Football
SkyBet Football Betting Guide for Irish Players
Betting on football is a rollercoaster ride – the highs of a winning wager, the lows of an incorrect prediction. But with over 25 million bettors in the UK alone, the thrill of having skin in the game keeps fans coming back. This is where Sky Bet strives to give you an edge.
As one of the Irish largest online bookmakers, Sky Bet offers much more than standard match odds. Delve into the hundreds of markets, from Both Teams to Score to Corners Handicaps, and find wagering potential in every minute of the match. The sheer variety can seem overwhelming to newcomers, but Sky Bet provides the insights you need to bet sharp.
With features like RequestABet, build your own personalized bet by combining outcomes from multiple events into one wager. And if you ever feel unsure, the built-in Bet Calculator lets you compare odds and potential returns on the fly. Top it off with live streaming for select matches, and you have all the tools to take your football betting further.
The numbers speak for themselves – over 1 million customers, industry-leading 97% payout rate on football, and over €10 billion wagered annually. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or dipping your toes for the first time, Sky Bet aims to give you the most enjoyable football betting experience possible.
Getting Started with Sky Bet Ireland
So, you’re here, and you’re ready to make bets on your favourite football team. To try it at Sky Bet Ireland as safely and profitably as possible, begin by creating a personal account through a simple registration process. For that:
- Visit the Sky Bet website, click on “Join,” and submit your personal information. It’s critical to mention that you may need to provide documents such as a valid ID, proof of address, and your payment method details. This is an elementary security measure uniform for all users. The goal is to keep you and our entire community safe.
- Once your account is set up, choose from various deposit methods such as credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard), e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), and bank transfers to fund your casino wallet.
- Don’t miss out on the current SkyBet bonus offer for football betting. So, just sign up now and get €30 free bets when you place your first €10 bet.
After depositing funds, explore the wide range of football betting markets available and place your first stake.
Types of Football Bets
Our special category for SkyBet football offers a wide range of betting options to suit every fan. In other words, from predicting match outcomes to betting on precise player performances, Sky Bet Ireland provides diverse markets that enhance the excitement of every match.
At the same time, understanding the different types of stakes can help you to make more informed choices and, of course, increase the likelihood of winning. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular football betting options:
Team Bets
| Type | Description | Example |
| Match Odds | Predict the match outcome: win, lose, or draw. | Bet on Shamrock Rovers to win against Dundalk. |
| Correct Score | Wager on the exact score after 90 minutes. | Decide on the match ending 2-1 to the home team. |
| HT/FT (Half Time/Full Time) | Select the half-time and full-time results. | Bet on Cork City to lead at half-time but Bohemians to win the game. |
| Over/Unders | Decide if the total number of goals, corners, cards, etc. goes over or under the set line. | Wager on over 2.5 goals scored in the match between Derry City and St. Patrick’s Athletic. |
| Handicaps | Apply a handicap to one team to even the odds and get better payouts. | Bet on Dundalk to beat Waterford with a -1.5 goal handicap. |
| Stats Specials | Choose specific match statistics to bet on, like fouls, saves, or shots on target. | Stake on each team committing a foul within 40 minutes. |
| BTTS (Both Teams to Score) | Pick both teams to score during the match. | Opt for both teams scoring in a match between Galway United and Bray Wanderers. |
| Double Chance | Choose two of the three possible match outcomes to wager on (win, draw, lose). | Bet on either Home Win & Draw (1X), Draw & Away Win (X2), or Home Win & Away Win (12). |
| First Team to Score | Guess which team scores first. | Bet on Cork City to score the first goal in a match. |
| Accumulators and Multiples | Combine multiple selections into one larger bet for a chance at higher returns – all must win. | Combine bets on Sligo Rovers, Finn Harps, and UCD all winning their matches. |
Individual Bets
| Type | Description | Example |
| First/Last Goalscorer | Predict the first or last goalscorer in a match. | Stake on a substitute to score the last goal. |
| Anytime Goalscorer | You can also wager on a player to find the back of the net at any point during the match. | Bet on David McGoldrick to score at any time in the match. |
| Player Shown a Card | Place a bet on a player to either score or assist a goal during the match. | Select a player to get a yellow or red card in a derby match. |
| To Score or Assist | Choose whether a player will receive a yellow or red card during the match. | Opt for a player to either score or assist during the match. |
| Goalkeeper to Make X Saves | Guess the number of saves the goalkeeper will make. | Decide on a goalkeeper to make at least five saves in a game. |
| Scorecast | Pick the first goalscorer and what the final score will be. | Bet on an Ireland striker to score first in a 3-0 win. |
Sky Bet Transfer Odds
This is where we would like to discuss in more detail. You should know that Sky Bet transfers market allows you to wager on the dynamic landscape of player movements. That’s why, with Sky Bet transfer specials, you can predict which club a player will join or if a manager will change teams. So, keeping an eye on transfer odds for players can give you an edge.
