Guide To Legal Gambling In Dublin
Legal online gambling in Ireland is concentrated into a few general areas. This particular guide will focus on legal gambling options available in Dublin. There are only two major cities in Ireland, Dublin and Cork. Dublin is the capital of Ireland located on the eastern shore and in the province of Leinster.
Currently the largest city in Ireland with a metro population of almost 2 million and an inner-city population of 1.2 million. The climate across Ireland is known to have a lack of temperature extremes, cool summers and mild winters. Dublin is well known for its beautiful scenery and historical landmarks making it a very well-known tourist destination.
Online Gambling Options Available To Dublin Residents
Online gambling sites are permitted by the Republic of Ireland and are used by many of the residents in Dublin and across the countryside. The scarcity of gambling entertainment in Dublin and throughout Ireland makes legally sanctioned offshore gambling sites a popular option for Irish gamblers.
Our industry professionals have vetted the following online gambling sites to verify their credentials and test their security features to ensure a safe playing experience. We are comfortable saying that our recommended destinations are licensed and regulated by respected governing jurisdictions and their associated agencies and deliver a secure and high-quality online gaming experience for Dublin players.
| Site Name | Bonus | Rating | IE | Visit |
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 | 50% Max $250 18+ Only - T&Cs Apply |  | PLAY NOW | |
 | 100% Max $4,000 18+ Only - T&Cs Apply | | PLAY NOW | |
 | 250% Max $6,000 18+ Only - T&Cs Apply | | PLAY NOW |
Gambling Laws and Regulations in Dublin
There are no regional gambling laws specific to the city of Dublin, but there is a relevant federal law that applies to the Republic of Ireland as a whole. The Gaming and Lotteries act of 1956 made commercial gambling houses illegal. To get around this law, innovated business owners established “members only” clubs which are legal according to Ireland gambling laws.
This law also set up a national lottery and protected Dublin and other Irish cities from having to allow the big casinos to move into the region, which was a concern among the residents. Today the legal drinking and gambling age is 18. Commercial gambling houses are still considered illegal, though legislation has been drafted in the Gambling Control Bill of 2013, it has yet to be put into law.
If enacted, the bill would allow for up to 40 licensed casinos with more than 15 tables each. Sports betting and horse betting are both completely legal and practiced around the countryside and in Dublin, especially.
Casinos In Dublin
The Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1956 outlawed commercial casinos. However, a loophole was discovered, and entrepreneurs started opening members-only gambling clubs.
Today, at least 18 of these members-only casino clubs are centrally located near the River Liffey, which runs through the heart of town. Most casinos are full of video machines that run slots, video poker, and other games, but there are also table games and poker rooms.
Roulette is one of the more popular casino games and can be found in most casinos. Since casinos are technically members-only clubs, there are no real regulations for them to abide by. Anyone over 18 can get a member’s card by just filling in a few blanks.
Below are a few of the notable members-only clubs in Dublin that offer casino-style games.
- The Sporting Emporium Casino
- The Fitzwilliam Casino and Card Club
- D1 Club Casino
- Playland Casino
| Site Name | Bonus | Rating | IE | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50% Max $250 18+ Only - T&Cs Apply | | PLAY NOW | |
| 100% Max $4,000 18+ Only - T&Cs Apply | | PLAY NOW | |
| 250% Max $6,000 18+ Only - T&Cs Apply | | PLAY NOW |
Sports Betting In Dublin
Betting on sports in Dublin is common, and there are several different ways one can wager on professional and regional sports. Paddy Power is an Irish bookmaker that runs a chain of licensed betting shops across Ireland. Founded in 1988, they operate the largest telephone betting service in the country. They also offer online sports betting apps, like many of the offshore sites, residents are also permitted to play.
Online Irish sports betting is huge in Ireland, especially in the rural areas that don’t have access to Dublin’s betting shops. The most popular sports to bet on by residents are the Gaelic games, soccer and rugby. Paddy power also runs an online service, but most people prefer the betting lines offered at legally sanctioned offshore sportsbooks.
There are many physical sportsbooks in Dublin some of the bigger players are mentioned below, however, there are estimated to be around 1,000 local sportsbooks in the country.
- Paddy Power
- Boylesports
- Ladbrokes
| Site Name | Bonus | Rating | IE | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50% Max $250 18+ Only - T&Cs Apply | | PLAY NOW | |
| 50% Max $500 18+ Only - T&Cs Apply | | PLAY NOW |
Poker Games In Dublin
Poker is popular across the world, and across Ireland too. Many of Dublin’s casinos have their own poker rooms or dedicated floors that are often full of players. The Sporting Emporium claims to be the biggest casino in Ireland and they offer 14 poker tables.
Some people make poker tournaments a daily ritual, and there are tournaments every day of the week throughout the 18 casinos in Ireland. The PokerStars Megastack Tournament has also been to Dublin several times over the past years. Due to the small nature of the casinos, they usually host their events in big hotel auditoriums.
Online poker rooms in Ireland also operate daily and offer several variations of the popular game. You can also find daily online poker tournaments available to all players over the age of 18. Below are some of the notable poker clubs in Dublin that allows members to wager on the popular game.
- The Sporting Emporium Club
- The Fitzwilliam Card Club and Casino
- Dublin Poker Club
- The Jackpot
- D1 Casino & Card Club
- The Village Green Card Club
- The Loft Card Club
- JP Poker Club
- Carlton Casino Club
- The Bonnington Dublin (hosts poker events)
| Site Name | Bonus | Rating | IE | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Max $1,000 18+ Only - T&Cs Apply | | PLAY NOW | |
| 100% Max $1,000 18+ Only - T&Cs Apply | | PLAY NOW |
Popular Sports & Pro Sports Teams
Dublin is home to a variety of sports and sports enthusiasts, and this can be seen by visiting any local pub. There you are sure to see a plethora of sports memorabilia on the walls and tv’s constantly broadcasting sporting events, mainly soccer.
Dublin’s most popular sports are their Gaelic sports including: Gaelic football, hurling, handball, and rounders. Gaelic football is like soccer and rugby combined and has been played in Ireland for over 800 years now. Soccer is the most played sport in the region and Dublin has 3 teams in the first division and 3 teams in the Premier division.
There are also more than 20 international teams located across Ireland and a multitude of Rugby teams in Dublin, with over 30 teams stretched across different levels and divisions.
Regulatory Agencies:
- Department of Justice and Equality – Awards certificates of personal fitness which is required for a bookmaker applicant and betting intermediary licenses.
- Office of the Revenue Commissioners (Irish Tax Authority) – Responsible for issuing licenses for gaming machines and the collection of taxes.
- Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery – Responsible for regulation of the National Lottery.
- Irish Police Force – Can currently issue licenses for small and charitable lotteries.
Dublin Gambling History
Dublin is believed to have been occupied since pre-historic times and has historical writings that date back to 140 AD. Eventually established as a Viking settlement during the middle ages it remained under their control until the Norman invasion of 1169.
Historians have found evidence of gambling dating back to the Middle Ages, but it really became widespread in the 17th & 18th centuries. Horse racing is credited for popularizing gambling across Ireland, and until 1956, all gambling was technically legal and unregulated.
The Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1956 made commercial gambling houses illegal, but to get around the law, innovative business owners established “members only” clubs, which are legal under the law. Today the legal drinking and gambling age is 18. Commercial gambling houses are still considered illegal, though new legislation has been drafted, it has yet to be put into law.
Sports betting is completely legal and practiced around the countryside and in Dublin, primarily.
Gambling Addiction Services
- Problem Gambling Helpline – (089) 241-5401
- Gamble Aware Ireland
- Rutland Centre