On November 22, 2025, at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, South Africa’s rugby team achieved a significant 24-13 victory over Ireland, marking their first win in the Irish capital since 2012. The match was characterized by Ireland’s disciplinary challenges, which the Springboks effectively exploited to maintain their unbeaten tour record.

Early Dominance and Irish Penalties Shape the First Half

South Africa set the tone early with tries from Damian Willemse and Cobus Reinach, establishing a commanding lead. Ireland’s discipline faltered, resulting in a 20-minute red card for James Ryan and three yellow cards for Sam Prendergast, Jack Crowley, and Andrew Porter. These infractions reduced Ireland to 12 players at one point, allowing the Springboks to capitalize further with a penalty try before halftime, leading 19-7 at the break.

Irish Resilience in the Second Half Falls Short

Despite being outnumbered, Ireland displayed commendable resilience in the second half. Dan Sheehan’s try and two penalties from Prendergast narrowed the gap. However, South Africa’s depth and scrum dominance, particularly in the later stages, secured their victory. A fourth try by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu sealed the win for the visitors.

Coaches Reflect on the Match’s Intensity

Irish coach Andy Farrell expressed pride in his team’s determination despite the loss, describing the game as “mad” due to the unprecedented disciplinary issues. He acknowledged the lessons learned and emphasized the valuable experience gained by newer players. South Africa’s coach, Rassie Erasmus, was pleased to break the Dublin losing streak, noting the team’s ability to overcome challenges and hinting at future experimentation to maintain competitiveness.

Implications for Both Teams Moving Forward

This victory solidifies South Africa’s position as a dominant force in international rugby, maintaining their unbeaten tour record and securing a top-four seeding for the 2027 World Cup. For Ireland, the match highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in discipline and composure under pressure. The experience gained will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming Six Nations tournament.

Key Highlights from the Match

• South Africa secured their first win in Dublin since 2012 with a 24-13 victory over Ireland.
• Ireland faced significant disciplinary challenges, receiving one red card and three yellow cards during the match.
• The Springboks’ dominance in scrums and depth in the squad were pivotal in maintaining their unbeaten tour record.

Sources

• South Africa overpower ill-disciplined Ireland 24-13

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) was formally launched in March 2025 with the mandate to modernize outdated gambling laws and introduce a comprehensive licensing framework.

However, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan confirmed that the licensing regime will not take effect until the middle of next year. Until then, operators can continue under existing rules without facing the planned stricter measures.

Social Impact Fund Postponed

One of the most anticipated reforms, the Social Impact Fund, has also been delayed. This fund is designed to finance addiction treatment programs, awareness campaigns, and research initiatives, using revenue collected from licensing fees and penalties. Minister O’Callaghan explained that the fund cannot be activated until licenses are formally issued.

Although the timeline has been criticized, GRAI continues to expand its capacity. The authority expects to employ around 35 staff members by the end of 2025, with further growth planned as it prepares to enforce new rules.

Upcoming Regulations

Once implemented, the regulations will prohibit inducements such as free bets, ban the use of credit cards for gambling, and impose stricter advertising limits during hours when minors are likely to be exposed. Operators will also be required to verify customer identities with photo documentation.

Can I Gamble Online In Ireland?

Yes, Irish players have access to both domestic and legal online gambling sites in Ireland that operate from outside of the country. Popular real money gambling sites have been operating in the country for years, offering player benefits such as sign-up bonuses, rewards programs, and mobile capabilities.

Online, players can find a range of gambling options, including casinos, sportsbooks, and online poker rooms. GRAI licenses domestic online sites, whereas offshore sites are licensed in the country where they reside.

Online Gambling Age In Ireland

The gambling age in Ireland is set at 18 and above for both in-person and online gambling. While gambling among teenagers has been a growing concern, the new Gambling Regulation Act of 2024 does not change the minimum gambling age.

Ireland is known for its smaller casinos, sportsbooks, and numerous card rooms across its major cities, offering a more intimate gambling experience than the large-scale venues found in places like Las Vegas. These establishments are often tucked away in busy urban areas and cater to both locals and tourists seeking traditional table games, poker tournaments, and sports wagering.

As of March 4, 2025, GRAI officially assumed responsibility for gambling oversight, led by CEO Marie Ann Caulfield and Chairman Paul Quinn. The newly published guidelines target both Business-to-Consumer (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B) entities, with B2C betting licenses prioritized in the initial phase. Online applications for these licenses are expected to begin in late 2025.