Here’s a look at how you can stake on player transfers:
| Type | Description | Example |
| Transfer Markets | Stake on player transfers and managerial changes. Options include predicting which club a player will move to or if a manager will be sacked. | Bet on Kylian Mbappe to transfer to Real Madrid during the summer window. |
Fun and Unique Football Bets at Sky Bet
It’s crucial to mention that at Sky Bet, we don’t just offer bets on the outcomes of football matches; we embrace the entire football experience. In other words, you can place stakes on quirky and entertaining aspects of the preferred sport that go beyond the pitch. For example:
- David Beckham’s Haircut
During the 2002 World Cup, bookmakers offered odds on when England’s star player David Beckham would change his hairstyle. Meanwhile, Beckham was known for his frequent hairstyle changes, making this a popular novelty bet among fans. The odds varied, but a common offer was around 3/1 (4.0) that Beckham would debut a new haircut during the tournament. - Sir Alex Ferguson’s Chewing Gum
At the same time, bets involving legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson often revolved around his famous habit of chewing gum during matches. One quirky bet allowed punters to wager on how many pieces of gum Ferguson would go through in a single game. The odds for such a bet typically started at 10/1 (11.0) for more than a certain number of pieces, reflecting the humorous nature of the wager. - José Mourinho’s Touchline Antics
Widely known for his passionate and animated presence on the touchline, José Mourinho was the subject of various unusual bets. One popular bet was on whether Mourinho would be sent to the stands for his behaviour during a high-stakes match. What’s more, the odds for this event were frequently set around 5/1 (6.0), depending on the specific match and Mourinho’s recent conduct.
Major Football Tournaments and Leagues
As you can see, football betting on this platform is immensely popular due to the sport’s global appeal and the wide range of betting markets available. According to recent data, the 2022 World Cup was the most bet on football tournament in history on SkyBet Ireland, with over €150 million wagered during the event. So, it doesn’t matter whether you want to stake on domestic leagues, international tournaments, or club competitions, we offer everything a football fan could ask for.
Here’s a closer look at the most popular football events among our bettors:
International Tournaments
International football tournaments are exciting sporting events that unite fans from around the world every few years. The World Cup and European Championships feature the top players and national teams competing for the ultimate prize in football. The events create an electric atmosphere and a sense of pride and unity among fans supporting their country. While betting may be an element for some fans, what makes these events truly special is the joy of watching the beautiful game played at its highest level on the grand international stage.
FIFA World Cup
Held every four years, the FIFA World Cup brings together the best national teams from around the globe. The competitive event features 32 teams, divided into eight groups of four. Each one competes in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages. This stage begins with the Round of 16 and progresses through to the quarter-finals, semifinals, and ultimately the final.
Do not forget that the next tournament will be held in 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the current champion being Argentina, who won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
UEFA European Championship
In the same vein, the UEFA European Championship, known as the Euros, occurs every four years and features the elite national teams from across Europe. Six groups of four teams comprise the tournament, which features 24 teams. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout stages, starting with the Round of 16. From there, the tournament progresses to the quarter-finals, semifinals, and final.
We’re eagerly awaiting the upcoming Euro 2028, which will be held in the United Kingdom and Ireland, providing exciting betting options. Punters will be able to wager on everything from group stage results to the eventual champion. The current holder of the title is Spain, who triumphed in Euro 2024.
Copa América
The Copa América, South America’s premier national team competition, also operates on a four-year cycle. Twelve teams are typically divided into three groups of four in the tournament. From each group, the top two teams, along with the two best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout rounds. Rounds one through four begin with quarter-finals, followed by semifinals, and finally the final.
In addition to its rich history, the Copa América is a fascinating event for fans and bettors because of the intense rivalries between South American nations. In 2028, Uruguay will host the next Copa América, marking the country’s return as a host for the first time since 1995. Meanwhile, the current champion is Argentina, who won the 2024 tournament held in USA.
Domestic Leagues
As opposed to national team tournaments, which occur every few years and feature knockout stages after an initial group phase, national championships are annual and rely on a points-based league format. This structure rewards consistency over a long season, with each match contributing to the final standings. Draws are a regular outcome, and there are no sudden-death scenarios like in knockout rounds. Apart from that, national competitions involve relegation and promotion, adding another layer of competition and stakes.
| League | Teams | Matches | Scoring System | Key Features |
| English Premier League (EPL) | 20 | 38 | 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, none for a loss | With its competitive nature and popularity, the EPL crowns the team with the highest points as champion. Relegation to the Championship is the fate of the three bottom teams. |
| La Liga | 20 | 38 | 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, none for a loss | Features a technical style of play with clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona. Consequently, every match is vital to winning the title, avoiding relegation, and securing European spots. |
| Serie A | 20 | 38 | 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, none for a loss | Tactic and defensive play are the hallmarks of Serie A that emphasizes season-long consistency. The bottom three teams are relegated to Serie B. |
| Bundesliga | 18 | 34 | 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, none for a loss | Emphasizes attacking football and efficiency with high-scoring games. The bottom two teams are relegated, and the 16th team faces a playoff for survival. |
| Ligue 1 | 20 | 38 | 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, none for a loss | Known for developing young talent and a mix of physical and technical play. The bottom two teams are relegated to Ligue 2, and the 18th team faces a playoff. |
European Club Competitions
Get the best odds on European giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool as they battle through the high-stakes Champions League knockout phases. With bore draw and correct score insurance, you can bet with more confidence on the tournament’s tense knockout ties.
