Best Poker Sites in Ireland
Ireland and poker go together like Texas and Hold ’em. With the world of online poker enjoying a fresh surge in popularity, Ireland has many poker sites to choose from, join and play.
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Popular Online Poker Games
Without a shadow of a doubt, Texas Hold ‘em is the most popular poker game that people play – both online and offline. Here’s a list of popular poker variations that are gaining traction:
Texas Hold 'em
Texas Hold ‘em is the most popular format of all poker games played out there. The most recognized version of the game globally is estimated to capture over 80% share of all poker played online. It starts with the player on the dealer's left side, betting a starting amount. They do so by putting down chips. The two main rules to bet are Limit hold 'em and No-Limit Hold 'em.
Omaha Poker
A great game to try for every Texas Hold 'em fan. All opponents receive 4 hole cards instead of 2, and none face up as in Hold 'em. That is an action-packed betting game with multiple betting rounds, drawing groups of players.
Three Card Poker
An easy game to learn, liked by players of all skills. There are two ways to play it: an Ante Play where you play responsibly against the dealer and a Pair Plus where you place a bet on whether you are dealt a pair or not.
Five Card Draw
The classic and easy-to-learn version of poker reminds one of Texas Hold ‘em but with some key differences. Five Card Draw is played with a dealer button and blinds but without the community's highest cards. There are a lot of mind games, bets, and strategies involved in this variant. All players on the tables contribute to an agreed starting stake in the pot. Each of them is one card (also called the hole card) face down and one face up.
Stud Poker
Stud poker is a poker variant in which each player receives a mix of face-down/up cards dealt in multiple rounds of betting.
Live Dealer Poker
If you play poker online because of convenience but still miss the buzz of a traditional casino floor, Live Dealer is for you. It lets you join tables and watch it stream to your computer screen or mobile device in real-time.
Poker Rules
From hand rankings to basic rules and strategies of the games, find everything you need to get started.
The dealer changes to the left of each hand-the rules are that the person to the right of the dealer cuts the cards after they are shuffled.
The second forced bet or big blind must be double the first forced bet or small blind.
As a rule, the player on the left side of the player who bets the second Blind initiates the first round. All players can: fold, call, or raise.
If all the other players either call or fold after a player raises but don’t further raise, then no more raises can be made, and the game proceeds to the second round.
Unless they fold in the rounds before, all players reveal their hands in the end, and the highest-ranked hand wins the pot. If only one player remains in the game, that player will win.
Some of the winning hands are:
- One Pair
- Two Pair
- Three of a kind
- Full House
- Four of a Kind
- Straight Flush
- Royal Flush
You’ll also find rules and hand rankings for all games!
How We Pick The Best Online Poker Sites
Here’s a list of things we consider while picking the best sites for you:
Poker Promotions and Bonuses
A key factor that attracts most players is the welcome bonus and promotions given to new and returning players. They offer welcome bonuses upfront to new players, with sites awarding generous bonuses on your first deposits. Some sites give a bonus just for signing up and creating an account. You can find further information on the respective websites. In Ireland, the best sites offer a variety of payment methods that enable you to deposit funds and withdraw winnings easily.
Online Poker Traffic
Large poker sites can host thousands of players at a given time. The more player traffic a poker site has, the wider variety of games and tournaments it offers. Larger poker sites are also considered to be more established and offer more innovative features and sometimes better customer service.
Poker Game Variety
Some sites are known for offering a wider selection of variants.
Poker Tournaments
The best sites offer a huge array of tournaments for players at all levels. Poker tournaments provide the excitement of competition, leader boards, and of course, big prizes for winners. There are different types of tournaments, including scheduled tournaments, Sit & Go, Multi-table, and satellite tournaments. These upcoming tournaments are listed on the sites.
Cash Games
Cash games are a great way to dive into action right away. These are more casual and do not require players to spend large amounts of money at the table. This is great for those who just want to practice their skills.
Poker Software
The playing experience will also depend heavily on the design and features of the poker software.
Mobile Platform
The leading poker sites in Ireland also offer mobile apps that are easy to use and responsive. Most online casinos will have a mobile casino platform that supports playing.
Site License and Security
When reviewing and recommending online poker sites, your safety and security are the primary concern. Therefore, only sites fully licensed and regulated by the UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) of Great Britain or the Malta Gaming Authority are listed. We check the license number thoroughly, so your security is not compromised.
Customer Service Support
Many online poker players rate their entire playing experience based on the quality of customer support they receive: FAQ section, email account, phone. We also consider the site's hours of support and response times.
Mobile Poker
It's no secret that we all spend more time on our phones now than ever before. The online gambling world has adapted to reflect this fact. The best mobile poker sites Ireland players can visit will either have a mobile-ready site or a downloadable app for Android and iOS, which helps you join the world of play.
How to find reputable poker sites online
Our expert reviewers put together a list of the best, most trustworthy sites in Ireland that let you play poker for free and real money. Use our site to find and join UK Gambling Commission licensed and regulated sites, general ratings, and advantages.
We also update our guide with new sites and bonuses constantly.
Online Poker FAQs
How do I find the best poker sites?
Many different kinds of poker sites are available that differ by the game variants, odds, software, tournaments, betting Limit, and more. To find the best one, read our reviews or consider the mentioned factors like games, tables, gaming limit, and other betting aspects.
Can I play poker for free online?
Yes, you can. A lot of sites offer freerolls that let you play without spending any money. However, Irish players are required to create an account before they can play responsibly for free.
Can I trust poker sites in Ireland?
All sites licensed and regulated by the Irish government regulation and licensing body are safe and trustworthy.
Can I play on mobile or tablet?
Some sites are available on mobile and tablets, but you need to ensure that your mobile device and internet connection are secure.
Are the poker sites regulated?
Operators need a remote gaming license which means they have to comply with the Gaming and Lotteries Act. It also means that the best sites in Ireland are licensed and regulated.