Best Online Poker Sites Ireland 2024 ☘️ Bonuses and Poker Games

Online Poker Ireland Facts

How we rank the best online poker sites in Ireland

A modern website	There’s no excuse for a bad website in 2024. Online poker is a visual experience and the website should reflect that. Therefore, a sleek, modern and eye-catching design, that’s intuitive to boot, is paramount.
A decent app	A large proportion of bettors go straight to the app nowadays. While the website should be top notch, the app should be right up there as well. Apps that don’t replicate the same experience as the regular site won’t rank as highly. That means things should be easy to find, all games should be available on the app as well as the site, and forget about crashes and glitches: players won’t stand for it.
Selection of games	Online poker sites should offer an extensive range of poker formats if they want to keep players happy. We look for sites that offer various cash game variations that go beyond the more common No-Limit Texas Hold’em, such as Pot-Limit Omaha, Stud, and mixed games. Not only that, but ones that offer a wider selection of games, like craps and blackjack, will be more rounded and be a better experience overall.
Traffic and talent pool	The number of active players and the level of competition at the tables are critical factors. Sites with a healthy player pool and a good mix of skill levels can provide a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Offers and bonuses	It doesn’t matter whether it’s welcome offers, loyalty rewards, or even a birthday present, online poker sites need to stay ahead of the competition by offering generous rewards. Players want to boost their bank balance and will jump on the chance of lucrative bonus to get playing.
Freebies	Like bonuses, freebies will get players using the site. Daily freebies as a reward for playing poker games or table games will be a great way for online poker sites to be recommended.
Rake and other fees	Rake is a type of commission fee taken by a cardroom operating a poker game. Poker sites that offer lower rake and other associated fees can increase players’ overall winnings over time
Regular tournaments and other games	Poker players love tournaments. Online poker sites that offer an extensive range of unique tournaments tend to rank highly. Freerolls, sit and go’s, or multi-table tournaments are the name of the game and should be on offer in any credible online poker site.
Key features	Online poker sites need to offer a wide selection of games, but they should also be thinking about the features they offer as well. That doesn’t just go for the shiny features like a €1,000 bonus, but includes fair wagering requirements, live dealers, and more.
Stakes and buy-ins	We look at the range of stakes and buy-ins available when considered which online poker sites to recommend. A diverse selection accommodates both casual players and high rollers, allowing you to choose games that match your budget.
Customer support	24/7, accessible customer support is crucial. Customer service agents should not only be available, but they should be experts when answering players’ questions. Live chat is the most popular channel to use, with email and a free telephone number also being indispensable channels at a player’s disposal.
Deposits and withdrawals	Deposits should be instant. And multiple solutions need to be supported. Apple Pay, Google Pay, or even Bitcoin, alongside the traditional credit and debit cards, should all be considered if online poker sites want to rank high. Players will also need speedy withdrawals if they expect to consider a site decent. They should be instant or within 48 hours, typically.
Optimised software	Online poker sites need to work with the best of the best when it comes to software solutions. Without it, the experience will be clunky and unenjoyable for players. Working with reputable software providers means a more user-friendly and seamless experience across every device
Compatibility	Speaking of devices, online poker sites need to ensure compatibility across all devices and operating systems. Players should have the same experience on a tablet as on a smartphone, or on Android compared to iOS.

Best online poker sites in Ireland for 2024

There are currently hundreds of websites that allow people to play poker online which can be overwhelming to those who are not familiar with playing. Knowing which site to choose can be difficult when you are given too many options. That’s why I wanted to create a pros and cons list for you regarding some of the best poker sites online in Ireland.

Bet365 Poker

Pros:

• Lots of cash games and tournaments available
• Easy to navigate site and software

Cons:

• Limited variants available

Bet365 are one of the most known and trusted names in betting right now. As such, you’ll want to consider their poker site. Does it have everything that you’re looking for?

You’ll find right away that there’s plenty of games available to you. With plenty of both cash games and tournaments, you’ll always be able to go on and find a game that’s ready and waiting to go. The competition and traffic is always steady, with new players coming over from their other sites all the time. As such, some feel that you can go after some fishy players if you’re so inclined.

