Gambling continues to be popular in Ireland. As well as betting on sports such as horse-racing, there are plenty of people who love to try their luck on casino games, whether it be online or at land-based venues.
Online gambling has made great strides in recent years. It’s so easy to be able to login to an online casino in the comfort of your own home.
While online casinos continue to flourish (though tougher regulation is on its way), there’s still nothing quite like going to an actual venue for an enjoyable night out.
In Ireland, the laws of the land declare that casinos are illegal. This became the case after the Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1956. However, there is a way around this and it’s one that has been used in other countries for a very long time.
What is being done is that those offering such services do so via a members-only casino club. This was the way that 19th century establishments in England were able to offer gambling services.
The situation in the UK is a lot different now with legal casinos aplenty. They are strictly regulated though and dare not do anything that could see them in trouble with the authorities. Land-based casinos in the UK face stiff competition from new online sites like these but continue to prosper. Cities such as London and Birmingham in particular are places that any casino lover simply have to visit.
They are legal and the number of such establishments in Ireland is now well into double figures and mostly adding to the many attractions in Dublin.
The Sporting Emporium
You’ll note that the name of this venue doesn’t include the word ‘casino’ and that’s common in Ireland. This venue was opened in 2005 and is getting ready for its twentieth anniversary next year.
Being in business for so long didn’t always look likely for the Sporting Emporium, Just seven months after it opened the venue faced the possibility of closure but survived and prospered.
Situated in Anne St in Dublin, it may not have the C-word in its title but proudly describes itself as “Ireland’s leading luxury Casino.” If you are in Dublin and love playing casino games, then this is a venue you really need to pay a visit too.
Poker players in particular are attracted to this venue. There are tournaments and cash games available to play at the Sporting Emporium. The venue also offers a great deal of variety in the games that are on offer. Punto Banco and sic bo are both available to try your luck on.
Going to a casino (or whatever name they wish to go under) isn’t all about trying to get some good wins. Excellent food and drink is on offer and the opportunity to watch top sporting action on their large screens.
Ned Kelly’s Sportsclub & Casino
This venue is named after the Australian outlaw Ned Kelly and can be found in the heart of Dublin in O’Connell Street. Despite who it’s named after, there’s nothing villainous going on here. A good job really seeing it’s next to a police station.
There’s a real mix of entertainment available here. You can play pool, snooker or even have a game of table football. There’s also the opportunity to play casino games such as slots and roulette.
The feel is more of an amusement arcade than a full-blown casino but entertaining nonetheless. If you’re a visitor to Dublin, another attraction of the venue is that you can store your luggage there.
D1 Club
In Lower Dorset Street, Dublin, you can find the D1 Club. If you’re looking for a modern looking venue, then this is the one for you. There’s certainly plenty going on here with daily live card tournaments taking place.
A wide variety of games are on offer and here’s another good reason to pay the D1 Club a visit. There are complimentary drinks and food for those playing at the club.
Macau Casino Complex
To Cork now and the Macau Casino Complex. If you enjoy playing roulette, then this venue is ideal for you. They offer European Roulette, which of the 37 available numbers will you choose? There’s also American Roulette which includes a double zero on the wheel, so one more available option.
Three Card Poker is also another great game that you can try your luck on at this venue. You’ll be going all-out to beat the dealer, always a great feeling.
