Best Online Poker Sites in Ireland for 2024 – Sites for Irish Players

Online Poker Ireland Facts

Best Online Poker Sites in Ireland for 2024:

LeoVegas Poker

Pros

• A mobile-friendly platform for on-the-go poker playing
• Variety of poker games to choose from
• Exciting poker tournaments with competitive prizes
• User-friendly interface for easy navigation

Cons

• A limited selection of video poker games
• Fewer poker-specific promotions compared to dedicated poker platforms
• Lower player traffic in the poker section

LeoVegas is largely known for its casino, live dealer and slot game selections, it also provides poker options including popular titles such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha and many different variations of both with different skill levels and stake options.

One of the things we love about LeoVegas is just how easy the site is to use. It really isn’t difficult to find your way around and in no time at all, you can navigate to the different poker offerings. Navigating your way around on mobile devices is really simple too and LeoVegas is known for its ‘mobile-first’ approach, where catering to mobile customers is a priority.

Moving away from the site’s user-friendly design, Irish poker fans will find there are plenty of poker tournaments on offer, giving players the opportunity to test their skills and compete for generous cash prizes.

However, it is important that we point out there are several things you should consider before choosing LeoVegas for your poker needs. Whilst LeoVewgas has a great variety of casino games, there is a very limited range of video poker games here. If you’re used to a wide variety you may find LeoVegas very limiting and it could lead you to look elsewhere for your poker games. There are also limited poker promotions compared to other sites too, which is disappointing and something you will need to consider. Finally, poker traffic can be low at LeoVegas compared to bigger poker sites, which can have an impact on the availability of poker tables and tournaments, especially when it comes to less popular games.

All in all, LeoVegas Casino offers an enjoyable poker experience with its mobile-friendly platform and competitive tournaments. However, the low traffic, lack of poker related offers and promotions and a small selection of video poker games may be enough to make you look elsewhere.

bet365 Poker

Pros

• Trusted and respected brand 
• User-friendly software 
• Generous promotions 
• Rewarding VIP scheme 
• Active player traffic 
• Excellent customer support

Cons

• Traffic fluctuations during off-peak hours 
• Difficulty in maintaining the highest VIP levels

Bet365 is one of the most recognisable names when it comes to online betting and it is a trusted and popular name in the industry. And when it comes to their poker offerings, it is no different. Irish players have been enjoying playing poker at bet365 for some time now and with their range of games and promotions, it is very easy to see why.

When you sign up to bet365 for the first time, you can claim their appealing welcome bonus. When you create an account and make a deposit you receive €365 in bonus funds, which can be used for your poker playing. This welcome bonus is redeemable in increments and isn’t credited to your account all at once, which is important to consider. Remember to always read the terms and conditions fully for any offer or promotion before claiming.

Away from the welcome bonus, bet365 also has a loyalty program for existing users. This VIP scheme comes with many benefits for poker players which include bonuses and rewards not available to regular users.

Having a great welcome bonus plus regular promotions and a good loyalty program is a big reason why poker players keep returning to bet365. Having a large player base makes playing poker here, lively and interactive and all the different poker games benefit from the large amount of traffic bet365 has. But it’s important to note that whilst the range of poker games benefits from the large traffic during peak times, during off-peak hours traffic is lower, which can have an impact on game waiting times.

bet365 Poker is one of the best online poker sites for Irishj players, offering a great range of poker games, a great welcome bonus, good ongoing promotions and a really good loyalty program. It’s easy to see why bet365 is so popular amongst Irish poker players.

888 Poker

Pros

• Lucrative welcome bonuses

• Easy competition

• Excellent game selection

• Exciting tournaments

Cons

• Lower traffic compared to some sites

• The tournament schedule could be enhanced

• Customer support

888 Poker is a familiar name in the industry and a popular destination for Irish poker players looking for a platform with a great variety of games, a lively community, great gameplay and a good range of poker tournaments. Let’s take a closer look.

