Best Poker Sites for Irish Players
The Irish poker community is close-knit and vibrant, and that follows them into the online poker world. Some of the best online poker sites in the world are open to Irish poker players, and those sites have made it easier than ever for Irish players to deposit and withdraw funds.
Prominent and successful Irish poker players fly the flag for the Emerald Isle and are part of the reason why poker is so popular in Ireland. Such luminaries as Andy Black, Marc MacDonnell, Eoghan O'Dea, Padraig Parkinson, Fintan Gavin, Dara O'Kearney, and David Lappin are instantly recognizable the world over thanks to their poker prowess.
Some of the best online poker sites that accept Irish players include:
The five online poker rooms listed above accept players from around the world, but they are especially popular with Irish poker players.
The Top 3 Irish Poker Sites
#1 Irish Online Poker Site: Paddy Power Poker
It should not be surprising to learn that the number one Irish online poker site is none other than Paddy Power Poker. The official online poker site of Irish sports betting giant Paddy Power, Paddy Power Poker is part of the busy iPoker Network, and a natural haven for Irish poker players.
In addition to busy cash game traffic, Paddy Power Poker runs hundreds of multi-table tournaments each week and is one of the few places you can play satellites to the long-running Irish Open and the Irish Poker Tour.
Paddy Power Poker also runs community-based games, and leagues, and usually has more special offers and promotions than you can shake a stick at. Throw into the mix a potentially lucrative and easy-to-achieve welcome offer, and it is easy to see why Paddy Power Poker is the online poker site for Irish players.
#2 Irish Online Poker Site: PokerStars
PokerStars is one of the world's busiest and largest online poker sites, which is just one of a myriad of reasons thousands of Irish players ply their trade at its tables. No online poker can hold a candle to PokerStars for game variety, with the online poker giant spreading over a dozen poker variants across its massive cash game and tournament offerings.
The United Kingdom & Ireland Poker Tour (UKIPT) is run by PokerStars, and the site is the only place you can qualify for UKIPT Main Events online. In addition, PokerStars and Paddy Power Poker often join forces in the run-up to the Irish Open, hosting dozens of budget satellites into the Irish Open Main Event.
PokerStars is the home to the famous Sunday Million, a weekly $109 buy-in tournament with a $1 million guaranteed prize pool. It hosts several prestigious online poker festivals throughout the year, including the Spring Championship Of Online Poker (SCOOP), and the World Championship Of Online Poker (WCOOP).
A generous 100% match up to $600 welcome bonus is the icing on the Irish poker cake.
#3 Irish Online Poker Site: 888poker
888poker has been in business for over two decades, making it one of the oldest online poker rooms in existence. 888poker prides itself on providing a fun and safe online poker environment that is tailored to recreational players. That is not to say 888poker is not deadly serious about poker because it is, and that is shown in its vibrant cash games, and value-packed multi-table tournaments.
888poker is the place to go if you are an Irish poker player who loves playing in exciting Mystery Bounty tournaments. Although other online poker rooms spread mystery bounty events, 888poker has more mystery bounty tourneys than any other site on the internet.
It is not only online poker where 888poker shines because it has a popular 888poker LIVE tour that stops off at various European locations. In 2024, 888poker launched the UK Poker League (UKPL), a mid-stakes tour taking place across the United Kingdom.
How to Find the Best Irish Online Poker Site
There are several factors worth considering if you are looking for the best Irish online poker site. First, you should check if the operator has a valid gambling license. Rest assured that every online poker room you see PokerNews promoting is fully legal and regulated.
Second, look for a wide selection of cash games and tournaments. An Irish online poker site may look perfect for you, but then you later discover it does not have much Pot-Limit Omaha cash game traffic and that is your favorite game.
Furthermore, look for a site offering around-the-clock customer support, be that either by email, live chat, or telephone. Issues and problems are rare when playing at top-tier online poker sites, but having a solid support network provides you with peace of mind.
You should also consider the bonuses and promotions an online poker room has. Such bonuses should not be the be-all and end-all when choosing a poker room, but they can often give your bankroll a significant boost, or keep you motivated to grind away the hours at the tables.
Last but certainly not least, ensure you read the PokerNews online poker site reviews. Our team of industry experts go through each online poker room with a fine-toothed comb, highlighting each site's positives while informing you about the negatives. We want you to enjoy your time playing online poker, which is why our reviews are up-to-date and impartial.
