Menu

Best Irish Greyhound Derby Betting Sites Ireland of 2024

Every Irishman knows about the Irish Greyhound Derby, which takes place every year at the prestigious Shelbourne Park. The race offers the winning dog a grand prize of €125,000, which all six dogs compete for. The famous event has been in operation since 1928, blossoming into one of the biggest Greyhound Derby’s in the world. Usually, it is held in the summer months, such as the Irish Greyhound Derby 2024 taking place in July. It was sponsored by BoyleSports.

Best Irish Derby Bookmakers for 2024:

1
5 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Claim €50 in Free Bets!

- Sponsors of the Irish Greyhound Derby
- Live streaming
- Bet builder

VISIT SITE
Terms & conditions apply >
*New members. Min €10 bet on sportsbook, placed & settled within 14 days of sign-up. Min odds 2.0. 3 non-withdrawable €10 Free Bet Tokens: accept within 7 days, valid for 7 days from acceptance. ex E/Ws & Multiples. Stakes not returned. Click for terms.
Review
2
5 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Claim a €30 New Customer Free bet

New Customers only. Bet €10* & Get €30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between €5* and €10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply.

VISIT SITE
Terms & conditions apply >
New Customers only. Bet €10* & Get €30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between €5* and €10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply.
Review
3
4.9 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Get a €20 Free Bet

- Welcome bonus
- High quality live streaming
- Bet builder

VISIT SITE
Terms & conditions apply >
18+. T&C Apply
Review
4
4.9 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Get €15 in Free Bets

- Welcome bonuses
- Large variety of betting markets
- In-play betting

VISIT SITE
Terms & conditions apply >
18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit: €10, max €15 bonus, valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at a min. odds of 1/1 (2.00) or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement.System bets no eligible.
Review
5
4.8 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Claim a €50 Free Bet

There's plenty of less prolific sports too, so you can check out markets in athletics, chess, futsal and more. Esports have a good showing here, with over 300 markets at time of writing. If you're a fan you're going to want to check that out.

VISIT SITE
Terms & conditions apply >
18+. T&C Apply
Review
6
4.8 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Claim a €40 Welcome Offer

Get a great €40 new customer bonus from Unibet

VISIT SITE
Terms & conditions apply >
18+ begambleaware.org. New customers only. Min deposit €10. Money back as bonus if first bet loses. Wagering requirements: all sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Unless forfeited the sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in. Full T&C's apply.. #AD
Review
7
4.7 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Claim €30 in Free Bets

William Hill offer an excellent €30 in Free Bets.

VISIT SITE
Terms & conditions apply >
KQC: 18+. Play safe. New customers using Promo code H30 only, Min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply.
Review
8
4.6 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Claim a €60 Matched Bet

Right now they have 34 different sports covered, meaning that you’re very likely to find the sport that you’re interested in here. For example, most top sports are covered, including football, tennis, horse racing, rugby, greyhounds, and much more besides.

VISIT SITE
Terms & conditions apply >
T&Cs Apply T&Cs apply, 18+ Begambleaware.org
Review
9
4.6 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Get a €50 + €20 Bet Bonus

Fafabet offers betting on over 30 sports including the big three of Football, horse racing and greyhounds as well as GAA Hurling which many Irish members will be delighted to find present in the sportsbook.

VISIT SITE
Terms & conditions apply >
18+. T&C Apply
Review

As it is one of the most important events in Ireland, we have compiled a list of the top betting sites for the derby. We have also researched the best strategies to win, which are the most popular markets, and the most popular types of offers available on betting.
We hope to give you some clarity on the event, and answer the most frequently asked questions.

How We Rank The Best Irish Greyhound Derby Betting Sites In Ireland

The sheer popularity of the Irish Greyhound Derby makes it one of the most important betting events on the season. This means that the majority of bookmakers will be covering the race, so it is vital to compare every one of them. As a result, we can look out for certain criteria which makes a betting site stand out from the rest.

