to international lottery betting sites and can acquire tickets to worldwide lottery via ticket agents, as is becoming increasingly more popular these days.
Sports Betting: The Irish are world-renowned for loving a punt on sports. Horse racing is a national pastime in the Republic of Ireland, and many races take place each day. This naturally means that many millions of euros change hands each year betting on these races. Any of the best online betting sites open for Irish players will also readily serve up sports betting options to their players.
Taxes on Big Wins at Irish Casinos
Ireland does have gambling taxes in place. However, these gambling taxes are not typically placed on players. Instead, the burden is on the online casinos and sportsbooks to cough up the case. In late 2018, the Irish Government announced that the traditional 1% duty paid by sportsbooks (well, any license gambling domains, really) would be doubled to a 2% levy. This was done to try and secure €50m in revenue, to be split between public spending and problem gambling treatment.
The decision did not sit well with bookies, who claimed that a large number of betting shops would be forced to sack staff or close down. Nonetheless, the move was implemented. What does this mean for Irish players, though?
Best Online Casino Ireland
Irish players are not subject to gambling taxes on their winnings. However, it should be noted that if they win a substantial amount, and that generates sizable revenue via interest, they would be required to pay income tax on those figures. The situation is a lot less clear when it comes to professional gamblers.
The Best Irish Online Casinos to Join Today
Websites to join
If you are based in Ireland, you will have a myriad of online casinos and betting sites to choose from. As of 2020, you will be able to play at Irish licensed online casinos and sportsbooks. However, Ireland is not going to completely close the door to offshore and foreign betting sites, either. This gives you two very different ways to play.
As we don't rightly know precisely what services Irish licensed casinos will offer, it is understandable that some players will want to play abroad. Wherever you decide to spend your euros on gambling games, the best Irish online casinos will all have similar features. We deem these features to include:
Irish-Friendly Bonuses: Not all casino bonuses and promotions at offshore casinos are available to players living in Ireland. The best ones will be. While you are checking out the terms and conditions for these bonuses, it is worth ensuring that any bonuses you do claim are fair, and have reasonable conditions such as wagering requirements and playthrough rates.
English Language Gaming: It is exceptionally rare to find an online casino offering gameplay in Gaelic. With that in mind, your chosen casino needs to offer services in English. Fortunately, most online casinos do, so this shouldn't be too much of a stretch for you to find.
The Euro Currency: Converting currencies can sometimes lead to added fees. You want to avoid that. The best casinos for Irish players will automatically serve up the euro currency, and you should be able to deposit, wager and withdraw using this option.
Irish Payment Methods: Irish payment methods are predominantly the same as those found in UK online casinos. Both Neteller and Paysafecard are popular in the country, but so are VISA, MasterCard, Laser, WebMoney and EcoPayz. Ireland is one of the few notable countries in the world (alongside the UK) which also sees PayPal accepted at online casino sites.
Your Favourite Games: As we've said above, Irish players love to have a punt on many different types of games. This has to be taken into consideration when you decide to bet at online casinos. The best Irish online casinos will carry not just slots and table games, but also instant win titles, bingo games and naturally, many will offer sports betting options, too.
Operators who wish to run gambling operations in Ireland are required to obtain a license from the Revenue Commissioners and the Regulator of the National Lottery. Before this, the country deemed Gibraltar, Malta and UK-issued gambling licenses to be the norm.
A Note on Ireland's Gambling Games
Oddly enough, while sports betting and lottery games have long been legal and accepted in Ireland, it is only recently that casino games are starting to be tolerated. For many years, Irish punters frequented offshore casinos to play casino games, as they were not strictly allowed under Irish gambling laws. As mentioned, the recent amendments and new legislation which has passed will allow the Republic of Ireland to legalise those games, albeit under certain conditions, such as having an Irish issued gambling license.
The lack of legality concerning casino games has never really troubled players in the past. In fact, Ireland's casino players have had a more than enough way of dealing with this issue. Like most players across the world who haven't been able to play specific gambling games legally, Irish players visited offshore casinos.
