Dublin Casinos: The Complete Guide to Gaming in Ireland’s Capital
An insider’s guide to Dublin’s best casinos — from sophisticated card rooms to late-night gaming floors.
✦ Quick Answer: Best Casino in Dublin?
Dublin has 12+ active casinos. For serious poker: The Sporting Emporium. For 24/7 access: D1 Club. For exclusivity: Mayfair Casino Club. For casual electronic gaming: Jesters Casino. Full breakdown below.
I moved to Dublin six years ago, and within my first fortnight, I’d visited every casino the city had to offer. Some of that was professional curiosity — a gaming journalist ought to know his territory. But mostly, I’ll confess, it was the thrill of discovery. Dublin’s casino scene isn’t Las Vegas, nor does it aspire to be. What it offers instead is something rather more interesting: intimate rooms where the staff remember your name, where the poker tables attract genuine characters, and where the line between gaming floor and social club blurs in the most agreeable way.
This guide represents years of accumulated evenings, countless hands of blackjack, and more conversations with Dublin’s croupiers than I can reasonably count. Whether you’re searching for the best casino Dublin has to offer, looking for casinos Dublin city centre locations, or simply wondering what live casino Dublin options exist — I’ll help you navigate with the honesty this decision deserves.
In This Guide
How Many Casinos Are There in Dublin?
Dublin currently has twelve established casinos, plus several pop-up events and community gaming halls. This might seem modest compared to major gambling destinations, but there’s a reason for that — and it’s worth understanding before you visit.
Ireland’s relationship with gambling is… complicated. Technically, casinos operate in a legal grey area, functioning as “private members’ clubs” rather than licensed casinos in the traditional sense. The Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1956 predates the modern casino industry, and while reform has been discussed for decades, the current framework persists. For practical purposes, this means you’ll need to register as a member upon your first visit — a formality that takes minutes and costs nothing.
What this regulatory quirk has created, rather unexpectedly, is a distinctive Dublin casino culture. Without the corporate homogeneity of heavily regulated markets, each establishment has developed its own character. The Mayfair Casino Club genuinely feels like a private club for discerning players. D1 Club operates with the accessibility of a 24-hour venue that knows its late-night crowd. Colossus has embraced its identity as part social club, part casino.
For a deeper understanding of how this unique landscape developed, my piece on Irish casino culture and Dublin’s gaming club traditions provides the historical context.
Best Casinos in Dublin: Our Top Picks
After years of patronising these establishments, I’ve learned that “best” depends entirely on what you’re seeking. A poker player’s ideal venue differs markedly from someone wanting slots and cocktails. Here’s my honest assessment by category.
Best for Poker: The Sporting Emporium
Located just off Grafton Street, The Sporting Emporium holds Dublin’s first purpose-built casino distinction — and its poker room remains the benchmark against which I measure all others. The dealing standards are impeccable, the tournament structure rewards skill over luck, and the regular crowd includes some genuinely talented players. Tuesday night tournaments have become something of a personal ritual.
Games: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Blackjack, Roulette, Punto Banco · Hours: Evening until late
Best for Late Night Gaming: D1 Club Casino
When insomnia strikes or you’re simply not ready for the evening to end, D1 Club on Lower Dorset Street remains Dublin’s only genuine 24/7 option. I’ve found myself here at 4 AM more times than I’d care to admit, and the quality never wavers. The blend of live dealer tables and electronic gaming suits varied moods, and their membership perks — free bets, dining discounts, prize draws — reward regulars generously.
Games: Live tables, Electronic gaming, Poker nights · Hours: 24/7
Best for Exclusivity: Mayfair Casino Club
If you’ve packed a dinner jacket and seek an experience that recalls European casino tradition, Mayfair on Frederick Street South is your destination. The strict dress code (smart attire mandatory, suits preferred) filters the crowd effectively. Private salons offer high-stakes tables with €500 minimums. It’s Dublin’s closest approximation to Monte Carlo — not for everyone, but absolutely right for a certain kind of evening.
Games: High-stakes Roulette, Blackjack, Poker · Dress: Smart/formal required
Best for Casual Electronic Gaming: Jesters Casino
Jesters operates multiple Dublin locations, and they’ve carved out a clear niche: cutting-edge electronic gaming in a relaxed atmosphere. Their electronic roulette terminals feature high-definition touch screens that genuinely enhance the experience. No dress code, no pretension — just well-maintained machines and staff who understand that accessibility matters. Their Tallaght location is particularly well-run.
Games: Electronic roulette, Modern slots · Locations: Multiple across Dublin
Best for Atmosphere: Colossus Casino Club
Colossus on Montague Street has solved a problem most casinos don’t even attempt: making the non-gambling partner genuinely happy to be there. DJ sets transition the mood from after-work to late-night. All-inclusive packages keep groups entertained. The poker tournaments attract a social rather than grimly competitive crowd. It’s where I bring friends who “don’t really gamble” — and they invariably enjoy themselves.