REGISTRATION PROCESSWhen betting on the Irish Greyhound Derby, you want to get straight to it. No unnecessary questions or hassle, just a quick sign-up application. Every good bookmaker should have an easy to fill out application form, which may ask you for details like an email and password, as well as contact information and payment. Overall, this should take no more than five minutes of your valuable time.
SECURITYThe security of your information is paramount, which is why every bookmaker should take the adequate steps to protect your data. This includes SSL encryption which codes your personal information and deters criminals from accessing it and making changes or taking it for themselves. As well as this, there should be double verification wherever suitable.
SAFETYWhilst betting on the Irish Greyhound Derby is set up to be satisfying, entertaining and a great way to make money, it is crucial to acknowledge its downside. Gambling irresponsibly can be detrimental to your finances and overall safety. Every bookmaker should provide resources, FAQs, and contact information which will help you to make informed decisions. They may also have special features like self-assessment forms to aid you being in charge of your finances.
USER-FRIENDLY INTERFACEHaving an organised website is important because this saves you time when looking for information. Whether you are searching for a specific betting market, or need contact information, the tabs should be right in front of you. Furthermore, most innovative betting sites have apps available for iOS and Android, which are just as user-friendly.
BONUSES AVAILABLETo keep things interesting, most bookmakers offer a variety of bonuses throughout the year to make your experience more enjoyable. For the Irish Greyhound Betting Derby, this could mean anything from free bets to enhanced odds. If you are a potential customer, this could also include welcome bonuses to catch your eye.
RANGE OF PAYMENT METHODSNowadays, not everyone uses the same payment methods. Conveniency is vital, because not every customer will use the same money transfer services, and so variety is key. Debit cards and e-wallets are the most popular, but having choice is what separates the excellent bookmakers from the adequate. 
CUSTOMER SUPPORTTo feel valued as a customer, it is important to feel like you can reach out to your bookmaker at any given point. Depending on the urgency of the situation, having a 24/7 chatline or a toll-free telephone number can make all the difference. If you don’t wish to instant message, an email should suffice too.

Best Irish Greyhound Derby Betting Sites

BoyleSports

Pros

  • Sponsors of the Irish Greyhound Derby
  • Live streaming
  • Bet builder
  • Great betting odds

Cons

  • Not all payment methods eligible for the welcome bonus

The most obvious choice when it comes to betting sites for the Irish Greyhound Derby is BoyleSports. Like we mentioned, the official sponsors of the derby are BoyleSports, therefore making them one of our favourite bookmakers for greyhound racing. For over a decade, they have supported the tournament.

Founded in 1982 in Northern Ireland, the established company has had lots of time to grow. They are best known for their welcome bonuses, such as €40 in free bets when you deposit only €10. Other significant promotions include best odds guaranteed, as well as great live streaming for the races if you can’t be there in person.

If you live in Ireland and are near one of their many establishments, you can also register for BoyleXtra, their loyalty reward scheme.

bet365

Pros

  • Competitive welcome offer
  • Website is easy to navigate

Cons

  • Known to limit professional bettors

bet365 is one of the best-known betting sites in the world, founded in the United Kingdom in 2000. Their €3 billion revenue alone is evidence as to how popular the company is, which is what makes them one of our favourites. In addition, they have extensive knowledge of the Irish Greyhound Derby, and the details can be found on their website, making them extremely reliable. They have some of the best betting odds for greyhound racing in this regard.

The bet365 welcome offer is enticing for new customers, as it is one of the best values for money. With a €10 deposit, you stand to gain up to €30 in free bets of your choosing. Over time, loyal customers are also subject to promotions such as surprise giveaways. Their loyalty program ensures return customers are continuously rewarded.

Ladbrokes

Pros

  • Welcome bonus
  • High quality live streaming
  • Bet builder

Cons

  • No VIP schemes

Ladbrokes is a betting site that is huge in the sporting industry, especially the Irish Greyhound Derby. It is recognised mainly for its generous welcome bonuses and promotions, despite not having a VIP scheme. This includes the introductory bonus of €30 when you deposit €10. You can also receive €20 in free bets (4 lots of €5) when you deposit €5.

Other offers that Ladbrokes is known for promoting include Acca insurance for Acca bets. Essentially, this means that if you place a wager made up of several individual bets and one of them fails, you can still receive a payout. Such bets are ideal for tournaments because there are made up of many races.  

Similarly, Ladbrokes odds boosts mean that you can gain upto four times as much profit compared to normal bets. This is an unmissable opportunity!

Mr Play

Pros

  • Welcome bonuses
  • Large variety of betting markets
  • In-play betting

Cons

  • Low maximum winning compared to other bookmakers

Mr Play is a relatively new betting site, established in 2017. In spite of this, it has managed to exceed expectations, and quickly establish a name for itself. With over 30 sports to bet for, one of which of course being greyhound racing, My Play is a great choice to place bets with.

