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Aron Wright - May 26, 2025
For many, one of the best things about the weekend isn’t time off work, or the chance to read the paper in the morning, uninterrupted with a cup of coffee. No, it’s the football. For sports betting fans, that’s especially true.
Betting on the football is not only a great chance to win some money, it’s also a great way to add an element of excitement to the matches. Take it from us, there’s nothing more exciting than watching result after result go your way and having your acca come in, whether you’re a neutral or not.
When placing a bet on the footy, the EPL (English Premier League) is often a safe bet. You generally know which teams are going to do well, which will be struggling to stay up, and which teams are going to be pushing for the title.
Because of its predictability, the returns aren’t always that lucrative, and let’s be honest, it can be a little bit boring. As a result, a quick look at Irish bookmakers on Topbetting.ie shows that bettors are turning to lower/less known leagues like the League Of Ireland.
Here’s a look at betting on the League of Ireland and why it’s become so popular as late.
The League of Ireland is the biggest football league in all of Ireland. It was established back in 1921 and as of 1985, is currently made up of two divisions:
Initially, the league was founded purely to serve as a stepping stone for seemingly better things. It was supposed to help nurture homegrown talent and help young Irish footballers hone their skills before seeking their fortune elsewhere, in the hopes of playing for a top-rated club.
As time went by however, the league began to grow and evolve, and in recent years has really proved hugely popular, especially amongst sports bettors looking to bet on the football.
Both divisions consist of 10 teams, with the season typically being played between February and November. The team that finishes top of the league table will be crowned champion. That is the case in both divisions. In the Premier Division, the team that finishes bottom will be relegated down to the First Division.
The team which is ranked second from bottom in the Premier Division will face the team ranked second from top in the First Division. This serves as a promotion/relegation play-off and determines which team will take up the final spot in the Premier Division.
In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in the amount of people now betting on Irish soccer. In fact, nearly 1 in 3 bets made on Irish sportsbooks are placed upon Irish football.
So, what is it about Irish football that’s proving so appealing for sports bettors, and why should you consider betting on Irish football instead of the EPL?
Cutting to the chase, when you place a bet, although there is an element of fun involved, the primary reason you do so is to try to win money. The better the odds, the more you stand to win.
Because Irish football doesn’t generate the same amount of viewers or revenue as the EPL, bookmakers generally can’t provide fantastic odds. There is, however, plenty of undervalued odd potential.
If you keep up with the league, you may have some insider knowledge that the bookies don’t due to a lack of research. Say for example, Graham Burke of Shamrock Rovers FC is nursing a small injury but still playing, local supporters will be aware of this, but bookies may not be. This means you could take this knowledge into consideration when placing a bet, and enjoy better odds in the process.
One great thing about betting on Irish football is the fact that there are plenty of markets and offers to be had.
As Irish football has grown in popularity, so too have the markets and offers. There are now plenty of betting sites and markets to choose from, as well as special offers and bonuses, especially for new players.
Whether you’re looking to bet on the match winner, league winners, over/under goals, goal scorers, match results, final results, bookings, and more besides, you’ll have plenty of options.
Another reason why bettors are turning away from the EPL and are instead betting on Irish football is because of the unpredictability.
In the EPL, before the season even begins, you know which teams are generally going to be favourites for the title. In recent years, those teams have been Manchester City and Liverpool, with Arsenal looking like possibilities for a while, before inevitably imploding. Other than the excitement of 2016, when Leicester City defied the odds to win the league, the EPL has been boring and predictable.
In the League of Ireland, though. Things are different. Sure, you have favourites like Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk, but team and player performances vary hugely from match to match, and season to season. Throw in the weather, and things really become interesting. This unpredictability is not only exciting, it also means you can potentially enjoy better odds and better returns.
