Plain-English guides for punters, from the basics to sport-by-sport betting guides and festival previews. More are added regularly.
New to betting?
Betting basics
Sport guides
Festivals and big events
Published ahead of each event.
Staying in control
Where to start
The guides on this page are written for Irish punters and use euro examples throughout. They explain how betting works rather than telling you what to back, and none of them is a guarantee. Pick the path that matches where you are.
If you have never bet: read how to open a betting account, then how to place a bet and how betting odds work. Before you deposit anywhere, learn how to check a bookmaker is licensed.
If you want better value from offers: start with free bets and wagering explained and best odds guaranteed and each-way explained, then work out the numbers with the free bet calculator and each-way calculator.
If you follow a particular sport: go to the sports betting hub or straight to the football, horse racing, GAA or golf guide. Around big events, use the festival previews such as Cheltenham and the Grand National.
If you prefer casino games: read the online casino guide, then types of online slots and live casino games explained.
Whatever you read, work out your numbers before you bet. The betting tools page has a bet calculator, a Lucky 15 calculator and an odds converter.
How we write our guides
Every guide is written and checked by the Punter Ireland editorial team and carries a last-updated date. We use official sources where rules matter, such as licensing and support services, and we test our worked examples so the maths adds up. We earn commission from some operators, which is explained on the affiliate disclosure page, but a guide is not an endorsement and we do not tip.
Betting should be entertainment, not income. Set a deposit limit before you start, and if it stops being fun, free help is available on 1800 936 725 or at gamblingcare.ie. Our responsible gambling page lists the tools to use.
Frequently asked questions
Where should a beginner start?
Start with how to open a betting account, how to place a bet and how betting odds work, then check how to confirm a bookmaker is licensed before you deposit.
Are your guides betting tips?
No. They explain how bets, markets and offers work so you can make your own decisions. No bet is a sure thing, and most punters lose money over time.
Do you cover casino as well as betting?
Yes. We have an online casino guide plus explainers on slots and live casino games, written for Irish players.
How often are the guides updated?
Each guide shows a last-updated date. We update them when rules, dates or offers change, and ahead of major events such as Cheltenham and the Grand National.
Which betting sites do you recommend?
See our betting sites page for the bookmakers we have reviewed and how we rank them. Always check the operator’s licence and current terms before you sign up.
Latest guides: types of online slots, live casino games explained, Galway Races 2027 betting guide and Masters 2027 betting guide.
18+. Please play responsibly, gamblingcare.ie. Offers change, so always check the operator’s own terms.
Most punters bet on a phone, so see how the licensed betting apps for Irish customers compare.