Another benefit to the site is the way it has been designed. Everything is laid out with easy navigation in mind, so it will never take you long to get to what you want. That’s the same on the downloadable software too, so you have plenty of choice as to how you play. With good software being surprisingly difficult to find on even the best poker sites, it’s great to see this here.

When you check out the variants available, you will see that they’re quite limited in what they can offer. Texas Hold ‘Em is the main one here, so if you’re into that everything is good. If not though, then this may not be the site for you.

If you want a poker site that has steady traffic and lots of games happening around the clock, then Bet365 Poker will be for you. They have designed a site that’s really easy to navigate, so it won’t take you long to find what you need. While they are limited in game variants, they are still well worth checking out.

Ladbrokes Poker

Pros:

• Generous welcome offer for new members
• Plenty of tables and game variety

Cons:

• Software could be better

Ladbrokes is probably the most trusted name out there when it comes to gambling. As such, their poker site has been going strong since 2000. What is it that makes it a good option?

Firstly, if you’re a new member you’ll be able to grab a great welcome offer. When you sign up, you can claim 30 EUR’s worth of tournament tickets when you deposit 20 EUR. That’s a great deal for people are just looking to play for fun, or want to try the site out before they make it their poker home. As well as this, there are always regular offers happening for members here too.

Their current software is hosted through Playtech, and it uses a very simple interface that many do like using. It’s especially great for those who are new to online poker, and are getting to grips with it. Some do feel that the site could use a more updated software, as it is rather basic, but you’ll need to try it and see what you think.

As for the games themselves, there’s lots of variety waiting here for you. You can play Hold ‘Em, Omaha and Stud games, and there’s always plenty of players coming through thanks to the Ladbrokes betting and casino sites. You can even get some access to high level tournaments, meaning there’s even more games to choose from.

With all this in mind, you can see that there’s lots to check out here at Ladbrokes Poker. For those that are looking for a more casual experience, you can enjoy all the games here with steady competition. The great promos available to you give you more for your money, too.

UniBet Poker

Pros:

• Good quality software
• Great welcome bonus

Cons:

• Some cash games don’t have great traffic

While UniBet is well known as a betting and casino site, what you may not know is that they have their own stand alone poker site. Does it give you everything you’re looking for?

While they aren’t big enough to offer the variety that other poker sites can, there’s still plenty to see here. You’ll be able to play Texas Hold ‘Em and Pot Limit Omaha games here, with buy ins ranging from freerolls to 50 EUR buy ins. In some cash games you’ll see they don’t have as much traffic as you’d expect, but there’s still enough action to keep you busy.

The software deserves a mention, as it’s all built with the fun of poker in mind. You can download it to your desktop or mobile device, and it’s all about getting that live game feel. You will see that the number of tables you can have open is limited, but as the software isn’t designed for the real grinders out there, this shouldn’t be a problem for you.

When you first become a member you’ll be able to take advantage of a great welcome offer. You’ll be gifted 20 EUR of free funds as tournament tickets, and you’ll have the chance to gain up to 200 EUR as they generate rake. It’s a unique bonus, and you can get a lot out of it even as a casual player.

UniBet Poker is all about the players who are there for a good time. As such, their whole platform has been created around it. If you want a poker platform that just allows you to enjoy the game, then this is going to be the one for you. Why not give them a try?

888 Poker

Pros:

• Consistent player traffic
• Easy to use banking system

Cons:

• Software really needs updating

The 888 Poker site has been around since 2002, making it one of the oldest sites in the business. If you want to find a good poker site, are they the ones that you should choose?

One of the best things about the site is that they have really consistent player traffic. A lot of this is because you’re always getting people coming over from the 888 betting a casino pages, which leads to a lot of fishy players. It’s not all easy game though, as there are lot of long time members who have perfected their play style, so you’ll have a real challenge on your hands.

As the site has been around for so long, so has their software. To be honest, it’s very much in need of an update. Something many players complain about is the adverts that always pop up when you’re trying switch tables. That’s going to take you out of the action and be really annoying, so keep that in mind when making a decision.