Until the new system is fully implemented, operators must continue using existing licensing channels via the Revenue Commissioners. The District Courts and An Garda Síochána will still process lottery permits.

The Application Process

The application process consists of seven steps, beginning with a mandatory Notice of Intention, which must be submitted at least 28 days prior to submission. Applications will be assessed using a risk-based model, which requires transparency regarding ownership and business operations. Approved licensees must report any significant changes that occur after approval.

GRAI has also addressed industry concerns regarding fees, license duration, and eligibility for international applicants. These clarifications have been welcomed as the sector prepares for a significant regulatory shift.
This initiative marks a pivotal moment in Ireland’s efforts to modernize its gambling landscape, with complete market access anticipated in 2026.

Ireland’s Current Gambling Landscape

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) officially began operations in March 2025 and now oversees all gambling-related industries in the country, except for the national lottery.

For years, Ireland’s gambling laws were outdated until the Gambling Regulation Act of 2024 replaced the Betting Act of 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1956. The new legislation aims to regulate both domestic and online gambling houses and provides a new licensing platform.

Currently, both in-person and online gambling platforms are allowed to operate from inside the country. Irish residents also have access to legal Irish gambling sites operating from outside of the country.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Gamble In Ireland?

The legal gambling age in Ireland is 18; however, some in-person establishments have imposed a 21 and above age limit depending on their policies. Underage gambling is a serious offence under the new Gambling Regulation Act of 2024, and operators are legally required to verify age and identity before allowing anyone onto the game room floor.

Both France and Argentina have already advanced to the round of 16, and Brazil has Group G all but wrapped up after winning their first two games and being favored to win tomorrow against Cameroon at online sportsbook sites.

Some knockout round matchups have already been set, inspiring World Cup betting lines at online football sportsbooks that cater to the Ireland market.

Despite a strong performance from Poland thus far in the 2022 World Cup, betting odds suggest that France is a 1.5-goal favorite in their matchup that’s scheduled for this Sunday.

France vs. Poland Betting Line

• Spread: France -1.5, Poland +1.5
• Moneyline: France -330, Poland +1100
• Draw: +455
• Over/Under: 2.5

Also this Saturday, Argentina faces an elimination match against Australia, a team that is a massive underdog at -2.0. Australia’s +1600 moneyline will deliver 16-to-1 net payouts if they can overcome their poor World Cup odds and knock off Argentina from the tournament.

Argentina vs. Australia

• Spread: Argentina -1.5/-2.0, Australia +1.5/+2.0
• Moneyline: Argentina -500, Australia +1600
• Draw: +620
• Over/Under: 2.5/3.0

The round of 16 is also referred to as the knockout stage because, from henceforth, all games are single elimination. There is no longer the option for a draw, as the game will go to extra minutes and penalty kicks to decide contests that are tied at the end of regulation.

World Cup betting lines at online sportsbooks and at domestic casinos include an option for wagering on a draw, and that’s because all action is based on the results of the 90-minute contest without including overtime periods.

Another frustrating element of betting on World Cup matches is that the time is kept on the field by the officials, and the on-screen clock only measures uninterrupted 45-minute halves without consideration for injuries and other stoppages.

That creates for an excruciating final few minutes as the game clock ticks north of 90 minutes, and the contest is within a goal.

One of Ireland’s top online gambling sites, BetOnline, is offering the following World Cup prop bets that capitalizes on potential overtime nailbiters starting with the knockout round.

How many World Cup matches will go to Extra Time?

• Over 4.5 Matches -115
• Under 4.5 Matches -115

How many World Cup matches will go to Penalties?

• Over 2.5 Matches -125
• Under 2.5 Matches -105

Total Missed Shootout Penalties

• Under 7.5 Penalties -145
• Over 7.5 Penalties +115

Total Number of Extra Time Goals in Tournament

• Over 3.5 Extra Time Goals -115
• Under 3.5 Extra Time Goals -115

While there are live betting lines that allow for in-match wagering on World Cup games, the above football props may not last until the opening whistle of the knockout round.

The above 2022 World Cup props indicate that at least two games will enter overtime periods, suggesting a thrilling conclusion – or two! – in the upcoming tournament games.

