In Ireland, horse and greyhound racing have become an integral part of the country’s social, economic, and cultural identity.
Their significance has been shaped over centuries and continues to be supported by the government, businesses, and local communities. Licensed bookmaker 1xBet Ireland values traditions and actively endorses sporting events, industry professionals, and animal welfare initiatives.
Racing is in Ireland’s DNA
Ireland’s deep passion for horse racing stems from its agricultural heritage, where horses were not a luxury but an essential part of everyday life. They were used in farming and transportation, and over time, their practical role evolved into organised racing events. These competitions gradually became a means of social interaction across regions before developing into the professional sport known today.
The racing industry is firmly rooted in Irish culture and the national economy. More than 30,000 people across the country work within the sector as trainers, jockeys, veterinarians, farriers, and other specialists. For Ireland, racing is a tradition that helps unite communities, preserve national identity, and promote domestic tourism.
At the heart of the industry stands The Curragh Racecourse, established in 1727 and still hosting the country’s most prestigious races and festivals, including the Irish Derby. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s premier racing venues,
The Curragh carries centuries of racing history within its grounds. While preserving heritage is essential, the future of racing also depends on infrastructure investment and media support. That is why 1xBet Ireland became an official partner of The Curragh and the title sponsor of 30 races held at the legendary venue during the 2026 season. The brand supported the Flat Racing Festival, which featured the Irish Derby, the Irish 2,000 Guineas, and the first-ever Easter Raceday.
The licensed bookmaker also became the title sponsor of the 1xBet Grand National Trial at Punchestown Racecourse, one of the country’s most prestigious races and an important preparation event for the season’s major staying handicaps.
Partnerships between leading racecourses, racing organisers, and international brands such as 1xBet help preserve Ireland’s unique traditions and cultural identity while also supporting the country’s economy.
Greyhound racing as a symbol of urban life in Ireland
While horse racing grew out of Ireland’s agricultural heritage and close connection to nature, greyhound racing gained popularity among the pub-going communities of Limerick, Dublin, and many other cities across the country. Originally, it provided excitement and entertainment for local factory workers, but today it attracts a much broader audience.
In the past year alone, over 150,000 spectators attended greyhound racing tracks across Ireland. Like horse racing, the sport has evolved into a distinct ecosystem that promotes important values such as competitive spirit, excitement, and respect for animals.
Licensed bookmaker 1xBet Ireland became a sponsor of Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI), a nationwide tour series featuring 14 events across the country, as well as the Irish St. Leger, one of the most prestigious greyhound races with a prize fund of €30,000. The final is scheduled for November 21, 2026.
Through its partnership with The Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT), 1xBet extends its support beyond traditional sports sponsorship by contributing to greyhound welfare initiatives. The partnership includes the launch of IRGT’s first-ever Ambassador Programme, designed to support volunteers and raise awareness about retired racing greyhounds as suitable family pets.
The initiative helps strengthen IRGT’s work across Ireland, including Meet & Greet events at greyhound racing venues where volunteers introduce retired greyhounds to the public and help promote responsible rehoming. Through this partnership, 1xBet supports efforts to help retired racing greyhounds transition from sporting careers to comfortable family life.
Licensing is a market-specific operational commitment
In line with its long-term approach to regulated-market development, 1xBet operates in Ireland under a Remote Bookmaker’s Licence issued by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, strictly complying with all local tax and legal obligations. For 1xBet, a licence represents a long-term operational commitment, ensuring that market participation is built upon a stable and predictable legal framework.
Beyond individual market operations, the brand builds international commercial partnerships with prominent sports organisations, including FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Italy’s Serie A, and FIBA. While these commercial relationships provide extensive platforms for communication and engagement, they do not replace regulatory responsibility or constitute independent certification of an operator’s compliance.
Supporting Long-Term Market Development
Supporting sporting and cultural traditions reflects 1xBet’s strategy of focusing on long-term market development rather than short-term campaigns. Through active participation at racecourses, greyhound tracks, and volunteer initiatives like the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT), the brand intends to continue developing its local experience as market requirements and community expectations evolve.
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