For Irish players that choose to sign up for 888 Poker, we recommend joining through Beasts of Poker. Signing up this way will give you plenty of exclusive benefits that you can take advantage of, including an €800 New Player Bonus and a €20 free bonus that requires no deposit whatsoever. We think signing up to 888 Poker this way gives you the opportunity to boost your poker finances and get your 888 Poker journey off on the right foot.

There are plenty of poker games available here too, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Seven-Card Stud, which brings players in from all over, making the poker rooms fun and lively.  There are plenty of betting options available at 888 Poker too, including No-Limit, Pot-Limit and Fixed-Limit games, making sure there is something for everyone.

For playing that like taking part in poker tournaments, there is a great selection at 888 Poker, suitable for most players. These include tournaments with low buy-ins to high-stake events and there is even a tournament schedule so you can keep track of what’s coming up and never miss out.

Like with most sites, there are a few things we think you should consider before deciding if 888 Poker is right for you. Whilst there is a large player base here, traffic isn’t always high and can be low compared to other big poker sites. Also, the tournament schedule may not be as busy as some will like and you may wish to look elsewhere for sites with more frequent tournament action.

All in all, 888 Poker is one of the best places around for Irish players to spend there time and enjoy their poker. The game selection is as wide as it is varied and also the tournament schedule could be better and traffic can be low, these are minor gripes for what is an over all excellent poker site.

Ladbrokes Poker

Pros

• Extensive game selection

• Exciting tournaments

• Lucrative promotions

• Reliable and secure platform

Cons

• Restricted access in some locations

• Dated graphics

With a great variety of poker games, including popular titles such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud plus many more, players of all skill levels are able to find their preferred poker game of choice for an overall immersive, enjoyable and potentially rewarding gaming experience at Ladbrokes Poker.

In addition to the wide selection of games on offer, Ladbrokes Poker also provides its users with a rather impressive selection of tournaments. These tournaments can include freerolls, sit-and-go events and big competitions that attract lots of players with impressive prize pools. There are also plenty of promotions and bonuses for players to take advantage of. These offers can include a great welcome bonus of €50 when you make an initial deposit of €10 or more.

Security is a top priority for users and Ladbrokes knows this, providing encrypted transactions, advanced firewalls and robust data protection protocols, making sure that players’ personal and financial information is as safe and secure as they can be.

There is something for everyone at Ladbrokes Poker but there are a few areas we think you need to consider. For instance, while they offer one of the best online poker platforms around, the graphics and overall presentation of the platform appear outdated. However, it is important to note that whilst it might not be so easy on the eye, it’s down to personal choice and this does not compromise the overall functionality and safety of the site.

Another important thing to consider when using Ladbrokes Poker is it has restricted access in certain locations. So if you’re a player that likes to travel and still enjoy playing online poker, this may be something to take into consideration.

GG Poker

Pros

• Excellent reputation

• Good welcome bonus

• Diverse poker games

• Unique features

Cons

• Lack of anonymity

When it comes to online poker, Irish players can’t go far wrong with GG Poker. He found it to be one of the most comprehensive platforms around, offering something for every level of poker playing ability. From classic Hold’em and Omaha to unique variations such as Short Deck, there is a game here for every type of player.

Players can also enjoy exclusive games such as Flip & Go, All-In or Fold, Spin & Gold and fast-fold Rush & Cash. Having a game selection like this has helped to establish GG Poker as one of the leading online poker platforms available today. And it’s not all down to the great game selection either. There are cutting-edge features at GG Poker such as their Staking Platform, which lets players buy into the action of other players or even sell their own. There is also the  Pokercraft feature, which records and analyses every hand, giving players the ability to study their own game and improve their skills. Then there is SnapCam, which enables the option to take video snapshots of games and share reactions at the poker table. With all of this plus much more it is no wonder GG Poker is so popular.

