The Irish have been huge fans of gambling for centuries. For many of them, nothing beats the thrill you get when you place a wager and wait to see how it turns out. As years have gone by, the world of gambling has gone through huge transformations, mostly thanks to modern tech. Naturally, this type of entertainment also expanded to the online sphere. Ireland has one of the most exciting gambling scenes out there, and that is why we decided to share this overview with you.
How It All Started
Gambling first appeared in the area during ancient times, even before the Romans arrived. In that period, there was a lot of hype around chariot races which can be considered the first version of the horse racing events we all know and love. During the English colonisation, betting on horse races started to thrive, and bookies started emerging in different parts of the country. Once the Irish Free State was established in the 20th century, the officials quickly drafted the first regulations in the area. Namely, officials introduced the Betting Act of 1926. From then on, locals have been able to enjoy their betting in legal gambling establishments. The regulation was further enhanced by the Betting Act of 1931, which ensured a more stringent control of gambling practices, providing players with additional safety.
The Rise of Online Gambling
The popularity of online casinos skyrocketed in all corners of the globe, and Ireland shows one of the best examples of industry growth. In fact, the local market is likely to keep expanding, all thanks to the genuine interest in gambling among the Irish, and a strong set of regulations crafted by the government. To help you get a clear picture of the growth, let’s look at the numbers. According to the latest stats, the online gambling market in Ireland will reach a revenue of €1.10 billion by the end of 2023. By 2028, there will be more than 474,000 active online players. The number of operators is also growing rapidly, so the locals frequently seek help and information from online review sites. By doing so, they get to explore all the latest casinos from Ireland that have been inspected by industry professionals. New platforms feature exciting game titles that include both the classics and some fun new genres.
The Craze Around Sports Betting
The Irish are crazy about sports, so it is no surprise that the country is home to many passionate bettors. As a result, the sports betting market is also thriving. By 2028, online sportsbooks will gather more than 500,000 users. Although the locals love all kinds of sports, there is a widespread interest in horse racing. Ireland boasts many beautiful racetracks, and the discipline is present in almost all bookies available to the Irish. Of course, other sports such as football, rugby, and boxing are also commonly enjoyed.
Why Do People Love Playing on the Web?
Let’s dive into the key reasons why the Irish love gambling on the web:
Convenience
Brick-and-mortar casinos are not easily accessible to the entire population, and many visitors need to travel before they can play. With online casinos, players have an unlimited source of entertainment right at their fingertips. All they need is a suitable device that is connected to the internet. Irish punters can choose to play from the comfort of their homes or to do it on the go, and many appreciate this kind of convenience.
Huge Game Selection
The variety of games in physical establishments is always limited by space. There is simply a fixed number of tables and slot machines that a venue can fit on a given casino floor. On the contrary, online operators have the freedom to accumulate a large number of games, so some online casinos offer hundreds or even thousands of titles.
Promotions and Bonuses
Today’s online gambling sites offer attractive bonuses, and the Irish are aware of this perk that can hardly be found in land-based venues. Many operators greet new members with valuable welcome packages upon registration, and then they continue to treat them with occasional freebies. Players can expect to receive anything from free spins to no-deposit bonuses, and each platform has its own schedule when it comes to promotions.
Gambling has been present in Ireland for a very long time, and the country’s population adores all kinds of wagering, including sports betting and online casino games. Luckily for the Irish, the number of virtual operators keeps growing, so both new and seasoned players can enjoy new gaming options at all times. No matter the skill level, punters continue to appreciate the numerous perks of online gambling sites and we expect the offer will continue to develop in the years to come.
