Gambling has long been a popular pastime in Ireland, with reports suggesting gambling activities taking place in Ireland as far back as the Middle Ages. Various amendments to Irish Gambling laws over the years have seen a rise in both online and in-person betting, but what are the most popular forms of gambling in Ireland in this new decade? In this article, we will explore some of the types of betting that attract Irish players, as well as some of the statistics and trends related to gambling in Ireland.
Lotteries and scratch cards just edge it as the most popular form of gambling in Ireland with 56.7% of people reporting participating in this kind of gambling. The Irish National Lottery and its various spin-offs, such as Euro Millions and Instant Win Games are readily available both online and in shops to anyone over the age of 18. Since 2014, there have been 30 different lottery draws each week with over 4 millions sales. Websites also enable Irish gamblers to play international lotteries without leaving their homes. Lottery scratch cards are also popular with Irish players, while many online casinos provide instant wins and scratch card games too.
Sports betting increased in Ireland as a result of the 2015 amendment to the Betting Act, with sports such as football, horse racing, Gaelic football and golf some of the most popular to bet on. As sports start up again and begin to allow spectators from July, sports betting is likely to rise. The 2020 Euros set to start next week will also provide significant betting opportunities for sports fans. Online gambling saw a global increase in 2020 due to the pandemic and lockdowns. Nine-in-ten who had gambled in a bookmaker’s shop or online, placed a bet on a sports event.
Changes in Irish gambling laws in 2015 have meant that Irish players now have an abundance of the best Irish online casinos to choose from. Online casinos offer a variety of games, such as slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker and more. Poker remains one of the most popular games in Ireland, and Irish online casinos tend to include several versions of the game to provide more choice for their customers. Live casinos have endeavoured to create the feel of a land-based casino, or ‘private members club’ as they are still known in parts of Ireland. Until land-based casinos reopen across Ireland, online casinos will continue to attract more customers than ever before.
Offered by sports bookmakers, sports news sites, and dedicated sites, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) drafts and games are highly accessible to Irish players. Usually, Fantasy Sports follow one of two formats – cash games or a guaranteed prize pool (GPP). Classed as a game of skill, they are a kind of extension of manager games and rely on the player’s knowledge of a particular sport, including their ability to compensate for injuries. You will find DF for sports such as football, Gaelic football, formula one, American football, rugby league, rugby union, basketball, golf, cricket and ice hockey.
Gambling is a diverse and dynamic activity that appeals to many people in Ireland. Whether it is buying a lottery ticket or scratch card, placing a bet on a sports event, playing an online casino game or participating in a fantasy draft, there is something for everyone who enjoys gambling. However, gambling also comes with risks and responsibilities. According to a survey by the Health Research Board (HRB), 2.3% (90,000 adults) are low-risk gamblers, 0.9% (35,000 adults) are moderate-risk gamblers, and 0.3% (12,000 adults) are problem gamblers. Problem gambling is associated with living in a deprived area and being unemployed. There is also a marked correlation between problem gambling and substance use (drug use, alcohol use disorder, smoking). Therefore, it is important to gamble responsibly and seek help if needed.
Q: What is the most common form of gambling in Ireland?
A: Buying a lottery ticket or scratch card in person (four-in-ten people) was the most common type of gambling.
Q: How much money do Irish gamblers make?
A: According to Irish Examiner, Irish players gambled an estimated €9.8 billion in 2019. Sports betting, lotteries and casino games are the most common forms of gambling in the country, and more and more players are gambling online.
Q: What are the best online casinos in Ireland?
A: There are many online casinos that cater to Irish players, but some of the factors to consider when choosing one are the license, security, game selection, bonuses, customer support and payment methods. Some of the top-rated online casinos in Ireland are Clubhouse, Betway, 888 Casino and LeoVegas.
Q: What are the gambling laws in Ireland?
A: The main legislation governing gambling in Ireland is the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, which regulates gaming and lotteries, and the Betting Act 1931, which regulates betting. However, these laws are outdated and do not cover online gambling. In 2015, an amendment to the Betting Act was introduced to regulate online bookmakers and betting intermediaries. A new Gambling Control Bill is being drafted to provide a comprehensive framework for all forms of gambling in Ireland
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