There is also a great welcome bonus for new customers. Sign up to GG Poker and make a first deposit of €10 or more and you will receive a 100% match bonus of up to €600. We really like this welcome offer and we think it’s one of the best around and a great to start off your poker playing at GG Poker.

With unique features such as these and a wide range of poker games, It is easy to see why GG Poker has become so popular with Irish players over recent years. The only downside we could find was the lack of anonymity. GG Poker requires the ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) verification for accessing certain features, as well as depositing and withdrawing funds. This may take away from the anonymous gaming experience that some players like so it is important to take this into consideration before signing up and starting your poker playing journey here.

Guts Poker

Pros

• Impressive welcome bonus

• Solid gaming options

• Consistent traffic

• Slick user interface

• Swift withdrawals

Cons

• Restricted access

Guts Poker is a popular online poker platform in the European market and is quickly making a name for itself in Ireland. With one of its stand-out features being its very impressive welcome bonus of €1,000, it is very easy to see why! This doesn’t work like a regular welcome bonus either and it is added to your account as soon as you create your poker ‘alias’. Then as you participate in games, the welcome bonus is made available to you in €5 increments. We like this structured approach to welcome bonuses and it isn’t something widely available elsewhere.

With a great range and diverse selection of poker games, Guts Poker has a lot to offer Irish poker players. It doesn’t matter if you are a Texas Hold’em enthusiast or maybe you prefer Omaha, Seven-Card Stud or other popular variants, they are all covered here. And since they moved to the iPoker Network, player traffic has increased significantly, guaranteeing a lively gaming environment. With a consistent flow of traffic, players can easily find active tables and tournaments, 24/7.

Another thing we really like at Guts Poker is how user-friendly the poker interface is. It has definitely been designed with their users in mind and we really appreciate that. We found the layout intuitive and navigating our way around was simple and straightforward. There is also a great multi-table mini-view feature here, which makes the gameplay smooth and great to use.

One downside is that access has been removed for players in the UK. Whilst Irish poker players can still enjoy all aspects of Guts Poker if you travel to the UK on a regular basis and like to enjoy poker whilst on the go, it might not be the most suitable for you. 

William Hill Poker

Pros

• Strong daily traffic
•  Reliable brand
•  Tracking software and multi-tabling options
•  Soft player field
• Missions and guaranteed tournaments

Cons

• Limited variety of poker formats
• No dedicated mobile app
• Emphasis on attracting and retaining recreational players

For over 20 years William Hill has been providing betting markets to customers both online and on the high street. Its popular poker offerings, which are part of the Playtech iPoker Network, has been providing top notch poker offering to Irish players for some time and it is one of the most popular sites operating today. Let’s take a look at why it is so popular.

The iPoker Network has a great range of poker games and tournaments and a huge player base. There is a wide variety of cash games available for all levels of poker players and due to the large player base, these poker games can be fun, lively and very interactive, which all adds to the fun of playing here. Due to the large player base, there is a high level of novice poker players using William Hill Poker. This can present a softer playing field for more experienced poker players to take advantage of. And if you’re a seasoned player, you can use the multi-table function, which lets you play up to 18 tables at once!

Unlike some other poker sites, William Hill Poker allowed the use of tracking software, which gives players valuable insights into their own game and this can help with learning and improving your skill set.

One thing that we think you should consider is that despite the large player base here, it is surprising to find that there are limited poker variations available and we would like a platform as big as the iPoker Network to provide a wider selection of poker variants for its users. Don’t get us wrong, there is a good variety already and all the popular poker formats are covered such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Fast-Fold Poker. But there is little else available for those looking for a wider range of gaming options.

So to sum up our time at William Hill Poker, we really enjoyed it and it’s easy to see why William Hill Poker is a popular place for Irish poker players to spend their time. The name William Hill is a trusted name in the industry and the iPoker Network is a user-friendly and easy-to-use platform with a good variety of games, tournaments and offers. Our only gripe is that we wish there were more poker variations for Irish players to enjoy.