All of the above props will not cash in until the conclusion of the World Cup Tournament but won’t likely remain on the boards after the initial games begin this weekend.

2022 World Cup Betting Odds And Props – BetOnline Sportsbook

Source – The Guardian

That said, these offshore betting shops don’t tend to support Gaelic football wagering or hurling betting, which are the two most popular forms of punting in the Emerald Isle.

Nevertheless, there’s still plenty of sought-after sports to wager on at overseas Internet outlets, including Premier League football, basketball, international hockey, and even field hockey, which remains a major pastime in Ireland (even if it is a hotbed of perpetual heartbreak in a veritable land of ire).

Still, punters are less than concerned at the moment, as offshore books do offer odds on the most immediately pressing Irish contest, the FAI Cup.

2019 FAI Cup Final Full Time Odds

Via BetOnline

Dundalk

• Spread: PK, -1/2 (+102)
• Straight: +142
• Over: 2, 2.5 (+111)

Shamrock Rovers

• Spread: PK, +1/2 (-122)
• Straight: +179
• Under: 2, 2.5 (-131)  

Draw: +205

2019 FAI Cup Final Half Time Odds

Dundalk

• Spread: PK, -128
• Straight: +205
• Over: ½, 1 (-124)

Shamrock Rovers

• Spread: PK (+108)
• Straight: +260
• Under: ½, 1 (+104)

Draw: -106

The FAI Cup, formally dubbed the Football Association of Ireland Senior Challenge Cup, is a knockout tournament comprised of 40 teams from the Republic of Ireland and Derry City (Northern Ireland).

With the 2019 final being held on Sunday, defending champion Dundalk will take on the Shamrock Rovers, though they will do so without star centre midfielder Chris Shields.

Shields will miss the contest after earning his eighth booking, and Dundalk manager Vinny Perth has accepted responsibility for the needless match play that put his club’s ace in the hole.

Whether or not Shields’ suspension will greatly affect the FAI betting lines at offshore books remains to be seen, though in the leadup to the contest, the matchup looks closer than it perhaps ought to be.

Another interesting wagering chance for Irish punters – albeit one much farther in the offing – will be available at offshore gambling sites in 2021, as collegiate American football makes its way to the fair city.

To start the 2021 NCAAF campaign, the Illinois Illini will be playing the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Aviva Stadium in Dublin (28 August, 2021). Whilst the necessity of the demonstration or exhibition is unclear, Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman is pleased with the idea.

“It’s an exciting day. Great opportunity for our [American] football program, for our football student-athletes. It’s one of those things as I talked with the team (Monday) morning, a lot of our student-athletes get the chance to travel overseas. Football, because of their schedule, they don’t get the chance to do that.”

Though American football is far less popular in Eire than across the pond, the upcoming contest was scheduled over the course of two years. In fact, it won’t even be the first NCAAF event held in country, as four different contests have taken place in Ireland over the last two decades or so (the first being Notre Dame vs. Navy in 1996).

Overall, the Illinois-Nebraska game is part of a five-game series being put on in Dublin, set up and organized by Irish American Events Limited.   

Whilst it may not be proper football, the American game has plenty of draw for punters around the world, and Irish sports bettors should get a first-hand look at the quirks that make Yankee football an engaging sport in its own right.

The Republic of Ireland narrowly qualified for the World Cup Qualifier Playoffs. The 26^th ranked squad beat Wales in the final group stage match, moving them up to second in their group, behind Serbia. They are set to play Denmark, who are ranked 19^th in the world and finished second in their group under Poland. Ireland manager Martin O’Neill is optimistic about their draw, relating his squad’s excitement to be still in contention.

Ireland’s squad is well-balanced with youthful and experienced players. Captain Seamus Coleman is one of the faster players in the tournament, which compliments James McCarthy’s technical ability. Defender John O’Shea is one of the veteran presences. Former captain Robbie Keane will be missed, as he retired from international football in August. It should be an interesting matchup.

On the other hand, Northern Ireland is ranked 23^rd and is coming off 2 straight losses to Germany and Norway in their final qualifying matches. However, they racked up enough points to overtake Czech Republic in the standings and make the Playoffs. The Northern Irish are set to face off against Switzerland in the Playoff stage. The squad is made up of mostly players in English leagues, including Chris Brunt, Gareth McAuley and Jonny Evans (all play for West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.