Top Irish Online Poker Sites for Beginners
Each of the online poker rooms on this page are suitable for beginners because they offer a variety of low-stakes cash games and tournaments. However, a couple of those sites are particularly good for players new to poker.
For example, Paddy Power Poker is an excellent option for poker players new to the game. Paddy Power is one of the world's largest sports betting and casino companies, resulting in many of those customers heading to the Paddy Power Poker tables to try their luck at poker. It is a similar story with the other skins on the iPoker Network, meaning the cash games tend to have more than their fair share of recreational and amateur players frequenting them.
888poker is another site renowned for being friendly to newcomers. Like Paddy Power, 888poker's parent company runs one of the busiest online casinos worldwide, and that results in an influx of newbies to the 888poker tables.
PartyPoker is another solid choice for recreational and Irish poker players at the start of the online poker journey. PartyPoker limits late registration and re-entries in its tournaments, which levels the playing field. In addition, lower-stakes cash game players earn weekly cashback at a faster rate than high-stakes grinders, which attracts beginner players to the site.
Best Irish Online Poker Site for Home Games
PokerStars is, without doubt, the best online poker site for Irish players wanting to play Home Games. Many online poker rooms make it possible to create private tournaments or cash games for you and your friends to play, but PokerStars' Home Games takes that to the next level.
Playing online poker with friends is ridiculously easy with PokerStars' Home Games. You can create a private poker club, create one-off games, or long-running leagues. PokerStars Home Games are perfect for getting the gang together if you're struggling to assemble everyone for your traditional home game.
Best Irish Online Poker Site for Freerolls
While it is true that most poker players dream of battling it out in high-stakes tournaments, there is a massive section of the online poker community who love playing poker for free. Online poker sites run freeroll tournaments – those are games that cost nothing to enter – either for the pure joy of playing poker or in an attempt to build a bankroll without risking their hard-earned cash.
PartyPoker stands out from the crowd for its freeroll schedule. Its Round the Clock freerolls award over $2,000 every day, with a new freeroll shuffling up and dealing every hour.
888poker is another Irish-friendly online poker room offering dozens of daily freerolls. 888poker often links its freerolls to ongoing promotions, and there are plenty of those throughout a typical month.
Be aware most online poker rooms require you to make at least one real money deposit or have verified your identification before you can play for real money in freeroll tournaments.
Best Irish Online Poker Bonuses
Online poker sites that allow Irish players almost always have a variety of bonuses. They come in different shapes and sizes but tend to fall under a handful of categories: welcome bonus, deposit or reload bonus, and no-deposit bonus.
Welcome bonuses are only available to new customers who are making their first deposit at an Irish online poker site. These bonuses will often be larger than any other bonus the poker room offers because they are designed to entice you. Typically, a welcome bonus will be offered that says something like 100% match up to €500. This means the online poker room will match your initial deposit 100% up to a maximum of €500 in bonus money. Using this example, depositing €100 would net you a €100 bonus, depositing €500 would see €500 of bonus money hit your account, but depositing €1,000 would see a €500 bonus given.
Despoit and reload bonuses are offered to existing customers, often in the build-up to a major online poker tournament festival. Reload bonuses are usually smaller than welcome bonuses, but they can still be lucrative. Most reload bonuses will offer to match your deposit amount up to a predetermined amount, while others will offer you tournament tickets in exchange for reloading your account.
No-deposit bonuses are available at some online poker rooms, but they are becoming rarer by the day. A no-deposit bonus is exactly what it sounds like: a bonus given to you without the need to make a deposit. It should not come as a surprise to discover that no-deposit bonuses are almost always quite small; online poker rooms would not remain in business for long if they gave away thousands of dollars to everyone for free!
Always ensure you familiarize yourself with any online poker bonus' terms and conditions. All come with wagering requirements or restrictions that make them less attractive than they appear at first glance.
Irish Online Poker Tournament Calendar
Hundreds, if not thousands, of online poker tournaments run daily, so keeping up with them is a challenging task. Thankfully, the PokerNews Online Tournament Calendar gives you an overview of upcoming tournaments and those that are in late registration, while allowing you to jump into the action within a few mouse clicks.
The PokerNews Online Tournament Calendar currently works for 888poker and PokerStars; check it out today.