How do poker sites work?

As with any gambling site, you will start with the registration process. This will include making an account and waiting for it to be activated. Then the fun can begin; you will be able to access the poker online games and tournaments.

Each poker game will follow different rules depending on the type of game you play. Nonetheless, here are some of the basic steps to playing online poker:

1. Players will be dealt cards.
2. Players will place the initial bets.
3. Community cards are dealt.
4. Followed by a round of betting.
5. Fourth card is dealt.
6. Followed by another round of betting.
7. The final card is dealt.
8. The last round of betting happens.
9. Then the showdown occurs.
10. Players show their hands.

If you understand the basic rules of poker, you will be able to apply them to any game, live or online. To win at poker, you must have a winning hand, which could be one of the following: royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind, full house, straight, three of a kind, two pairs, jacks or better, or a pair.

Online poker sites will take a certain percentage of each pot as what they call a rake.” This is how they earn money operating online. This is done before the winner is rewarded.

Why is online poker so popular?

Wondering why everyone is playing online poker? Online poker is appealing as it allows people to experience poker from the comfort of their home or anywhere they decide to play. Many people prefer playing online if they are not used to playing in person or find this intimidating.

Playing online is a good opportunity to practice and enhance your skills by playing against a range of players globally.

Online poker advantages:

• Convenient
• Change to win big
• Range of types of games to play
• Play against people you wouldn’t usually be able to
• Some free are games available
• Fun and entertaining
• Win using skill rather than luck

Another thing that makes poker particularly popular in Ireland is the ability to compete in tournaments. Here, you can play in big games with the chance to win a large sum of money. Some may even be free to enter. These tournaments are typically a sit and go or multi table style game, if it is the format of the former then tournaments can be quick and finish in less than a couple of hours.

Similarly, many prefer poker to slots or casino games, as you can use skill to help you win. Other online casino games are more based on luck, while poker requires skill, which means you can improve your skill to help increase your likelihood of winning.

Types of poker online

The best poker sites will offer a range of online poker games, these are some of the most popular types of online poker you will find in Ireland.

Type of poker	Explanation
Sit and go (SNG)	These are compared to mini tournaments and operate on one table. There are multiple tables, and all players will pay the same amount to enter, and thus all players will receive the same starting chip stack. Players will battle each other until a winner is left standing. Some popular poker tournaments in the sit and go style in Ireland are; Double Up, Turbo, Satellites, and Heads Up.
Multi-Table tournaments (MTT)	Multi table tournaments have the biggest payout if successful and are played on a large scale. These tournaments involve numerous tables, and as each game commences and players are knocked out, the number of tables reduces until a final table is left. These types of poker games are some of the most popular in Ireland, some examples are 6 and 9 Max, Deep Stack, and Hyper Turbo.
Progressive knockout and bounty tournaments	What makes these types of poker games unique is that players will earn extra money from knocking out their components. As players win each game, the bounty on their heads increases, making them more profitable if beaten.
Freerolls	These are often recommended for new players, as welcome offers often allow players free entry. Existing players can still play; their entry requirements include recently making a deposit or being a VIP or loyal player.
Satellites	These are attractive to those who want to win large amounts of money with very little deposit. Here, players compete to gain access to higher level tournaments.
Multi-flight	These are much larger poker games that can include numerous phases in order to qualify for the main game. These last over different days, and if a player wins, the progress continues, and so on.

While the table above showcases types of poker online, the table below highlights some of the most popular poker games available in Ireland. With any of these games, it is recommended that you read the rules before playing. 