The welcome bonus varies; however, you could earn upto €200 in free bets depending on your deposit and market. If you are interested in casino games, it is worth mention you can also receive many free spins.  

Mr Play is renowned for its in-play betting, meaning you can place bets whilst the Irish Greyhound Derby is live. This gives you a better perspective and allows you to make more decisive bets, ultimately increasing your odds.

Irish Greyhound Derby Betting Markets

Irish Greyhound Derby betting sites will display a variety of betting markets for you to place wagers on. Listed below are the most popular which you will find:

Win-Only Betting

Inevitably the most well-known type of betting market in the Irish Greyhound Derby is the win-only type of bet. This is usually marketed at the less experience bettors, as it is the most obvious market. You simply pick a dog to win the race, and if your prediction was correct, you succeed in collecting your earnings.

If you feel confident, you can do this with no prior research. However, to do this well, you should look into the strategies we have listed below. This will help you to differentiate between each competitor and pick the best one.

Forecast Betting

Forecast betting is another popular type of market in the Irish Greyhound Derby. This includes predicting who places 1st and 2nd during the race. There are two types: straight and reverse.

During straight forecast betting there is a catch. You must place your bets in the correct order. For example, say Dog A comes 1st and Dog B comes 2nd.

  • You will only win if you predicted Dog A to come 1st and Dog B to come 2nd
  • If one of your two predictions is incorrect, you lose the entire wager
  • You can think of this as two separate conditions, but both must come true for you to win the wager

During reverse forecast betting, you can place your predications in any order. Even if they are swapped, you still win.

  • No matter whether Dog A comes 1st and Dog B comes 2nd, or the other way around, you win.

Tricast Betting

Tricast betting is similar to forecast betting. You must predict which dogs will come 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Usually, tricast betting is only straight, but this some bookmakers will also include reverse.

  • In straight tricast betting, you must predict which dogs will come 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the exact order
  • In reverse tricast betting, you can predict which dogs will place in the top 3, but it does not matter in which order

Each-Way Betting

Each way betting is made up of two parts: a winning bet and a placing bet. When you pick a greyhound to wager on, you may win cash if they either win or finish in the top placings.

  • For example, you may place an each-way bet on Dog X. If Dog X comes first, you will win your bet. If Dog X places 2nd, you will win a portion of your bet.

This type of bet is perfect if you know a specific greyhound has a good chance of winning, but the competition as fierce and you aren’t willing to risk it. This way, you can win money when they do well.

Length Betting

Length betting, also known as winning distance betting, is pretty self-explanatory. Here, you will have to predict by how much the winning greyhound will win by. Usually, the bookmaker will give you a few options. You may see options like:

  • 1 Length
  • 1-2 Lengths (this means anywhere between 1 and 2 lengths)
  • 2-5 Lengths (this means anywhere between 2 and 5 lengths)

You will have to decide by which measurement you think the greyhound placing 1st will come.

Top, Middle, Or Bottom Betting

If you have done your research on the Irish Greyhound Derby, you will know that there are 6 greyhounds that compete in the race. By choosing top, middle, or bottom betting, you are predicting which band the dogs will come under.

Betting on the middle is the most complex, as it is difficult to decide which dogs will perform with a mediocre performance. On the other hand, it is easier to bet on the top or bottom placings. Choose the most likely to win at the top, and those who are clearly less successful at the bottom.

Ante Post Betting

Ante post bets are common with greyhound racing, which is most likely where you will hear the term. This means that you can wager before the competitors are even announced. You simply place bets on the greyhounds you think will likely be participating.

Although this is risky, because you can’t know which greyhounds will definitely place, or if they will have a good chance of winning so far back in advance, it makes for an interesting wager.

Betting Offers For Irish Greyhound Derby

You will see a variety of betting offers for the Irish Greyhound Derby. Some are popular, and others you will find less often.

Free Bets

One of the most popular bets you will undoubtedly find is the free bets. This is a great promotion because it can work in all sectors of the betting industry, whether it is sports or other.

If you are a new customer searching for a bookmaker to make bets with for the Irish Greyhound Derby, free bets will often be a part of the welcome deal. You will find offers such as:

  • Register now and win €10 worth of free bets to spend in the next 5 days
  • Deposit €10 and win €20 worth of free bets

Free bets is one of the most competitive types of offer because every bookmaker has them, so be sure to research and compare which sites provide you with a higher value.