Their matchup is tougher against Switzerland, who won 9 of their 10 qualifying matches. They are the highest-ranked team in the Playoffs and only lost to Portugal, the reigning European champions. Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill is confident his squad can go through, but only if they do not concede any away goals in the first leg. Away goals are vital in international tournaments, as they count for double the goals. If Northern Ireland can withstand the Swiss attack, they may be able to sneak an away goal or 2 in the second leg.

Both Irish teams are considered the underdogs in their respective games. Fans can find legitimate online sports betting options through licensed offshore sportsbooks. These betting destinations run lines on international leagues, tournaments and more. Should either Irish team advance, fans can bet on them throughout the World Cup. Offshore betting is considered legal per the Irish gambling laws in place.

The first leg of the Ireland v. Denmark game is slated for November 11, while the first leg of the Northern Ireland v. Switzerland game is on November 9. Only 4 of the 8 teams in the Playoffs will make it through to the World Cup. The other teams vying for spots are Croatia, Greece, Sweden and Italy.

It all started in 2011, after a terrible investment in an Anglo-Irish bank and worsened a year later when both Sean Quin Snr and his son, Sean Quinn Jnr were arrested and placed in jail for contempt. They were found in contempt after failing to adhere to the court’s orders that mandated them to reverse the measures taken to remove assets from the international property group that they owned that valued into multi-million euros. The Anglo stake and the Quinn Group unraveled simultaneously over the better part of a decade in and outside of court.

Sean Quin Snr and Junior are now ready to jump back into the money-making business and they have chosen to do so in the online gambling realm. The new Quinnbet website and mobile application features sports gambling in an extensive international sportsbook, a racebook that has greyhound and horse racing, and an online casino that is set to launch as soon as they have it finished. Their new online gambling destination will bear the familiar “Q” branding that they employed across the Quinn empire that previously collapsed.

When interviewed, their chosen spokesperson elaborated on the ownership of the new business. They noted that the business itself is still entirely owned by Sean Quinn Snr but will be manned primarily by his son among other family members. The public fillings of the company list Sean Quinn Jnr, Sean Kelly, his brother-in-law, and Seamus McMahon as the official directors of the company.

Sean Quinn Jnr has since been interviewed about the new website and has been quoted to have hopes to create new jobs for the Fermanagh/Cavan area where they have chosen to do business. QuinBett currently employs at least 6 people with full time pay and benefits along with a few part timers as well. “Generating employment is something we always prided ourselves on and hope to achieve again. We are in the early stages yet with Quinn Bet and the level we grow at will obviously depend on customer support,” Sean Quinn Jnr said.

The Quinnbets website is licensed in Ireland under the Betting Amendment Act of 2015 and is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. The website was built by a UK company that is also licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, FSB, who has built a number of infrastructures for online gambling companies in the past.

The Irish Department of Finance’s Tax Strategy Group emerged out of the 2016 Finance Bill Committee Stage Debates. After examination and deliberation surrounding the Irish betting tax structure, the group determined it was time for a change. Brian Kavanagh, President of HRI, stated in the report that the Irish betting industry took a dive regarding standards when the levy was cut in 2016. He also cited the year 2001, when €68 million was gained in tax revenue from a €1.1 billion turnover. Kavanagh’s reason for citing this is to note the stark contrast between 2016, when €51 million was gained from a €5 billion turnover, despite the overall growth of the Irish betting industry.

All additional costs proposed in the bill should be taken on by the punter, not the operators, according to the HRI. In fact, the HRI sees the increases as beneficial to the general public and maintains that the betting tax level will still be quite low compared to other countries. The tax increases appear to serve the HRI more, however, as the accrued tax revenue will go to the Irish Horse and Greyhound Fund, a fund used to develop local horse racing and breeding. While the fund has worked in previous years, an increase in capital would certainly aid the HRI in bolstering their industry. Punters can altogether avoid facing the increased taxes by betting on horse races through licensed offshore sportsbooks that accept Irish punters.

These recommended changes to gambling law come not too far after the last batch of amendments in 2015, when the Betting (Amendment) Bill passed. This amendment forced all online betting operators servicing Irish punters to obtain a license from the local commission. Operators also had to pay a 1% tax on turnover from punters and betting exchanges had to pay 15% on their Irish commissions. Ireland’s Department of Finance tasked a group of stakeholders (which formed the Tax Strategy Group) to weigh out the possibility of shifting the tax burden from operators to punters.