Where the site really helps you though, is with their banking system. It’s quite easy to make your initial deposit, and thanks to instant processing times you’ll be able to start playing right away. You can deposit using debit cards, direct bank transfers, PayPal, Visa, and Neteller. These are all well known methods in the gambling scene, so it won’t take you long to get up and running here.

While their software could do with being updated, you’ll see that 888 Poker still has a lot to offer you. With a great mix of players and plenty of traffic, there’s always going to be games happening here. As such, it’s easy to get started here and enjoy some games.

Guts

Guts is on today’s list of top poker sites Ireland because they are one of the country’s favourite sites to use when playing poker. They have fantastic games available (even though the number of variants is quite low). They have lots of very highly rated poker tournaments and even provide a very generous welcome bonus for all of those new users that join their site. They have an easy to navigate site and the majority of their traffic returns meaning they have a consistent stream of players ready to compete.

Pros of using Guts:

• The site has lots of returning traffic meaning lots of people to play
• They have multiple highly rated poker tournaments
• They even offer a lucrative welcome bonus for new users

Cons of using Guts:

• They only have a small variety of poker games available

888 poker

888 Poker is another addition to our online poker sites list and for good reason. They have one of the easiest websites to use which is great for new users. They have a large collection of banking options available so you shouldn’t struggle to deposit or withdraw your funds. Their customer service could be improved and they don’t have many bonuses or promotions available for their users. However, they have great games and even better graphics in each of them. They’re a fantastic choice for those looking to use a long term poker site.

Pros of using 888 Poker:

• The site is very easy to use with simple navigation
• They allow lots of banking options
• They have top-tier graphics and designs in their poker games

Cons of using 888 Poker:

• Their customer service could be improved
• They only have deposit bonuses and no other promotions

GGPoker

GGPoker is another addition to our best poker sites list for Irish players and they are so focused on offering a great online poker experience that they don’t even have a sportsbook to use. They don’t currently allow any players to play anonymously but this is one way they keep the overall game safe and secure for all players which isn’t a bad thing. They make sure to have some games that are exclusive just to their site and even have a fantastic poker app for those users who want to play while on the go.

Pros of using GGPoker:

• They have exclusive games that are only found on their site
• They have a fantastic poker app too
• They also have a great reputation in the poker world

Cons of using GGPoker:

• They do not allow players to play anonymously
• They only have poker games available and no sportsbook

Bet365 Poker

Of course, Bet365 Poker is included in our list of online poker sites, they’re only one of the biggest bookmakers in the world! They are a highly trusted brand with a large following of loyal punters. They have lots of guarantees on many tournaments as well as a multitude of players tuning in to the site every day. If you are trying to access it from outside Ireland or another site, then you might find that it is difficult to do so because they are extremely strict about VPN use and restrict many countries from gaining access. Plus, they have a high welcome bonus, but the requirements are rather hard to meet.

Pros of using Bet365 Poker:

• Highly trusted brand in the online poker industry
• High guarantees on many tournaments
• Lots of users tuning in most days

Cons of using Bet365 Poker:

• Very strict with VPNs and access outside specific regions
• Hard to reach the threshold for welcome bonuses

William Hill

William has long been a favourite choice for online poker Ireland so they couldn’t be missed from our list of the best poker sites. They have a lot of traffic which means there are always people to play poker against online. They make sure to always offer lots of tournaments, even though they only have a handful of poker game varieties to choose from. They are not the best at offering promotions through the site, and the bonus scheme is a little difficult to be successful in but the overall site is easy to use and has so many opportunities to enjoy playing this hugely popular online card game.

Pros of using William Hill:

• Lots of poker traffic through this site
• Great customer support for poker queries
• Multiple poker tournaments to choose from

Cons of using William Hill:

• They don’t offer as many promotions as the competition
• It can be difficult to earn bonuses
• Only a few poker variations

What is poker?

Poker is a group of card comparison games where participants bet on which hand is the greatest, per the rules of that particular game. In total there are three main groups of poker card games: Draw poker, stud poker, and community card poker are the three main subcategories of poker. Almost all variations of the game will fit into one of these groups.

Even though the game’s oldest known version only required 20 cards, it is currently typically played with a conventional deck, though in nations where short packs are popular, it may also be played with 32, 40, or 48 cards.

