Learn how to play the best online casino games in Ireland including online slot games, roulette, blackjack, and other live dealer casino games.
This guide introduces online casino games, covering both free and real money options. It highlights the importance of entertainment and the potential for winning big. Popular games are noted for being easy to learn and fun to play, with a recommendation to check the Return to Player (RTP) percentage for better value.
You will find a wide variety of online casino games at all of the casinos on BettingGuide. Generally, online casinos are split into two sections, the live casino, and the casino. You can find 40+ live casino games on some of the best online casinos and 100's casino games using the regular online casino section.
Online casinos usually offer a wide range of games, divided into live casino games, where you play with a real dealer via video and regular online casino games that use a random number generator. Key games mentioned include slots, roulette, baccarat, and blackjack, with some casinos specialising in one type, like slots.
Newcomers should consider the house edge of games to understand their potential value before deciding what to play.
Playing casino games for free is a great way to practice without spending money. Many online casinos in Ireland offer free versions of games, including slots, allowing you to try them out without any risk. You might also find sign-up bonuses or free spins that let you play for free. While you can't win real money in demo mode, it's a useful way to find games you enjoy before possibly playing with real money in the future.
When you're ready to switch from demo to real money games at Irish online casinos, you'll need to deposit funds into your account. Choose a game, set your stake, and start playing. Beginners should start with small bets and increase them as they gain confidence. New players often get bonuses based on their deposit amount, which can increase your playing funds. Remember, winnings from bonus funds have conditions like wagering requirements. Look for casinos with the best bonuses before signing up.
Tips: Both existing and new online casinos offer welcome bonuses, but the new ones tend to be more creative with it whilst it may also complicate its terms and conditions.
All of the best mobile casinos offer a wide range of casino games optimised for mobile, apps and a mobile optimised site.
Device compatibility, graphics and banking options are all considerations that should be made when choosing mobile casino games or apps.
To play online casino games in Ireland on your mobile device or tablet, you can download an app or use the online casino’s mobile-friendly website.
A few things to keep in mind when using mobile casino games and apps:
Casino games have a "house edge," which ensures online casinos in Ireland can make a profit. The house edge affects how much a game pays out over time and the potential return for players. While it might seem unfair, it's essential for the casino's viability.
The house edge varies significantly across games, influencing the likelihood of winning. For example, games like Blackjack and Video Poker have low house edges, offering better odds for players, while games like Keno might have a much higher house edge, reducing the chance of profit.
RTPs of Popular Casino Games:
The Return to Player (RTP) percentage is the flip side of the house edge, showing how much players can expect to win back. For instance, a game with a 99.5% RTP (like Blackjack) has a 0.5% house edge. Understanding these concepts can help players choose games wisely, aiming for those with better odds for winning.
Depending on which type of poker game you choose to play, video poker can offer an RTP of around 99% and a house edge of 1%.
Tip: Consider playing these poker games which have the highest payout ratios:
Baccarat, one of the world's oldest casino games, remains popular in online casinos mainly due to its low house edge. Unlike more well-known games like roulette, poker, and blackjack, baccarat might not be as familiar to many. Known for its simplicity, betting in baccarat is almost as straightforward as guessing the outcome of a coin flip.
The house edge in baccarat varies based on the bet. Choosing to bet on the banker gives you a very low house edge of just 1.06%, making it one of the best bets in terms of odds at online casinos. Betting on the player comes with a slightly higher house edge of 1.24%. However, betting on a tie, which is less common, significantly increases the house edge to 14.36%, making it a much riskier choice.
Blackjack, unlike the luck-based game of baccarat, requires player skill alongside luck. Skilled players often have better chances of winning than beginners because they can make strategic decisions.
The house edge in blackjack is influenced by the player's skill level and the use of strategy. With a low house edge and high payout percentage, blackjack is known for its value to players. Online versions of the game, which typically use fewer decks than land-based casinos, offer even better odds, with a return to player (RTP) of around 99.5%, translating to a house edge of about 0.5%.
However, the house edge in blackjack can vary depending on the game variant and the number of decks used. Fewer decks usually mean a lower house edge. It's also worth noting that certain types of blackjack, like those paying 6:5 for a blackjack, have higher house edges, making them less favorable for players.
Online slots stand out for their diversity in themes and payout structures, offering a wide range of options and frequent updates for players seeking new experiences. Unlike table games such as baccarat and blackjack, where the house edge is a specific figure, the house edge for slots is presented as the Return to Player (RTP) percentage. A higher RTP means a lower house edge, making games with higher RTPs generally more favorable to players.
For example, a slot with an RTP of 97% is more valuable for a player than one with an RTP of 95%, as the lower house edge means a higher chance of winning over time. It's important to note that the difference in RTP, even if it seems small, can significantly impact your chances of winning. Additionally, the concept of variance in slots, which describes the frequency and size of payouts, is also crucial, as it affects the game's payout behavior alongside the RTP.
In online poker, the concept of house edge differs because players compete against each other rather than the house. Instead of making money through a house edge, casinos hosting poker games earn by taking a portion of the pot in cash games, known as the rake.
Poker is recognized for its high skill requirements and can take significant time and effort to master, often involving months of dedicated practice, sometimes with the guidance of a coach. The absence of a traditional house edge attracts many players to try their hand at poker in online casinos.
When playing online roulette, it's important to understand how the type of roulette wheel affects the house edge. American roulette features two green pockets (0 and 00), while European roulette has just one (0). This difference might seem small, but it significantly impacts the Return to Player (RTP).
For American roulette, the house edge is about 5.26%, corresponding to an RTP of 94.74%. European roulette, with its single green pocket, offers a lower house edge of around 2.7% and an RTP of 97.3%. This makes European roulette a more attractive option for players seeking better odds.
Playing casino games online offers various strategies to improve your winning chances, but outcomes can't be guaranteed. Choosing games with better odds, like those with lower house edges, and learning game strategies can help, especially in skill-based games like blackjack and poker.
Understanding these games and their rules can enhance your online casino experience and potentially increase your success.
Conor worked at numerous online casinos & betting sites in Europe before joining BettingGuide. His in-depth industry knowledge combined with a degree in journalism makes his content unique and easy to consume.