Offshore casinos are foreign internet betting sites which are licensed and based outside of Ireland. For instance, many of these domains are licensed in the United Kingdom, Gibraltar and Malta, as mentioned earlier. These domains do carry a wealth of online casino games and have been ideal for Irish players to sign up to.
To date, the Irish Government has not issued a blacklist of authorised ISPs (internet service providers) to ban access to foreign casinos. Nor are Irish players punished for visiting these foreign casinos. While many casino players in Ireland currently continue to play casino games at these remote casino domains, it is thought that the new gambling laws which are set to come in this year will put a stop to large parts of that. After all, casino games will theoretically be legal at any casino which has obtained an Irish gambling license.
Ireland's Most Played Casino Games
Casino games
The Irish aren't too fussy about what they play. They have a love of many different types of gambling games. With that in mind, it is worth exploring some of these options in closer detail. Any site proclaiming itself as one of the best casinos for players in Ireland will need to carry the following games:
Slots: Slots are one of the few games which until very recently, weren't really permitted in Ireland. That only made them even more in demand amongst the gambling population. Some of the most notable Irish casino domains (many of which were based offshore) came packing hundreds of slot games for Irish players to enjoy. These include progressive jackpot slots, 3D slots, mobile slots and non-progressive video slots. Fruit machines have always been popular in Ireland, too, whether found in pubs, arcades, high-street bookies or online.
Table Games: The Irish do not have such a big love affair with table games, at least not in comparison to players in other European countries. Nonetheless, this hasn't stopped some Irish players wanting to try their hand at them. We'd hesitate to call them popular, but frequently played table games at irish online casino sites will typically include blackjack and roulette. Craps also tends to do rather well. There isn't much of an audience for baccarat in the Republic of Ireland, although, this doesn't mean that you can't play the game at Irish casino sites.
Poker Games: Poker games are one of the few traditional casino classics which does have a large following. It is not uncommon for many of Ireland's most reputable and popular gambling sites to offer not just poker games, but also a wealth of poker tournaments. There are no specific laws in Ireland which relate to poker gaming, so in the past, it wasn't widely available at local casinos. However, offshore poker rooms have regularly been available for Irish poker fans who wish to take their gameplay to the next level.
Live Dealer Casino Games: As most casino games weren't really available in Ireland for long periods, many Irish players had to visit offshore casinos if they wish to get to grips with the latest craze in casino gaming – live dealer casino games. Most of these games are streamed from exotic places, and gameplay can often be found using the euro currency. A variety of gambling games with different table limits can be played at Irish betting sites, although, again, some table games have proven more popular with Irish players than others.
Bingo Games: Bingo is very popular in Ireland, just as it is in the neighbouring United Kingdom. Oddly enough, there are no specific laws relating to bingo in Ireland, as bingo is considered a lottery. Instead, bingo games are governed by the Gaming and Lotteries Act. Because bingo games have been legal for a very long time, bingo halls regularly offer these games in the country. Moreover, online bingo sites are open to catering to players in the country.
Scratch Cards: Scratch cards can be played as a land-based game or online. There isn't much demand for the digital version of these games in Ireland, but the same could be said of any country, really.
Online Casinos Ireland
Lottery, Games: Lottery games are legal in Ireland and fall under the same laws as bingo games, as mentioned. The Irish National Lottery is the state-sponsored game of choice for many, although Ireland does compete in major pan-European lotteries, too. Irish players also have access to international lottery betting sites and can acquire tickets to worldwide lottery via ticket agents, as is becoming increasingly more popular these days.
Sports Betting: The Irish are world-renowned for loving a punt on sports. Horse racing is a national pastime in the Republic of Ireland, and many races take place each day. This naturally means that many millions of euros change hands each year betting on these races. Any of the best online betting sites open for Irish players will also readily serve up sports betting options to their players.