Poker game	Explanation
Texas Hold’em	This is the most popular poker game played, and thus it is very widely available. The game involves two hidden hole cards and five community cards facing up. Many enjoy this game due to how entertaining and fast it is. It also requires a good amount of skill and strategy to find. Since it has been around for a while, it is easy to find information and tips on how to play well.
Omaha	Similar to the above, Omaha starts with four cards, and you can use two cards for your final hand. This is another game popular with beginners, as if you can play Texas Hold’em, you are more than likely able to play this one.
Video poker	This is a simple game where you play standard poker or a variation.
Caribbean stud poker	This game is different as you will be playing with the dealer rather than other players. The dealer will show one of his cards through the game, and both you and the player will have been dealt five cards. If your hand is successful, then you will win the bet placed, whereas if the dealer wins, then you get the stake back. Not to forget, this game involves a progressive pot, making the stakes increasingly popular.
Casino Hold’em	Again, when playing with a dealer, the aim is to get the best five hand cards. You are dealt just two cards each, and you must beat the dealer to win.
2-7 Triple draw	All players will start with five dealt cards. Players have three attempts to make the best low hand. This is a common game to find in mixed games, and it is easy to learn due to the simple nature of the game.
Badugi	This game is recommended for more experienced players as it uses a different card hand ranking system. Additionally, it does not have much crossover with other games and is deemed a draw or lowball poker game.
Horse	This contains five different poker variants, hold’em, Omaha, hi/lo, razz, stud, and eight or better. Due to the mixed nature of the game, it is more likely to be played live. As a result of the 5-variant mix, it is a hard one to learn.
Razz	Here, players try to get the lowest hand possible; flushes and straights do not count. This is a well known style of poker, but it is not often played alone and is more likely to be found in a mixed game such as the one above. With that said, it is known to be an easy game to learn because it is simple.
5 cards draw	As the name suggests, players aim to make the highest-ranked cards using five-card poker hands. This is known as one of the easiest types of games to play, as it is a simple one to learn.
Pai Gow Poker	Here players are aiming to beat the banker who is represented by the casino. The game has an added excitement by including a joker in the mix, you start with 7 cards which must split into 5 and 2 hand cards. Your 5 hand must be higher than the 2. The joker can be used to fill in a  straight or even a flush, or you can choose to use it as an ace. In order to win the game you must beat the bankers hand. If only one hand wins then your stake is returned.

This is not an extensive list by any means, and you may come across other types of poker games too.

Free poker vs real money poker

One thing that makes online poker so appealing is the ability to play for free. Free poker means you can enter tournaments and games freely without putting down any money, you may even be able to win real money from these games too. Free poker games are often good for beginners, simply because you can nurture your skills and familiarise yourself with the game without risking real money.

However, one main disadvantage of free poker is that you may find that players take it less seriously. No real money is on the line, which is good but also means players will not play as professionally as when real money is on the line.

Real-money poker, on the other hand, requires a deposit before playing. Compared to free poker, if you are successful, you will have a bigger pay out, which is almost always money. Risking real money is recommended for more experienced players who are confident enough to risk such money. Similarly, it is recommended that you sharpen your strategy and skills before risking real money to enter with a higher chance of winning.

Free Poker	Real money poker
Free to enterBeginner welcomeRisk free Try out a range of games More casual playing	Deposit neededCash win Can lose real money making it more riskyFind more skilled playersTaken more seriously

Types of poker bonuses

Wondering what types of poker bonuses you can expect to find in Ireland? Here are a few of the most common. 

• No deposit free chip

While these are rare, you may come across free chips with no deposit poker offers. These are similar to the free spins offered on casino games, where you can play for free. You will often find these rewarded to new players.

• Reload bonus

This is often given to existing players and is usually rewarded at the end of the week. You can earn these bonuses once you have placed your first deposit at the casino. Some sites have been known to limit the amount you earn using these promotions; however, reload bonuses give you money back from your deposit, and these can vary.

• Referral bonus

You may be familiar with this bonus, as the name suggests you get bonuses for referring a friend to register. The new player will usually have to deposit a certain amount before you both get the bonus offered.