Games: Poker tournaments, Tables, Slots · Vibe: Social club meets casino
Dublin Casino Comparison Table
For quick reference, here’s how Dublin’s major casinos stack up across key criteria.
| Casino | Location | Best For | Dress Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting Emporium | City Centre (Grafton St) | Poker, Tables | Smart casual | Evenings |
| D1 Club Casino | Northside (Dorset St) | Late night, 24/7 | Casual | 24/7 |
| Mayfair Casino | Southside (Frederick St) | High stakes, VIP | Formal | Evenings |
| Jesters Casino | Multiple locations | Electronic gaming | Casual | Standard |
| Colossus Casino | Southside (Montague St) | Groups, atmosphere | Smart casual | Late night |
| Playland Casino | City Centre (Talbot St) | Slots, casual | Casual | Standard |
| Empire Casino | Quays (Burgh Quay) | Sports betting | Casual | Standard |
| Penthouse Casino | City Centre (Exchequer St) | Views, cocktails | Smart casual | Evenings |
| Macau Sporting Club | Southside (Aungier St) | Sports betting | Casual | Standard |
Note: All venues require 18+ with valid ID. Membership is free and arranged on arrival. Game availability varies — confirm specific offerings directly with venues.
Complete Dublin Casino Directory
Beyond my top picks, Dublin offers several other venues worth knowing about. Here’s the complete picture.
Empire Casino
📍 Burgh Quay, City Centre
The integrated sports bar sets Empire apart — large screens showing live events while you play makes it popular with the football crowd. Their weekend atmosphere can be lively to the point of boisterous, which suits some players perfectly. Slots are premium quality, and the weekly tournaments draw competitive fields.
Playland Casino
📍 Talbot Street, City Centre
Clean, well-maintained, and staffed by multilingual teams who make international visitors feel welcome. Playland’s Talbot Street location focuses on electronic gaming — themed slots, progressive jackpots, electronic roulette. No frills, no pretension, just solid gaming in a comfortable environment.
Macau Sporting Club
📍 Aungier Street, Southside
Sports betting specialists with personalised stations and live odds updates. Their partnerships with Asian betting operators provide access to markets you won’t find elsewhere in Dublin. Traditional casino games are available but secondary to the sports focus. Worth visiting for the Six Nations or Champions League nights.
Penthouse Casino & Card Club
📍 Exchequer Street (above Arch Bar)
Dublin’s only rooftop gaming terrace — weather permitting, you can play blackjack with panoramic city views. It’s a novelty, certainly, but an effective one. The cocktail programme rivals dedicated bars, and occasional mixology events add variety. For visitors wanting Instagram-worthy gaming, this is your venue.
Silks Club (Pop-Up Events)
📍 Various locations
Not a permanent venue but worth monitoring. Silks organises themed casino nights in elegant Dublin locations — Georgian mansions, private members’ clubs, even the occasional warehouse. 1920s speakeasy themes, James Bond evenings. The gambling is secondary to the theatrical experience. Check their schedule online; events sell out.
Fitzpatricks Casino
📍 Tallaght, Dún Laoghaire, and beyond
Ireland’s most established casino brand, with locations beyond the city centre. They’ve positioned themselves as community-oriented venues with strong responsible gambling programmes. Some locations include family-friendly arcade sections. A good suburban option if you’re not staying centrally.
The Jackpot (Community Gaming Halls)
📍 Multiple Dublin locations
Low-stakes tournaments in relaxed community settings. If you’re new to poker or prefer friendly games without financial pressure, The Jackpot provides that environment. Evening and weekend sessions suit working schedules. It’s not glamorous, but it’s accessible and genuinely welcoming to beginners.
⚠️ Fitzwilliam Casino & Card Club — Permanently Closed
The Fitzwilliam on Fitzwilliam Street Lower, once a cornerstone of Dublin’s poker scene, has ceased operations. Players seeking comparable tournament structures should consider The Sporting Emporium or D1 Club.
Practical Information for Dublin Casino Visitors
Do You Need Membership?
Yes, but it’s free and immediate. Bring valid photo ID (passport or driving licence). Registration takes five minutes at reception. Some venues allow same-day play after registration; others require a 24-hour waiting period — phone ahead if timing matters.
What Should I Wear?
Most Dublin casinos are casual — clean jeans and a collared shirt will serve you well. The exception is Mayfair, which enforces smart/formal attire. Trainers are generally acceptable except at upscale venues. When in doubt, dress slightly up.
Opening Hours
Only D1 Club operates 24/7. Most venues open early evening (6-8 PM) and run until 4-6 AM. Live table games typically start at 9 PM. Weekend hours often extend later. Always verify current hours directly, especially around holidays.
Getting There
City centre venues cluster around Grafton Street and Temple Bar — walkable from most hotels. Taxis are reliable late-night; Free Now and Uber operate in Dublin. For Tallaght or Dún Laoghaire locations, Luas or DART provide public transport options.
Considering a Career in Gaming?
Dublin’s casinos regularly hire dealers, floor staff, and management. See current opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Final Word
Dublin’s casino scene won’t overwhelm you with scale, but it will surprise you with character. Each venue has cultivated its own identity — from the serious poker atmosphere at The Sporting Emporium to the social energy of Colossus, from Mayfair’s exclusive elegance to D1 Club’s round-the-clock accessibility. My advice: visit several before committing to a regular haunt. The staff will remember you, the games are honest, and on a good night, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than watching the cards fall in a Dublin gaming room.