Taxes on Big Wins at Irish Casinos
Ireland does have gambling taxes in place. However, these gambling taxes are not typically placed on players. Instead, the burden is on the online casinos and sportsbooks to cough up the case. In late 2018, the Irish Government announced that the traditional 1% duty paid by sportsbooks (well, any license gambling domains, really) would be doubled to a 2% levy. This was done to try and secure €50m in revenue, to be split between public spending and problem gambling treatment.
The decision did not sit well with bookies, who claimed that a large number of betting shops would be forced to sack staff or close down. Nonetheless, the move was implemented. What does this mean for Irish players, though?
Best Online Casino Ireland
Irish players are not subject to gambling taxes on their winnings. However, it should be noted that if they win a substantial amount, and that generates sizable revenue via interest, they would be required to pay income tax on those figures. The situation is a lot less clear when it comes to professional gamblers.
The Best Irish Online Casinos to Join Today
Websites to join
If you are based in Ireland, you will have a myriad of online casinos and betting sites to choose from. As of 2020, you will be able to play at Irish licensed online casinos and sportsbooks. However, Ireland is not going to completely close the door to offshore and foreign betting sites, either. This gives you two very different ways to play.
As we don't rightly know precisely what services Irish licensed casinos will offer, it is understandable that some players will want to play abroad. Wherever you decide to spend your euros on gambling games, the best Irish online casinos will all have similar features. We deem these features to include:
Irish-Friendly Bonuses: Not all casino bonuses and promotions at offshore casinos are available to players living in Ireland. The best ones will be. While you are checking out the terms and conditions for these bonuses, it is worth ensuring that any bonuses you do claim are fair, and have reasonable conditions such as wagering requirements and playthrough rates.
English Language Gaming: It is exceptionally rare to find an online casino offering gameplay in Gaelic. With that in mind, your chosen casino needs to offer services in English. Fortunately, most online casinos do, so this shouldn't be too much of a stretch for you to find.
The Euro Currency: Converting currencies can sometimes lead to added fees. You want to avoid that. The best casinos for Irish players will automatically serve up the euro currency, and you should be able to deposit, wager and withdraw using this option.
Irish Payment Methods: Irish payment methods are predominantly the same as those found in UK online casinos. Both Neteller and Paysafecard are popular in the country, but so are VISA, MasterCard, Laser, WebMoney and EcoPayz. Ireland is one of the few notable countries in the world (alongside the UK) which also sees PayPal accepted at online casino sites.
Your Favourite Games: As we've said above, Irish players love to have a punt on many different types of games. This has to be taken into consideration when you decide to bet at online casinos. The best Irish online casinos will carry not just slots and table games, but also instant win titles, bingo games and naturally, many will offer sports betting options, too.
Reliable Support Options: Most of the best Irish online casinos excel at offering customer support. These services should be available in English, and if telephone support is provided, it should be toll-free via an Irish phone number. While an FAQ (frequently asked questions) guide and e-mail support are handy, having live chat available on a 24/7 basis is all you really need.
Mobile Gameplay: Irish players should have access to mobile casino gameplay. Long gone are the days when slot players would download casino software to their PC. The best Irish casinos will not only provide mobile gameplay via an instant play site; they may also offer betting opportunities via dedicated iOS (Apple) and Android apps.
As mentioned, things are changing in the Irish online gambling scene in 2020, but what we've covered so far is correct at the time of writing. Ireland's gaming industry is set to go through a remarkable transformation over the next twelve months, so it should be an exciting time for players to play their favourite games.
The island of Ireland consists of two different countries: Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (hereinafter called ‘Ireland'). The latter one has a population of more than 4.6 million people, and its total land area covers approximately 70,200 km2. Ireland doesn't form part of the United Kingdom, and its capital city of Dublin has a population of nearly 553,000 people. In addition to its EU membership, Ireland is also a member of the United Nations. Irish is the national and first official language, while English is the second official language.
