August 28, 2025

What Are Irish Gamblers’ Favourite Casino Games?

Not long ago, a Friday night meant a trip to the bingo hall or a quick bet at the shop. Now, most Irish players head online to Irish casinos. And with so many choices just a click away, it’s natural to wonder, what are the most popular online casino games in 2025?

We’ll cover games that hit the jackpot and a few surprises that are climbing the ranks. This isn’t about what some fancy algorithm thinks you should play; it’s about what real Irish players enjoy. Let’s take a closer look at the top picks.

Slots Are Still King in Ireland

Online slots are incredibly popular with Irish players for many good reasons. They are an incredibly enjoyable game to play with exciting features, quick gameplay, and fun in nature.

There is no skill or tricky strategy involved in playing slots; just hit the spin button and watch the reels. And the best part? There’s a slot out there for just about every theme you can imagine, be it ancient history, pop culture, or even a sprinkle of Irish luck.

Speaking of which, Irish-themed slots are extremely popular. You have leprechauns, pots of gold, and shamrocks. Rainbow Riches is a prime example; it’s all very bright green and a rather playful leprechaun that jumps out at you.

But it’s not just the Irish theme that is winning over players. Globally, Book of Dead, which takes players to Ancient Egypt, and Starburst, which is based on outer space, are just as exciting. There are all types of slots with entirely different themes.

There’s more to slots than just fun themes, as they’ve got great features too. Free spins, for instance, give you extra tries to win without spending a cent. Plus, you can easily play these games right on your phone.

Blackjack: Ireland’s Strategic Favorite

Slots might grab all the attention, but Blackjack is a solid pick if you’re into mixing luck with a bit of strategy. This is one of those timeless games that’s easy to learn but keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Plus, the rules are pretty easy to understand. Your goal is to get your hand’s total as close to 21 as you can without going over, all while trying to beat the dealer’s hand. There’s a simple strategy to pick up, but you can generally start playing almost immediately.

One big trendy pick right now is live dealer blackjack. Now you can play from home while still interacting with a live dealer, making it feel like you are there. This is the ideal combination of convenience and real casino feel, making classic Blackjack feel modern.

Blackjack is also popular partly because of its high Return to Player (RTP). Some versions offer over 99%, meaning you can get a good chunk of your money back with smart play. This is one of the most rewarding games for steady players.

Roulette: The Thrill of the Spin Never Gets Old

Even though Roulette is a game of luck, you can place so many different kinds of bets that it feels fresh every time you play. When it comes to picking a version, many Irish go for European Roulette. This variant has just one green zero pocket, which means the house edge is lower, around 2.7%. This means players have a much better chance of winning.

American Roulette offers players two green pockets rather than one. This gives the casino a little more edge over the player, making it a bit tougher to win.

French Roulette adds some niche rules like La Partage and En Prison that can actually work in your favour by cutting down the house edge on certain bets. Still, European Roulette remains the top choice for most Irish players.

And just like Blackjack, live Roulette has taken things to the next level. You can now place your bets and enjoy watching a real dealer spin a genuine wheel right from your phone or tablet, all in stunning high quality.

Poker: Still Loved by The Irish Pros

Poker runs deep in Irish culture and remains a favourite for casino players. Texas Hold’em is undoubtedly the most popular out there, and that holds true in Ireland as well. The fun is in reading your opponents, working out the odds, and making bold moves like bluffs or going all-in.

Pot-Limit Omaha is also getting pretty popular. This game is faster, with bigger pots, and every hand can change the game, so you always have to stay sharp.

For those who enjoy playing alone, video poker is a neat game. It combines poker thinking with speedy slot action, which is awesome when you’re not in the mood to wait for others.

Ireland showcases some truly talented players, with names like Andy Black, Marty Smyth, and Eoghan O’Dea featured in major international Poker tournaments. But the real heart of Irish poker is the famous Irish Poker Open. Kicking off in 1980, it’s actually Europe’s oldest No-Limit Hold’em tournament.

Every Easter, players flock to Dublin for a week of high-stakes games. The 2025 event was no different, packed with massive prize pools, non-stop action, and that classic Irish blend of fierce competition and great fun.

Bingo and Scratch Cards: Casual Fun Still Matters

Playing online bingo is extremely fun. You can hang out in bingo rooms and cheer on winners. This social vibe is a big reason why everyone loves bingo, whether you’re a long-time player or just trying it out.

Playing from home makes it even more convenient. The game moves quickly, numbers are marked off automatically, and the ecstasy of calling out ‘BINGO’ is now just a click away. Some casinos also have small mini games like slots you can play between rounds, so there’s always something fun to do.

Scratch cards are another popular choice. They’re quick and simple, all about instant results. You don’t need to wait for a draw or learn complicated rules to play. You just reveal the symbols and see if you’ve won. That simple, no-pressure play style is some players’ cup of tea.

Online scratch cards come in all sorts of designs and prize levels. Even though plenty still enjoy the traditional ones from the National Lottery, online options usually offer better chances to win. You’ll also come across fancy features and special jackpots you won’t see in regular shops.

What Makes These Games Favourites Among Irish Players?

So, why are these games such favourites with Irish gamblers? One thing that stands out is the Return to Player. Those who like a bit of strategy know that a higher RTP means better chances of getting something back over time. Games with 96% RTP or more give you more value in the long run.

Then there’s the local touch. Games with Irish themes, such as leprechauns or lucky symbols, often feel more enjoyable and familiar. That bit of homegrown charm that makes a difference.

Bonus features are another reason slots shine. Free spins, multipliers, and bonus rounds don’t just help you win more, they also make the game much more fun and exciting to play.

Game speed plays a part too. Slots are perfect for quick, exciting plays. But if you want to take your time, table games like Blackjack or Roulette are usually a better choice. They let you slow down and soak in the whole experience.

And let’s not forget the extra perks. Lots of online casinos offer deals like welcome bonuses or free spins that don’t even need a deposit. That means you can try games risk-free. Plus, ongoing offers like cashback and loyalty rewards give you even more value each time you play.

Where Irish Players Go to Enjoy Their Favourite Games

So you know what games people are loving, but where should you play them? Most folks choose Irish online casinos that are simple to use, have secure ways to put money in, and are known for being trustworthy.

What’s even better for Irish players is that the top casinos let you add money easily with local options like Revolut and Apple Pay, plus regular bank transfers and debit cards. You’ll often see names like Gaming Club, Spin Casino, and Jackpot City because they really hit all those marks.

You can play online casino games feeling totally safe. Ireland is getting new gambling rules from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) to make things even more secure. Plus, many casinos already have Malta or Gibraltar licenses, which ensure that games are fair and your money is protected.

Another great thing is how easy it is to play on your phone or tablet. The best online casinos make sure their sites work perfectly on phones or offer dedicated apps. This means you can play your favourite games, like slots and live dealer games, smoothly and easily, no matter where you are.