The demand for online gambling in Ireland has been on a significant rise for a while now, and local punters can choose from a great variety of virtual games. The leading operators feature hundreds and even thousands of titles that can satisfy all sorts of taste levels. However, some games are simply more popular than others among the Irish, and this article will tell you all about them.
The Rise of Online Gambling in Ireland
Virtual gambling has grown rapidly in the past few years, and the locals are now faced with many exciting options to choose from. As a result, the operators are racing to attract new members with unique features and fun promotions, and some even allow users to play many online casino games for free. The industry’s growth was boosted by several different factors, including the establishment of the Irish Gambling Control Bill – a national gambling regulator that is on top of player protection. Moreover, consumers are drawn to online casinos due to their convenience, ease of use, and incredible selection of games they can play on the go.
The Most Popular Games Among the Irish
Let’s dive into some of the categories that Irish players are particularly interested in:
Slots
Slots are definitely at the very top of the list of the most popular online casino games in Ireland, and the top operators offer incredible varieties of this category. Slots are adored mainly for their ease of use since anyone can learn how to play in no time. And even though the game does not require any special skills, it often features exciting potential winnings. The games range from simple variants like the basic fruit machines you can see in numerous pubs and arcades across the country, to more complex options like 3D slots. the latest versions take benefit from the latest tech innovations, offering incredible user experience to all passionate players. The leading software providers are aware of the high demand for online slots, so they keep releasing new titles on a regular basis. And not only does the selection of games keep growing, but the effects and the graphics continue to improve.
Poker
Poker is one of the most famous casino games in the world, and the hype behind it is also present in Ireland. Many passionate punters have strong feelings toward poker, especially when it comes to playing in land-based venues. However, even the biggest enthusiasts out there appreciate the convenience of online poker that allows them to face their opponents in a virtual environment and still feel the excitement of the game. Moreover, online poker is usually much quicker than its offline alternative, since each player can go through more hands per hour, keeping a much more enjoyable pace than they would in a live session.
The online sphere welcomes all sorts of players, allowing both small and massive buy-ins. However, poker is still a game of skill, and in order to win, you need to explore and try out many different strategies. The selection of variants is pretty attractive, and the players can indulge in options like Texas Hold’Em, Omaha Hi, Omaha Lo, Seven Card Stud, Five Card Draw, and many others.
Baccarat
Baccarat is a thrilling casino game where a player’s success depends on luck more than anything else. Of course, there are strategies you can employ, but the game is still pretty-luck based. The online gambling sites in Ukraine support a wide variety of options within the category, including Baccarat Pro Low and Baccarat High, both developed by NetEnt. Next to them, you will also encounter Mini-Baccarat, Punto Banco, and Chemin de Fer which are all extremely popular among the locals. Playing baccarat in an online casino has plenty of perks, and the fact that you can participate with quite low minimum buy-ins is definitely one of them.
Roulette
Roulette has been adored by punters for centuries, and the online version is as popular as the traditional one. In fact, for many players, there is nothing more thrilling than the moment of anticipation while they wait for the ball to find a pocket to nestle into. Even though the game has been out there for hundreds of years, its core concepts and rules have been preserved. However, modern technologies added new features and improved game dynamics, which allows the players to enjoy innovative versions like progressive and multi-wheel roulette. The variants of the game that still get the most attention from players are French, European, and American roulette, as well as some other interesting options like Double Ball.
Blackjack
Blackjack is another category that is incredibly easy to follow, and you can have success even as a complete beginner. All you need to do is remember the score of your own hand, as well as the dealer’s score. Besides that, it will be helpful if you master how the action works and when you should hit or stay. Blackjack also features one of the highest odds of winning out there, since the classic variant presents each player with a chance of winning that is close to 49%. On top of that, blackjack offers a convenient blend of chance and skill. Online providers keep a great selection of subcategories, including Classic, Atlantic City, Classic Gold, Vegas Strip, Triple Sevens, European, and many others.
Craps
Craps is one of the best-known dice games among the Irish, and many players engage in it both online and offline. The game is played with a pair of dice and the punters get to wager on dice rolls. And when a bet is placed, the money is either wagered against the house or the other participants in the game. The majority of online casinos feature virtual craps that support the same rules that are active in street versions of the game. However, instead of employing a live shooter to throw the dice, the online version relies on RNG – Random Number Generator. This type of software completely replicates the randomness of actual dice throwing, which ensures fair gameplay at all times. The Irish love different types of online craps, and some of their favorites are High Point, Bank, Die Rich, New York, Low Limit, and High Limit.
Bingo
Bingo is one of the most widespread pastimes among the Irish, and the majority of online gambling sites targeting the locals also have a section dedicated to bingo games. The operators allow the players to pre-buy the tickets, and the games come with an extra layer of excitement thanks to amazing bonuses that are usually included. Consumers can pick from a rich selection of options like 30-ball, 75-ball, 80-ball, 90-ball, and many others. Although at first some fans were concerned about the absence of the social aspect while playing on the web, they soon realized that online bingo actually creates large communities where they can meet new friends.
The Latest Trends
As new technologies continue to emerge, Irish punters are growing an interest in innovative types of gaming:
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games are an excellent way to experience the authentic atmosphere of real casino floors without having to leave the comfort of your home. As a player, you can easily join a game session by opening a live stream with a professional dealer based in a land-based venue or a specially designed studio. During the game, you will be dealt a hand of cards as if you were there, and you can also interact with the dealer and other players by using live chat. The system supports different table games like roulette, poker, craps, baccarat, and blackjack.
Mobile Gaming
Mobile gaming is another way to access your favorite games without paying a visit to a brick-and-mortar casino. Being able to access online casinos through personal computers was a huge step for the entire industry, but mobile gaming is taking things further by enabling consumers to play on the go, using all sorts of portable devices. The best operators try hard to stay on top of this trend so their users can enjoy a variety of titles optimized for mobile screens. What’s more, many providers have also created convenient apps that work both on iOS and Android devices.
Video Slots
When it comes to the basic rules, video slots are quite similar to the original version, but the interface is much different because they feature additional layers of multimedia. Besides the expected reels and buttons that appear in all slots games, video slots also include appealing sound effects, animations, and thematic graphics. Moreover, some titles feature extras like multiple levels and added reels and pay lines.
The Irish love engaging in casino gaming, and thanks to the expansion of online operators, they can easily explore new titles and figure out what they like the most. Today’s web-based platforms showcase impressive collections of gaming options, and the locals can access a multitude of versions of their favorite categories like slots, poker, roulette, baccarat, and others