Most people associate Ireland with beer, the green Shamrock, and folk music. The Irish affectionately call their famous stout beer ‘the black stuff', which refers to its dark color. Saying that Guinness is the country's most internationally recognized symbol would go down as the understatement of the day. Ryanair and Primark, both low-cost companies, are two other examples of famous Irish brands.
Nearly every type of gambling is legal in Ireland, including land-based casinos, lottery games, and sports betting. It's an open secret that British have a weak spot for betting on sporting events, and the Irish are certainly no exception.
Irish gambling fans can also enjoy online games of luck as well, which is completely legal on the Emerald Island. The government of Ireland grants licenses to operators of online casinos and sportsbooks. On top of all that, Irish gambling enthusiasts can freely play at foreign-based gaming sites, including internet casinos and online sports betting.
Best Irish online casinos
Many forms of gambling and games of chance have long had a place in Irish culture. The expression ‘the luck of the Irish' is a testament to their inborn fascination with all kinds of gambling. Local gambling devotees can choose from many games of chance, both online and at brick and mortar establishments. The popularity of internet gambling and sports betting continues to gain popularity, and Irish should certainly check out this trio of premium online gaming sites:
Popularity online casinos in Ireland explained
It would be a gross understatement to say that the Irish love a gamble, which explains the huge popularity of gambling and sports betting in the ‘land of the leprechauns'. Based on the purchasing power parity (PPP), Ireland is a wealthy country, as its PPP equals 345 percent of the world's average. The Irish gross national income (GNI) per capita however, is below the average of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.
Since 1960, the Irish economy has shifted from middle income to high income. In the nineties, the economic development accelerated, and employment nearly doubled. Ireland benefitted from the single market in Europe as many globalizing companies settled in Ireland. Its knowledge-based economy consists of multiple flourishing industries, including services (e.g. financial) and high-tech (ICT).
The Irish economy also benefits from the low corporate tax, which has lured many leading companies, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google. That's why Ireland is referred to as a tax haven.
After impressive growth numbers, 7 percent between 2001 and 2004, and 10 percent between 1995 and 2000, the Irish economy entered a recession in 2008. The EU and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) rescued the Irish economy with an extensive bail-out package. In 2013 however, growth returned (+1.1 percent), followed by a 4.8 percent expansion in 2014. Things got even better as the Irish economy posted an impressive 26.3 percent growth in 2015. The employers' group Ibec has downgraded the expected expansion to 2.8 percent for 2018, with the same applying for the 2017 projected growth (3.7 percent).
Also in terms of unemployment, Ireland is making progress, as the jobless rate has dropped to the lowest rate since 2008. Market watchers expect the unemployment rate to fall below 7 percent by the end of 2017.
After a penetration rate of 61.2 percent in 2007, more than 81 percent of the Irish population has access to the internet in 2017. The usage of mobile devices, e.g. smartphones and tablets, continues to grow in Ireland. Indeed, more than 87 percent of the population owns a smartphone. Considering the Irish' love affair with all sorts of gambling, it doesn't come as a surprise that both internet gambling and online sportsbooks are hugely popular in the ‘land of saints and scholars'.
Gambling and online casinos in Ireland
So, it's crystal clear that the Irish have a weak spot for games of luck, with a strong rise in its online variant. This is why so many gamblers from all over the world have embraced the exciting world of virtual gambling:
- A myriad of rewarding bonuses
- Smashing promotions packed with cool prizes
- Dazzling payouts, and life-changing jackpots
- Entertaining online casino games loaded with cool features
- Very lucrative loyalty programs
- Vibrant live online casino portals
How to deposit money in an online casino when I'm from Ireland?
Another cool feature at online casinos is the ability to play for free. However, gamblers who like to win some real cash have to play for real money. Online gaming sites are also famed for the huge number of user-friendly and quick payment systems, for example these secure methods:
- Credit cards, such as Maestro, Visa, and MasterCard
- E-wallets, e.g., Skrill, and Neteller
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