• Match deposit bonus

As the name suggests, the poker site will match your deposit, with some up to 100%. An example of this is that if you deposit €20, you will get €20 in addition..

• Rake back or cashback offers.

You may be familiar with these offers if you play at the casino. Here,  you will receive a small percentage of the rake for every game or match you play.

• VIP promotions

If you are a loyal player many poker sites will offer VIP promotions. These are exclusive to VIP’s and may come in many forms. For instance, larger bonuses or even prizes and even free entry,

• No deposit bonus

These are bonuses which do not require you to place a deposit to earn the bonus, evidently making these good offers. These are typically offered to new players with the incentive of register.

• Tournament ticket or entry

Online poker sites may offer entry to a tournament as a promotion itself. However, the value of the ticket, what tournament you play an the number of tickets you receive can differ.

With any offer, make sure to read the terms and conditions before using them.

How we rank poker sites for Irish players

Need help knowing what makes a good poker site in Ireland? Here is a checklist of things we believe make a good online poker site.

• Word of mouth

How good is the site’s reputation? This can let you know how trustworthy the site is, and no one else can let you know how good the site is better than the people who use it themselves? A good way to check this is by checking reviews online and asking around. It is also easy to find poker groups or online forums that can help recommend poker sites that are worthwhile. Looking at these could help you save time researching and finding one for yourself.

• Security

Only consider playing on sites that operate under a licence. This means you will be treated fairly, and you can trust your money is being handled safely. When it comes to security, there are a few other things you can bear in mind, such as the site’s track record with how they treat other players, how reliable their withdrawals are and how long they take, what measures are in place to prevent cheating, and have they had any complaints?

• Easy registration

No one wants to spend ages working their way through a laborious registration process. We find the best sites have a smooth and easy registration process. This means you can get to the action quicker.

• Game variety

You want a range of poker games on offer; this enhances your experience and increases the fun. Poker sites that offer the most choice give the player options for what to play and cater to more users.

• Bonuses and promotions

The best poker sites offer a range of bonuses and promotions to keep the online experience fun and engaging. Bonuses and promotions can make poker more exciting and can increase your earnings. A nice bonus to look out for is the welcome bonus, these may offer free entry to games.

• Customer support

While you may never want to think about things going wrong, knowing the site has good customer support can provide peace of mind in case you do need to get in touch with the sites team. This may be via email, phone call or live chat.

• Mobile app

More and more players are using their mobiles to play mobile poker, and while you can always access them through your phone’s internet browser, a mobile poker app can help enhance the experience. An app is tailored to the mobile format, making it easier to play. Not to mention the added advantages of having a mobile app, such as notifications on offers, promotions, or exclusive mobile offers.

• User experience

Who wants to play on a slow and laggy site? The best sites are smooth, easy to navigate, and have fast loading times. When rating the site’s player experience, you might want to consider how visually pleasing the site is, how it runs on desktop vs mobile, how easy it is to receive rewards, and how easy it is to find the games you like.

Types of poker sites payment/withdrawal methods and waiting times

It is good practise to check the payment options the site provides before registering. Checking that they  have a varied and most importantly, your preferred payment methods can avoid disappointment when it comes to withdrawing or placing a deposit. Here are the typical payment options you will find in Ireland when playing poker…

• Debit card
• Visa
• Mastercard
• Direct bank transfer
• PayPal
• Skrill
• Neteller
• Paysafecard
• Pay by phone such as Apple Pay or Google pay
• Sometimes you may find crypto currency such as bitcoin

Notably, credit card payments are often limited and not allowed in Ireland when playing poker.

When it comes to poker, it is uncommon to have a withdrawal fee, but it is not impossible, so it is worth noting. The type of payment option you choose could impact the withdrawal time too, for example, debit cards could take multiple days, whereas PayPal can take under 24 hours.

FAQ on poker sites and online poker rooms 

Here are some of the most popular questions for online poker sites in Ireland.