Irish Online Poker Sites Regulation
Ireland recently established the seven-member Gambling Authority of Ireland. However, at present, most Irish-facing online poker sites are licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority.
Always ensure the online poker room you are playing at has a valid license. License holders must adhere to strict rules and regulations which protect you and the online poker site in question.
Irish Online Poker Sites Payment Methods
The banking options available to Irish online poker players change depending on the poker site on which they are playing. That said, at poker rooms like Paddy Power Poker, 888poker, PokerStars, and PartyPoker, you should find the following payment methods available to you.
Debit cards are the most popular deposit and withdrawal methods for online poker players. Most sites accept Visa and Mastercard, and do not charge fees for depositing or withdrawing. Be aware, you will be unable to use a credit card for any gambling transaction.
E-wallets, such as Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal are also popular online poker payment methods for Irish players and others around the world. These e-wallets are safe and secure, acting as a middleman between the poker site and your bank accounts. You may find some online poker sites do not allow you to claim a welcome or reload bonus if you use an e-wallet.
Bank transfers are often an option, although they tend to be reserved for larger deposits and withdrawals. Check with the online poker site if there is a minimum transfer amount or any fees associated with this method.
Best Irish Poker Apps
Online poker is no longer only available to play on your computer or laptop, thanks to sites developing mobile poker apps. Most online poker rooms have an Android and iOS version of their mobile poker app, which you can download from the relevant app stores or by visiting the poker room from your smartphone or tablet.
| Poker Site | Details | Android App | iPhone App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy Power Poker | Play all of your favorite Paddy Power Poker games when you are on the move. It is revamped and feature-rich. | Download | Download |
| 888poker | 888poker boomed after a complete revamp of their platform and game offer. Today, this is one of the best poker sites in the world. | Download | Download |
| PokerStars | The world's largest poker site is an obvious choice for everyone who likes poker. The top-class mobile apps replicate the same experience you get on desktop. | Download | Download |
| PartyPoker | A modern poker app to play on iOS and Android and experience all the best the PartyPoker client has to offer.Designed in portrait mode. | Download | Download |
Learn how to play poker and other useful links….
- How to Play Texas Holdem Poker
- Poker Hands Rankings
- Poker Odds Calculator
- Play Poker Online with Friends
- Poker Bonuses
Irish Online Poker FAQs
Is online poker legal in Ireland?
Yes, online poker is legal in Ireland. The sites listed on PokerNews that allow Irish customers are fully licenses and regulated.
How can I find the best Irish poker sites?
You can find the best Irish poker sites by reading PokerNews' impartial poker site reviews, ensuring the poker room is licensed and regulated, and asking your fellow Irish grinders for advice.
What payment methods are available on Irish poker sites?
The most common payment methods on Irish poker sites include debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and prepaid cards. Credit cards are not allowed to fund any gambling account in the Ireland, including online poker sites.
Can I play on Irish poker sites from my mobile device?
Yes, most Irish poker sites offer mobile apps or web-based versions of their software that can be accessed from a mobile device. Either visit the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or visit the online poker room from the device you want to download to.
What types of poker games can I play on Irish poker sites?
Irish poker sites offer a variety of poker games, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and many more. The games offered varies by poker room, so check PokerNews' reviews to see what games you can play and where.
Do Irish poker sites offer bonuses and promotions?
Yes, Irish poker sites often offer welcome and reload bonuses, and promotions to attract new players and reward loyal ones. Most Irish online poker site have a loyalty program that awards cashback or other things to reward a player's loyalty.
What is the legal age to play on Irish poker sites?
The legal gambling age for Irish residents is 18 years old. Online poker falls under gambling, so you must be at least 18.
Can I play on multiple Irish poker sites at the same time?
Yes, many Irish poker players play on multiple sites at the same time. There is no limit to how many online poker sites you can have accounts with. However, it is a serious breach of any online poker room's terms and conditions to open more than one account at one particular site.
Can I withdraw my winnings from Irish poker sites?
Yes, you can withdraw your winnings from Irish poker sites using the banking methods the site provides. Again, this differs from site to site, but usually include debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets.
Are there any taxes on poker winnings in Ireland?
Irish poker players are not liable to pay tax on online poker winnings. The Irish government does not tax Irish gamblers on their winnings. However, you may be liable for taxation if you win money from a poker tournament outside of the United Kingdom or Ireland.