While Ireland’s sports bettors enjoy betting on sports from around the world, there is a particular pride when it comes to betting on GAA sports. No other nation plays these sports and the level of intensity and commitment associated with GAA sport is unrivalled around the world.
Naturally, as Ireland is also home to one of the most sophisticated gambling sectors in the world, bookmakers are keen to offer a wide range of GAA betting markets, along with bonuses and other features to attract new customers. With so much choice out there, how do you decide which is the best option? Read on to find out more about how to identify the best GAA betting site for you.
What sports are in the GAA?
For those who aren’t familiar with all aspects of GAA, there are six sports that come under the GAA umbrella, and each has its own attractions and features.
Gaelic football
One of the most instantly recognisable of the GAA sports, Gaelic football is a combination of football and rugby, where players can use their hands or their feet to pass the ball. The pitch includes a net and posts and players can score through either, though there are several restrictions, including a limit of four paces while holding onto the ball.
Hurling
The sport of hurling is another familiar pastime for fans of Irish sport. It is played on the same size of pitch as Gaelic football, and it also uses the same goals, and allows players to control the ball with their hands. The main difference is that hurling employs a stick, which is known as a hurley, to hit the ball. As with Gaelic football, teams are made up of 15 players per side.
Ladies football
This is the women’s version of Gaelic football and though it differs little from the men’s version, it is considered a separate sport in its own right. The main difference between the two is that in ladies football, it is legal to pick up the ball from a standing position.
Handball
Don’t let the name deceive you! This is nothing to do with the game of handball that is popular in Europe. GAA handball is similar to the sport of squash and is a fast-paced sport that features two or four players using their hands to hit a ball against a wall.
Rounders
Rounders is the one GAA sport that most people will recognise. It is superficially similar to baseball, and features bases, a pitcher and a batter. The bats are smaller in rounders, however, and are used one-handed, while all the pitching is underarm.
Camogie
Camogie is the women’s version of hurling, although it differs substantially. The two main differences are that in Camogie players are able to score goals using their hands and goalkeepers wear the same uniform as the rest of the team.
How to bet on GAA sports
To encourage new customers to sign up with their sites, modern bookmakers have made it easy to register and start betting on your favourite GAA sport. The precise steps will vary slightly depending on each bookmaker, but generally you can start betting on GAA events by following these steps:
- Find your preferred bookmaker.
- Register by clicking on the Sign Up button and entering your personal details.
- Claim any bonuses that you may be entitled to.
- Choose a payment method and make your first deposit.
- Find the GAA section of the site.
- Choose your event, market and bet.
- Make your bet using the handy online e-betting slip.
The top betting sites for GAA sports
Ireland’s bookmaking sector is one of the most competitive in the world and all the main betting brands fight for customers ahead of GAA events. Choosing your preferred GAA betting site depends to a large degree on your personal preferences, but we have picked out the five betting sites that we feel offer the best deal for GAA betting fans.
Bet365
One of the biggest names in sports betting, Bet365 has over 20 years of experience in the business and is popular throughout Ireland for its combination of competitive odds and player features such as bet building and cash out tools.
10Bet
Licensed by the Irish Revenue Commissioner, 10Bet is an underrated betting brand that offers good depth of market across all GAA events, along with some big bonuses and promotions.
BetHard
A site that is focused on the sports betting purist, you will find an unrivalled number of GAA betting markets across all events and some of the most competitive odds in the business.
Bet Victor
A well-known betting brand, Bet Victor is a trusted site for many Irish punters when it comes to GAA sports, thanks to its competitive odds, excellent mobile app and variety of bonus promotions.
NetBet
Less well-known than some bookmakers on this list, NetBet has lots to offer, including an excellent cash-out tool, an innovative range of betting offers and other player features such as prediction tournaments and bet builders.
Responsible gambling
Betting on GAA events can be a fun pastime, but it is important to remember to gamble responsibly. All the regulated sites mentioned here promote safe and responsible gambling and you can boost your own safety by ensuring that you never gamble with money that you can’t afford to lose and by setting sensible limits on the time and money that you spend on betting.
