Ireland has a strong sporting culture that creates communities in which players, fans, and all other stakeholders thrive. In the past, fans would further their investment in their favorite players and teams by backing them with wagers.
And now, with online bookies availing their services24/7, many more people have taken to placing sports bets as a way to support their teams. After all, finding a bookie is no longer a physical task – punters can easily use sites that showcase the best online betting sites Ireland to find the right bookie.
But what betting markets excel the most, and why are they the top options? We review the current situation.
The Top Sports Betting Games
Ireland has a wide range of sports for fans to support. But even with this variety, some sports come out on top, attracting the most fans. Which are they?
Football
Whenever a top football tournament is about to start, you can feel the palpable excitement in Ireland as punters ready their wagers. After all, whether it is the League of Ireland, the English Premier League, or any other top competition, fans know they can expect the following:
- The matches are easy to follow as the rules are clear. Fans don’t have to rack their heads to figure out which team is winning.
- The matches are unpredictable. Even underdogs can win the matches, which makes the games very exciting.
Best of all, tons of betting markets are available, from who will score the first goal to the winning team and the total number of goals.
Horse racing
When the tracks open, fans come streaming in to support their favorite horses and jockeys. Such has been the case for a long time, so much so that it is core to the tradition. So, what makes this sport such a crowd-puller?
- It offers top events. Fans can follow all sorts of events, from the Galway races to the Irish Derby, which offers variety to keep things exciting.
- The races are thrilling. Watching the horses and jockeys race against time is quite exciting as you never know who will finish first.
Additionally, the payouts can be quite big. A punter who does their research right can make a huge profit if their prediction checks out.
Rugby
Rugby combines speed and tact, paving the way for an unpredictable game where odds change at every turn. As such, most people turn up to the games just to be part of such a thrilling event. So, what aspects make this a top choice other than the excitement?
- The variety of events. Punters enjoy both local and international events, which allow them to back players at home and abroad.
- The large number of betting markets. With many bookies covering this sport, punters can enjoy access to tons of betting options that allow them to vary their winnings.
Let’s not forget that the payouts can be quite lucrative for players who know a thing or two about this game.
Gaelic football
While many other regions may not know much about this sport, it is an indigenous part of Irish sporting tradition that continues to enjoy support from punters. So, what makes it such a winner?
- It offers fast-paced action. Nothing beats a game where everything can change in an instant. This gameplay keeps players on their toes and encourages them to keep showing up time and again.
- It is a community sport. Many punters support this game to meet other people who share their interest.
Moreover, supporting this sport is a way to keep this game as part of the culture – this emotional tie bears a lot of significance to punters.
The Economic Impact
Sports betting continues to contribute to the economy. For instance, in 2018, it contributed €3.7 billion, about 1.4% of the gross value added, and this amount has increased dramatically over recent years.
Moreover, the betting industry employs tens of thousands of people, is a huge tourism booster, and engages in corporate social responsibility. It’s also important to note that the taxes paid by bookies and winners go a long way in boosting infrastructural development in the region. It’s a win-win for everyone!