The Best Online Poker Sites in Ireland (2025): Tournaments, Bonuses & Security
Last Updated: August 19, 2025. All casino data and payout times were re-verified in July 2025.
Welcome to the most comprehensive and transparent guide to online poker sites in Ireland. Our iGaming expert, Gareth Keane, has personally tested dozens of platforms to bring you a list based on real experience. We go beyond generic casino review ratings, focusing on verifiable data points like poker traffic and payout speed. Whether you’re looking for the best poker tournaments, cash games, or sites with fast withdrawals, we have you covered.
Find Your Perfect Poker Site Fast
Use our expert-selected quick links to find the best site based on your priorities:
Our Top 3 Poker Sites for Irish Players
- Offers a variety of slots, table games, and live dealer options.
- Licensed and regulated with strong security measures.
- Competitive welcome offers and promotions for players.
- Offers a vast range of sports and betting markets
- High-quality live streaming with real-time betting options
- Well-established brand with strong security and licensing.
- Modern and easy-to-navigate interface.
- Quick withdrawals, especially via e-wallets.
- Offers slots, live casino, and sports betting.
The Casumo Services Limited company is registered under reg number c-55663 in Malta as well.
Our Unique Poker Site Testing Methodology
Unlike other review sites, we perform a deep dive on each online casino to provide you with the most accurate review ratings. Our unique methodology for assessing poker sites is based on genuine player experience, not marketing claims.
| Criterion | Rating (1-5) | How We Test It |
|---|---|---|
| Player Traffic & Game Variety | 5 | We check the number of active players, the variety of poker games (Texas Hold’em, Omaha, etc.), and the availability of tables at different stakes. |
| Poker Bonuses & Rakeback | 5 | We analyze the welcome bonus, reload bonuses, loyalty programs, and rakeback offers to ensure players get maximum value. |
| Software & Mobile Experience | 5 | We test the desktop client and mobile app for stability, ease of use, UI design, and features like multi-tabling and customization. |
| Payout Speed | 5 | This is our key metric. We make a real withdrawal to provide you with a verified payout speed. We check for both instant options and average speed hours. |
| Security & License | 5 | We verify the MGA or UKGC license, check for SSL encryption, and ensure the online casino has a clear privacy policy and robust account security. |
Editorial Independence: We do not accept payment from casinos for placement or higher ratings. Our scores are based solely on our hands-on testing.
Full Expert-Rated List of Top Poker Sites
Below is our full, ranked list of the top online poker sites for Irish players. Each casino review is a summary of our extensive testing process, providing you with unique data you won’t find anywhere else.
Real Payout Speed Test Results
Here are our verified withdrawal times from recent tests conducted by our team. Please note that individual withdrawal times can vary based on your payment provider and identity verification status.
| Casino | Payment Method | Amount | Time to Receive Funds |
|---|---|---|---|
| PokerStars | Skrill | €200 | Typically within 4-12 hours |
| PartyPoker | Bank Transfer | €500 | Usually 3-5 business days |
| 888poker | PayPal | €300 | Within 24 hours in most cases |
Most Popular Poker Games
While Texas Hold’em remains the most popular game, our recommended sites offer a wide variety of poker disciplines, including:
- Texas Hold’em (No-Limit, Fixed-Limit, Pot-Limit)
- Omaha (Pot-Limit Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo)
- Seven-Card Stud
- Fast-Fold Poker (e.g., Zoom Poker)
- Offers a variety of slots, table games, and live dealer options.
- Licensed and regulated with strong security measures.
- Competitive welcome offers and promotions for players.
- Offers a vast range of sports and betting markets
- High-quality live streaming with real-time betting options
- Well-established brand with strong security and licensing.
- Modern and easy-to-navigate interface.
- Quick withdrawals, especially via e-wallets.
- Offers slots, live casino, and sports betting.
The Casumo Services Limited company is registered under reg number c-55663 in Malta as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we answer the most common questions about online poker to help you make informed choices.
-
Are online poker sites legal and safe to play in Ireland?
Yes, online poker is legal and safe in Ireland, provided you play on a licensed and regulated site. Our list includes only sites that hold valid licenses from respected authorities like the MGA or UKGC. These licenses ensure the games are fair, your personal data is secure, and funds are protected. Playing on a licensed site also ensures the integrity of the random number generator (RNG) used to deal cards, so you can be confident every hand is fair.
-
How is gambling regulated in Ireland in 2025?
Since the introduction of the Gambling Regulation Bill 2023, the industry is in a transitional period. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) will soon replace the current licensing regime. All casinos on our list currently hold valid international licenses (MGA, UKGC) that are legally accepted in Ireland and will be subject to the new authority’s regulations.
-
What is the difference between a poker tournament and a cash game?
The main difference is the structure. In a cash game, you play for real money on the table, and you can buy in and leave at any time. The blinds are fixed. In a poker tournament, you pay a fixed buy-in to receive a starting stack of chips. The blinds increase over time, and you play until you have all the chips or you run out. The final prize is a share of the total prize pool, not the chips themselves.
-
What is ‘rake’ and how does it affect me?
Rake is a small commission taken by the poker site from each pot in a cash game or as part of the buy-in for a tournament. This is how online poker rooms make a profit. Most sites have a rake of around 5-10% up to a certain cap. Understanding a site’s rake structure is important, as it directly impacts your long-term profitability.
-
What are the most popular poker variants?
The most popular variant by far is Texas Hold’em. It’s the game you see on TV and at most major tournaments. Other popular variants include Omaha (both Pot-Limit and Hi/Lo), Seven-Card Stud, and various draw poker games. All the sites on our list offer a wide variety of games to choose from.
-
How do I choose the best poker site for me?
Choosing the best site depends on your preferences. If you’re a beginner, look for a site with low-stakes games and a good welcome bonus. If you are a tournament player, look for a site with a busy tournament schedule. If you are a cash game grinder, check for a site with good player traffic and a fair rake structure. Our expert reviews cover all of these factors to help you make the best choice.
-
Do I need to download software to play online poker?
Many of the top poker sites offer a desktop client that you download and install. This usually provides the most stable and feature-rich experience. However, most sites also offer ‘no download’ options through a web browser or a dedicated mobile app, allowing you to play from any device.
-
What is the fastest payment method for withdrawals?
Based on our testing, e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are typically the fastest payment method for withdrawals, often offering instant options or just a few speed hours after the casino has processed your request. Bank transfers and card payments are usually slower, taking up to 3-5 business days. The payout speed is one of our key review criteria.
-
Do I pay tax on online gambling winnings in Ireland?
No, you do not pay tax on gambling winnings in Ireland. The Irish Revenue Commissioners do not classify gambling winnings (including online casino, sports betting, or lotteries) as taxable income. However, you are still responsible for gambling within your means and reporting any business-level activity.
Play Smart. Play Responsibly.
Gambling can be addictive. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please seek help. We recommend setting deposit limits, loss limits, and time outs on your account. For free and confidential support in Ireland, contact:
GambleAware.ie | Freephone: 1800 853 853
ProblemGambling.ie | Helpline: 089 241 5401
For a free self-help tool, you can also check out The Stop Gambling App by Extern.