What is online poker?

Poker played online takes place via the Internet instead of in physical buildings where you play in person. It has contributed to a significant rise in poker players around the world. Many of these poker games are played the same exact way as that of brick and mortar establishments – they’re just virtual. So you still have the same number of players in a game and often have spectators watching the games without taking part themselves, everything is just done through a computer screen from the comfort of your home instead. Playing poker online has increased in popularity ten-fold and it does not seem to be slowing down. So we need to now figure out which sites are worth spending your time, money and poker skills on.

How online poker sites work

Online poker sites can be extremely varied, with multiple games, variations, and formats to play in. Some of the most common games and their variations are:

Game type	Variations
Texas Hold’em	No-Limit Texas Hold’emPot-Limit Texas Hold’em Fixed-Limit Texas Hold’em
Omaha	Omaha HiOmaha Hi-Lo (Omaha 8 or Better)
Seven Card Stud	Seven Card Stud HiSeven Card Stud Hi-Lo (Seven Card Stud 8 or Better)
Razz	Razz (Seven Card Stud Low)
Five Card Draw	Five Card Draw
Mixed Games	HORSE (Rotation of Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Eight or Better)8-Game (Rotation of 8 different poker variants)
Short Deck Poker	Short Deck Hold’em

We then need to consider the formats that each of these game types and variations may come in. Some will appeal more than others to players.

Format	Description
Cash Games	In cash games, players use real money chips to play. These games have no set end time, allowing players to join or leave the table at any point. Common formats include No-Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha.
Tournaments	Poker tournaments have a set buy-in and usually involve many players competing for a prize pool. Tournaments can be multi-table (MTTs) or single-table (Sit & Go).
Sit & Go (SNG)	Sit & Go tournaments are single-table events with a set number of players. They begin as soon as all seats are filled. SNGs often have fixed prize structures.
Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs)	MTTs involve many players across multiple tables, gradually narrowing down to a final table. The prize pool is typically distributed among the top finishers.
Fast-Fold Poker	Fast-fold poker allows players to fold their hands and immediately move to a new table with a new hand. This format reduces waiting time between hands.
Omaha and Stud	These are alternative poker variants to Texas Hold’em, each with its own set of rules and strategies. Omaha and Stud games are available in various formats, including cash games and tournaments.

As you can see, there are so many types of games to get involved in that casual players might feel a bit overwhelmed, while experienced gamblers will certainly have their own preferences. No matter what way you slice it, there’s lots to get your head round so it’s important that players understand exactly how it all works.

Types of bonuses at online poker sites

Now we’ve looked at the games and their formats, let’s have a look at the bonuses and promotions players are likely to encounter. Great bonuses and offers will retain players and entice new ones, so it’s important that online bingo sites provide unique and regularly updated deals. Some of the most popular ones you’ll see are: 

