Best Online Poker Sites in Ireland for 2023 – Sites for Irish Players

Online Poker Ireland Facts

Reviews of the best Irish Poker Sites for 2023:

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

While LeoVegas is primarily known for its extensive slots and live dealer games, it also provides a poker section offering a diverse range of games, including popular options such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha. With different table limits and formats available, it’s not difficult for players to find a game that suits their skill level and preferences. And navigating the site couldn’t be easier, especially for those that like to play on mobile devices. LeoVegas is known for its ‘mobile-first’ approach, ensuring that players can access their favourite poker games on various devices, providing a seamless and intuitive interface for its poker section. The platform’s design ensures easy navigation, allowing you to quickly find your preferred games and participate in various tables and tournaments. Talking of tournaments, LeoVegas hosts several exciting poker tournaments, giving players the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for substantial prize pools.

However, there are several drawbacks that players would need to consider before choosing LeoVegas. Unlike their extensive slots and live casino offerings, LeoVegas has a limited collection of video poker games. If it’s video poker that you’re looking for, you may find the options here are limited. And not only are they limited but players will find that promotions and bonuses for these games are few and far between unlike their other casino games, which are widely available.

Another limitation to playing poker here is the low number of players compared to dedicated online poker sites. Potentially this could impact tables and tournaments availability at certain times, especially for less popular poker games.

All in all, LeoVegas Casino offers an enjoyable poker experience with its mobile-friendly platform, diverse game selection, and competitive tournaments. However, players seeking a wider range of video poker options or exclusive poker promotions might find other dedicated poker sites more suitable.

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 Poker is one of the most reputable online poker rooms available today. The bet365 brand is a well-known and trusted name in the online gambling world and its poker rooms offer players a diverse and engaging poker experience. Part of this experience is the variety of appealing promotions for real-money players, ensuring that there are ample opportunities to boost their winnings and enhance their poker playing experience. Currently, new players get a €365 Bonus when signing up as part of their Welcome Package. However, players should familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions as this bonus is redeemed in instalments based on a point system players must earn.

As well as appealing promotions and bonuses, bet365 Poker provides a comprehensive VIP scheme that caters to both casual and dedicated players. This scheme offers various benefits, including exclusive bonuses and rewards, encouraging players to stay loyal and engaged. However, maintaining the highest ‘Premium Steps’ VIP levels at bet365 Poker can be challenging. Casual players might find it difficult to reach and sustain the highest tiers of the VIP scheme.

Good promotions, bonuses and VIP schemes are a big part of why players keep coming back for more, resulting in a significant player base, and ensuring a fun and lively poker experience. Cash games, Twister SNGs, and Sit ‘n Go’s all benefit from bet365 Poker’s high traffic, providing ample opportunities to find action at various stakes. But While the site enjoys good player traffic during peak times, traffic can diminish during off-peak hours. This may result in longer wait times for games outside of prime playing hours.

bet365 Poker offers a reliable and enjoyable poker experience for players. With its trusted reputation, user-friendly software, generous promotions, and rewarding VIP scheme, the site is appealing to both recreational and dedicated players alike.

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

When it comes to online poker, 888 Poker stands out as a top choice for Irish players seeking great gameplay, generous bonuses, and a good range of tournaments. With a reputation for excellence and a vibrant player base, 888 Poker offers an immersive and enjoyable poker experience that isn’t easily matched elsewhere. And there are many reasons why too.

Irish players joining 888 Poker through Beasts of Poker can enjoy exclusive benefits, including an €800 New Player Bonus and a €20 free bonus that requires no deposit, providing a fantastic opportunity to boost your bankroll and start your poker journey with an advantage.

888 Poker attracts a diverse player base and with a comprehensive range of poker variants such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Seven-Card Stud, they cater to every player’s preference. The site offers various betting options, including No-Limit, Pot-Limit, and Fixed-Limit games, ensuring there is something for everyone.

It doesn’t stop there either. Players will find an impressive selection of tournaments at 888 Poker. From low buy-ins to high-stakes events, the tournament schedule offers diverse options to suit different budgets and preferences.

There are a few things to consider though, that may make players choose elsewhere. While 888 Poker boasts an active player base, it may have slightly lower overall traffic compared to certain competitors. However, this is mitigated by the ease of finding tables and the presence of dedicated 888 Poker players.

Some players may desire a more extensive tournament schedule than that at 888 Poker. While the site offers a great variety, further additions and increased frequency could cater to a wider range of players.

To summarise, 888 Poker offers an exceptional online poker experience. With enticing welcome bonuses, a wide game selection and exciting tournaments, they provide the perfect platform to enjoy the thrill of poker. Although traffic and tournament schedules could be further enhanced, the overall experience at 888 Poker is highly rewarding.

Ladbrokes Poker

Pros

• Extensive game selection

• Exciting tournaments

• Lucrative promotions

• Reliable and secure platform

Cons

• Restricted access in some locations

• Dated graphics

With an extensive range of poker games, including popular titles like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud plus more, players of all skill levels can find their preferred game for an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience at Ladbrokes Poker.

In addition to the wide selection of games, Ladbrokes Poker offers an impressive selection of tournaments, including freerolls, sit-and-go events, and large-scale competitions with impressive prize pools. players can also take advantage of exclusive promotions and bonuses, such as welcome offers and loyalty programs that include a welcome bonus of €50 worth of tickets upon signing up when depositing €10 or more.

Players care about security and Ladbrokes Poker is on top of its game in this area. The platform employs encrypted transactions, advanced firewalls, and robust data protection protocols, ensuring that players’ personal and financial information stays secure.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, Ladbrokes Poker has something for everyone. The platform’s diverse game selection, exciting tournaments, and enticing promotions create a captivating environment for players seeking high-quality online Poker.

But as good as Ladbrokes Poker is, there are a few areas that players might want to consider. For instance, while they offer an exceptional online gambling experience, the graphics of the platform are somewhat outdated. However, it is important to note that this does not compromise the overall functionality and safety of the site.

Another important consideration when using Ladbrokes Poker is restricted access in certain locations. Due to legal and regulatory requirements, access to the Ladbrokes Poker platform may be restricted or unavailable in specific countries or regions. So if you’re a player that likes to travel and still enjoy playing online poker, this may be something to take into consideration.

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.