This is not the first instance of such a process occurring. Both Poland and Portugal implemented a similar model, though their turnover tax rates were much higher. As a result, both countries have struggled to attract outside betting vendors. Meanwhile, Ireland’s lower tax turnover rates have led to nearly 70 different operators to apply for licenses.

Paschal Donohoe, Ireland’s Minister of Finance, still must make an input on the matter. You can see where the HRI is coming from, but local punters may not be too keen on paying more fees. If the government can negotiate favorable terms for punters, the HRI may be successful in spiking their Irish Horse and Greyhound Fund. An increased fund will ultimately lead to a better developed horse racing market, so Irish punters may have to bite the bullet if they want to see improvements.

As of current gambling laws in Ireland, the Gaming and Lotteries Act permits 16-year-olds to enter establishments that host different gambling forms including slots, funfairs and sports betting. Venues like carnivals, circuses, amusement halls and arcades are examples of places with gambling forms. The Courts and Civil Liabilities bill amends the current legislation by changing the legal gambling age to 18.

This legislation also sets stricter guidelines on how sporting club lotteries and raffles are governed and increases the stakes and prize pot limits. Weekly lotteries up to €5,000 are currently required to obtain a permit from a Garda superintendent. Prize pots of up to €30,000 are required to secure a license from the District Court. Politicians are hoping that increasing the pot size limits will remedy the many breaches to the standing laws taking place. Lack of awareness of the law is considered the main culprit, so this new bill will set a clear precedent.

The Courts and Civil Liabilities bill’s effects may seem minuscule, but they are part of an effort for more comprehensive change. Irish residents already have the option to participate in legal online gambling through licensed offshore providers. These providers have had their legal age set at 18 to comply with most countries’ gambling laws. Legitimate online gambling brands host casino games, table games, sports betting and more, so there is plenty of activity for Irish gamblers to choose from. Ireland’s efforts are for bolstering the domestic gambling front, but the presence of viable sources for gambling entertainment almost makes them seem redundant.

Irish Minister of State for Justice David Stanton is planning another bill that will set up an independent regulatory authority for the entire local gambling industry. This bill is apparently loaded with complexities that are delaying the process of bringing it to discussion, but many believe that it will be introduced in the next Parliamentary session. Supporters of the bill believe that it is important for the government to create a regulatory framework for the industry to address both the revenue side of the market and gambling addiction.

Whether you gamble with the brick-and-mortar establishments that this new bill applies to or with legally sanctioned offshore options, there is no shortage of gambling options for Irish players. The fact that Parliament is taking steps to tighten up restrictions suggests that there is something lacking from the quality of the local industry. These issues might push residents to use offshore options instead. In any case, Irish players may use licensed offshore options until the new legislation is passed into law.

The Irish department that is seeking new input has been noted in its goals of determining the impact of the tax change on the state revenues in respect to the bookmaking industry itself. To make sure that they arrive at an educated and beneficial conclusion, they have begun seeking the opinions of the stakeholders in a few specific ideas. They seek this help as they question whether the different approach to the betting exchanges, and the tax turnover model of the present is the most effective and appropriate model for the gambling industry within Ireland. They also want to establish what an “appropriate level of betting tax” would actually be. Opponents to the tax shift see it as a turnoff for bettors and expect it to drive players to licensed offshore betting sites that accept Irish players and that don’t charge the higher tax on betting.

The main shift in taxes that is being presented by the Irish Department of Finance is one that takes the taxes from the operators of these gambling venues and moving them to that of the actual bettor. Instead of the owners paying these 1% turnover taxes, their customers will. The opinions that have been asked for are due by June 19^th and are suspected to favor the shift. Despite the fact that turnover taxes are usually pretty unpopular with gambling operators in Ireland.

Still, the usual opinion concerning someone else paying a tax that you will no longer be responsible for seems like a pretty obvious decision that most people will make. With that in mind, the turnover taxes that are in Ireland are still quite reasonable when compared to their European neighbors of Portugal and Poland. Those countries, apparently because of their high turnover taxes, struggle to attract much more than their land-based casinos who end up with what has been termed as “de facto online monopolies”. Whereas Ireland, on the other hand, has roughly 70 online gambling operators who have applied for the licenses in online betting.