Type	Description
Welcome bonus	One you’ll see all the time. Designed to attract new players with a welcome bonus for their first deposit. It often includes a percentage match of the initial deposit and may have bonus codes.
No deposit bonus	Provided without requiring a deposit. New players receive a small amount of bonus funds or tournament tickets upon registration and is a nice freebie for players who may be a bit more casual.
Reload bonus	Reload bonuses are a great way to keep existing players coming back for more. They work by offering a bonus when deposits have been made after the initial one.
Freerolls	Freeroll tournaments allow players to enter without a buy-in. They offer a chance to win real money or tournament tickets for free and is a great way to get people experiencing the games.
Satellite tournaments	Satellites allow players to win tickets to larger, higher-stakes tournaments. These are a cost-effective way to gain entry to prestigious events that you might not otherwise afford.
Cashback	Cashback offers provide players with a percentage of their rake or tournament fees refunded. The more you play, the more cashback you can earn.
High hand bonuses	High hand bonuses reward players who achieve strong hands during cash games. These bonuses can vary in size and may require certain conditions to be met but are a great way to land some extra winnings.
Mission promotions	A fantastic promotion where online poker sites offer mission-based promotions that require players to complete specific tasks or objectives to earn rewards. This can include winning a certain number of hands, playing in a specific tournament, or reaching a particular leaderboard position.
Loyalty and VIP rewards	Loyalty programmes reward regular players with points or tiers, granting access to exclusive tournaments, cashback, and other perks. They’re attractive to regular players who tend to spend a bit more time or money on the site.
Bad beat jackpot	A unique bonus where players receive a portion of a jackpot when they lose with a strong hand like four-of-a-kind or better.
Refer-a-friend	Encourages players to refer friends to the poker site. Both the referrer and referee can receive bonuses for successful referrals. This can come in the form of free tournament entries or bonus funds.
Tournament tickets	Players may receive tickets to specific tournaments or satellite events as part of a bonus package. These tickets often have set expiration dates.
Deposit bonus	Get a bonus based on the amount they deposit into their betting account, often as a percentage.
Cashback promotion	Offers a percentage of bettors’ losses back as cash or free bets over a specified period.
Birthday gifts	Some online poker sites will offer birthday bonuses to players on their birthdays. This can be a tournament entry or cash bonus; it depends on the site.
Seasonal gifts	Similar to birthday gifts, online poker sites that rank higher might often have promotions based around holidays or specific times of the year, such as festive-themed bonuses and tournaments, or events when prestigious poker tournaments are occurring.
Rake races	Rake races are competitions where players can earn points based on the amount of rake they generate. Those players that earn the most points during the promotional period can receive cash prizes or tournament tickets.

As you can see, there’s no shortage of bonuses for players to get their hands on. It’s always prudent to read the terms and conditions so players are getting a fair shake at landing some lucrative winnings. They might not make for the most exciting reading, but they’re important as they can make a significant difference in how much players turn into cold hard cash.

Common variations of Poker games

• Texas Hold ‘Em

Rules: Two cards are dealt to each participant, only for their eyes.

All players may use the dealer’s spread of five cards, which consists of three cards dealt simultaneously, one at a time, to create their highest potential five-card hand.

Players alternate placing bets before and after each card or cards is revealed. All players have to contribute the same amount of chips to the pot in order for the hand to go ahead.

• Omaha Hold ‘Em

Four individual cards, known as “hole cards,” are dealt to each player. On the “board,” five communal cards are dealt face-up. In Omaha games, each player combines precisely two of their hole cards with exactly three of the community cards to create the strongest possible five-card poker hand. Neither more nor less.

• Five card stud

Players are dealt a total of five cards rather than seven in 5 Card Stud, which is played similarly to its cousin, 7 Card Stud. Over the course of a hand in 5 Card Stud, players are dealt one face-down card and four face-up cards. An ante, a bring-in, and a limit betting structure all appear in a game of 5 Card Stud.

• Seven card stud

Prior to the first betting round in seven-card stud, players are given two down cards and one up card. This is followed by three additional face up cards (with a betting round after each card) and one more down card. There is one more round of betting after the final down card is dealt. The pot is won by the strongest five-card poker hand.

• High Low Chicago

The dealer will deal a card face up when the player places a wager on the table. The player must choose whether the value of the upcoming card will be greater or lesser than the value of the face-up card. You will receive the payout shown if your prediction is accurate. If you lose, your wager is lost.

Popular poker events and Championships

Part of the reason that online poker is becoming so popular is because of how many poker events there are these days. As more and more people find out about and watch these tournaments, their interest in trying them out for themselves increases. Around the world, there are various poker tournaments, but I want to focus on the most popular for Irish players. See these competitions below:

Irish Poker Championship	Galway, Ireland	January 4th – 8th
Irish Poker Festival	Cork, Ireland	March 9th – 12th
Irish Poker Open	Dublin, Ireland	April

When it comes to the world stage for Poker, Ireland is definitely up there with some interesting facts connecting the card game. After the World Series of Poker, the Irish Poker Open is the No Limit Texas Hold ’em tournament with the longest history in Europe. That’s quite impressive if you ask us. Who would have thought that our small island is actually really well known in the poker world?!

Now it should seem like less of a surprise that so many people here are enjoying playing poker now too, and why it’s so necessary for us to create this post for our many readers to find their ideal online poker sites?

What to look for in online poker sites?