For Europa League and Conference League matches, we provide detailed team statistics, head-to-head records, and key player information to help inform your wagers. Take advantage of promotions like Power Prices, where Sky Bet boosts the odds on popular selections.
Whether you want to bet on the competition winner, goalscorers, both teams to score, or hundreds of other markets, this platform has you covered for all the action in UEFA’s club tournaments. Their comprehensive coverage and Bet €5 Get €20 in Free Bets welcome offer give you lots of reasons to stake on European football.
UEFA Champions League
Thus, the UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of European club football, featuring the top teams from Europe’s premier leagues. Held annually, the tournament begins with a group stage, followed by knockout rounds leading to the final.
Format:
- Group stage – 32 teams, eight groups of four, round-robin format.
- Knockout stage – Round of 16, quarter-finals, semifinals, final.
Interesting Bets and Cases:
- Outright winner – Punters wager on which team will win the entire tournament.
- Top scorer – Betting on the player who will score the most goals in the tournament.
- Group stage results – Bets on which teams will advance from the group stage.
- Historic case – In 2005, Liverpool’s dramatic comeback in the final against AC Milan, known as the “Miracle of Istanbul,” remains one of the most memorable moments, with high stakes for live players. At halftime, Liverpool was trailing 3-0, and the odds for Liverpool to win at that point were reportedly as high as 100/1. The Reds’ eventual victory after extra time and penalties provided a sensational return for those who believed in an unlikely comeback.
UEFA Europa League
As well, the UEFA Europa League offers a platform for emerging teams and players to showcase their talent on a continental stage. The competition begins with a group stage of 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of four.
Format:
- Group Stage – 48 teams, 12 groups of four, round-robin format.
- Knockout Stage – Round of 32 (including Champions League dropouts), Round of 16, quarter-finals, semifinals, final.
Interesting Bets and Cases:
- Match outcomes – Betting on the results of individual matches throughout the tournament.
- Tournament progression – Wagers on how far a specific team will go in the tournament.
- Standout performances – Betting on individual players’ performances in specific matches.
- Historic case – In 2010, Fulham’s remarkable run to the final included a stunning comeback against Juventus, making for dramatic wagering opportunities on match outcomes and progression. At the start of the knockout stages, Fulham were considered underdogs, with odds as high as 50/1 to reach the final. Their unexpected victories over Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus, and Hamburg provided incredible returns for those who bet on their progression.
Upcoming Tournaments
| Tournament | Venue | Dates | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Africa Cup of Nations 2025 | Morocco | January 2025 (Exact dates TBD) | Morocco will host the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 1988, showcasing the continent’s best teams. |
| UEFA Champions League 2025 Final | Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany | May 31, 2025 | The final of the UEFA Champions League, Europe’s premier club competition, will be held at the iconic Allianz Arena. |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | United States, Canada, and Mexico | June 8, 2026 – July 3, 2026 | The first World Cup to be hosted by three nations, expanding to 48 teams, with matches across North America. |
Live Betting and In-Play Markets
One should not forget that online betting on football isn’t limited to pre-match bets. This is a reason why Sky Bet also offers live betting and in-play markets, so you can place bets as they happen. This dynamic way of betting lets you respond to the game in real-time, making it possible to bet on events such as the next goalscorer, the number of corners, or the final result even after the match has started.
What’s more, live betting adds an extra edge to your gameplay, as you can adjust your bets based on the ongoing performance of teams and players. You can watch football at home or on the go. Sky Bet’s in-play markets provide continuous opportunities to bet on football in an enhanced way. On top of that, with our mobile betting options available on Android, iOS, tablets and other devices, you can place your in-play bets seamlessly, never missing out on any action.
Football Betting Tips
- Do your homework – Research teams, players, and match terms before placing a bet.
- Follow the stats – Use available stats and historical data to inform your bets.
- Always stay updated – Keep up with the latest news and insights about injuries, transfers, and other factors that can impact a match.
- Be responsible with your money – Set a budget and stick to it, betting only what you can afford to lose.
- Bet with your head, not your heart – Avoid letting emotions influence your betting decisions.
- Start small – If you’re new to betting, start with smaller bets to build your understanding and confidence.
- Use in-play betting wisely – Do not miss out on in-play betting opportunities, but make sure to stay informed and not overreact to events in the game.
- Consider the context – Realise the importance of the match for each team, such as whether it’s a critical league game or a less important cup match.
- Track your bets – Keep a record of your bets to analyse what works and what doesn’t, helping you refine your approach over time.
Responsible Gambling
Let us end with a vitally influential point. Responsible gambling is crucial when betting on football. As we have already said, it’s indispensable to set limits on your online activities, both in terms of time and money. Therefore, only bet what you can afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses. For that, you can utilize appropriate tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion, and time-outs offered by Sky Bet Ireland to manage your gambling responsibly.
Even so, remember, football betting should be enjoyable and should not adversely affect your finances or well-being. If you feel your gaming is getting out of hand, seek help from support services.