Cash Back

Cash back is a great type of betting promotion, but be wary that is it not as common with bookmakers as free bet offers are.

When you see cash back, this means that even if your bet doesn’t win, you may still get a fraction of your stake back.

Such offers are usually seen in Acca bets, when there are many individual bets and one of them may not be successful. Cash back is also useful when placing high odds bets that are less likely to occur.

Enhanced Odds

Look out for enhanced odds, or odds boosts. These offers mean that the risk remains the same, but your prize will be greater. Similar to cash back, this is ideal for when placing risky bets, because the payout will be worth it if you are successful.

Strategies For Betting On The Irish Greyhound Derby

So, you have decided you want to be on the Irish Greyhound Derby. What are the top tips we can offer you?

RESEARCH THE DOG AND TRAINERWhen it comes to the Irish Greyhound Derby, it really pays off to do some research. As the event has been operating for almost one century, you can see some trends. The most recent derbies will show recurring themes, such as like which trainers consistently take part each year. Keep an eye on the achievements of each dog, such as placings in past races, and track conditions. Then, you will see who has the highest likelihood of victory.
SPREAD YOUR BETSBefore you begin betting, it is crucial to think about how you want to spread your bets. Consider which markets you are most informed in, and whether you want to wager in low- or high- odds. By looking at your past performances, you can gage where you went wrong in your losses, and learn from them.
CHECK THE TRACK AND DISTANCEEvery greyhound performs differently depending on their skillset. This means that not every dog has the same abilities, hence their strengths and weakness will differ vastly. The Irish Greyhound Derby specifically has many races over its six-weeks, which will showcase just how differently individual competitors perform. This includes tracks of 350, 525, 550, 575, 600, 750, and 850 yards. Be sure to check out the past history of the dogs, and which races you think they will thrive in.
SET YOURSELF BOUNDARIESThis may not have a direct affect on winning/losing on your wagers, but setting yourself boundaries is more imperative than you might think. By having a set total of how much you can deposit, you can protect your assets as well as enjoy betting. Controlling your spending will lead to bigger profit margins in the long term.  

FAQs On The Irish Greyhound Derby Betting

We hope to have answered all of your questions on Irish Greyhound Derby betting sites. Below are the most common queries, to summarise all of the information above.

When Is The Next Irish Greyhound Derby?

The Irish Greyhound Derby happens annually; therefore, the next tournament will be in 2024. Just like every year it will take place in Shelbourne Park, located in south Dublin.

The tournament takes place over a six-week period. There are several rounds, as well as quarter- and semi- finals. Beginning with over with 150 dogs, the competition will fiercely drop to six contestants. The final race, occurring in September, will announce the winner; it is on a 550-yard track.

How Do I Bet On The Irish Greyhound Derby?

As it is one of the biggest events in Ireland, betting on the Irish Greyhound Derby is extremely easy. Almost all bookmakers will advertise their odds, promotions, and markets on the event.

Our top picks for betting sites include BoyleSports, Ladbrokes, bet365, and Mr Play. With this being said, there are many other excellent betting companies. Be sure to look out for those with impressive welcome offers, an array of markets, and robust security.

When you register, you simply need to deposit money into your account, pick your market, decide on a wager, and confirm your stake.

Which Payment Methods Can I Use?

Every site is different. Below is a table of popular payment methods that are used by good betting sites. It is worth noting that some methods have a shorter withdrawal period than others. Deposits are usually instant.

 Additionally, you may not be eligible for welcome bonuses with some types of e-wallets.

PAYMENT METHODWITHDRAWAL TIME
Cryptocurrency1-2 days
E-wallet (Skrill, PayPal, Apple Pay)1-3 days
Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard)3-6 days
Bank Transfer5-8 days

Which Are The Most Popular Betting Markets?

Undoubtedly, the most popular betting market is win-only. After all, everyone wants to correctly predict the winner of the Irish Greyhound Derby!

Forecast and tricast betting is also popular, as there are six dogs in the final. Especially for greyhound racing, you will find ante-post betting, whereby the names of the finalist will not be released yet.

Who Were The Past Winners Of The Irish Greyhound Betting Derby?

As we mentioned, it is worth doing your research on past winners. Look out for returning trainers!

YEARDOGTRAINER
2023The Other KobeJennier O’Donnel
2022Born WarriorJennifer O’Donnell
2021Susie SapphireOwen McKenna
2020Newinn TaylorGraham Holland
2019Lenson BockoGraham Holland