There are so many features to think about when it comes to looking for the appropriate online poker sites. As well as the list above, I want to show you what else to look for in sites specifically when you are on the hunt for the best poker sites in the future.

• Legally run with correct licences

It is a legal requirement that sites that allow gambling in Ireland have the correct licencing to do so. It’s very easy to find out if a site is licenced as it will have the gambling commission label clearly displayed on its website. It shouldn’t be hard to find and is often proudly showcased at the footer of the site. If you cannot find this licencing information it is best to avoid.

• A Variety of games

Unless you are completely set on only using one game going forward, it’s always best to have a look for a site with multiple games or variants on offer. This will prevent you from getting too bored and allows you to stay with one brand for a longer period rather than having to chop and change regularly.

• Different promotions

To keep things interesting in the poker world, an attractive site is one that can offer bonuses and promotions to help keep you interested. There are so many sites that offer poker experiences now, so what makes them different from each other? The way they keep us interested and benefit the user of course.

Step by step guide for poker online: How to bet using Irish  poker sites

For today’s example, we will be using GGPoker to show you how to bet online using poker sites Ireland.

Step #1: Log in or create a new account with GGPoker

If you have already used GGPoker in the past then all you need to do is log in to your pre-existing account. If you are a new user instead, you need to click on the button in the top right corner to create a new account for the first time. This will open a new window with 3 screens as your progress. Page 1 asks you to confirm your residence country – in this case Ireland. Page two asks for an email address and chosen password. Finally, page three asks you to confirm terms, and conditions and select contact preferences. Once these have been filled your account is made and you will be taken to the homepage. A Pop up should appear asking if you want to deposit money now.

Step #2: Deposit your funds

The window will automatically ask you how you would like to deposit. You will get to set your deposit limit for safe gambling here too. Make sure you input the deposit value of the money you’d like to put into your account. You can easily add more later on if need be. If you want to take advantage of a deposit bonus, select that from the drop down menu at the bottom of the window before clicking the green button.

As you can see from the next image, you will need to go through verification of your identity before your deposit is allowed to go through. I have combined the 3 slides into one image as each side only asks one question each time. The first asked for your full name and date of birth, the second page asks for your gender, and the final page asks for your residential address. Once all of these have been verified you will be asked to input your card (or other payment) details to complete your deposit.

Step #3: Download the poker software

In order to successfully get involved with online poker on this site you will need to download the software that allows you to play. After depositing funds you should be automatically taken to a page like below that allows you to download the system straight from the page. This will open a few different installation windows but should take no more than a few minutes to complete.

Step #4: Find games & start playing

The below image is the main home screen of the poker online software system. From here you can find out how many players are online at the time and also find the specific games you’d like to play. Once you find a game you want, click on it and you will see the page change to reflect your choice. For example, we will take a look at the “Battle Royale” in the top left of the screen. Clicking this will open the games lobby where you can join in if you want.

If this is your first time trying to join a game, you will be prompted to choose a username and an avatar.

Since each poker game is completely different (albeit all being variations of Poker) you need to make sure you read all of the rules for each game. If you don’t, you run the risk of making a big or costly mistake which you could later regret, especially if you lose real money because of it. There are different buy-in amounts as well which can determine which variation you play. 

Step #5: Withdraw winnings (if applicable)

After playing poker, if you’re a winner in any way, it’s fair to assume you will have some money in your e-wallet to withdraw. To withdraw funds, you just need to click on the icon in the right corner which opens your account. Go to the “My wallet” tab and as long as you have a positive balance you should see the button which allows you to withdraw.

What is the most common variation of poker?

Without a doubt, Texas Hold ‘Em is the most popular and best-known variation of online poker. It is also the main type of poker to be played at many of the large international tournaments so it has a large fanbase. This is often the first type of Poker that people start to play when starting out as it covers many of the fundamental basics that are carried into the other variants.

With regards to the least popular variants of the game, that is rather hard to answer since it can vary from site to site. However, as a general consensus, it appears that the games with a cash limit seem to have fewer interested fans than the games with no limit. Could this mean people are put off the idea of having a limit when playing poker? I believe so. To be safe, it might be worth sticking to the games with no limit so you can in fact increase your earnings if you do well.