
Betting

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24th February 2026
02:48pm GMT

SportsJOE will guide readers to the best Cheltenham sites available in Ireland for 2026 in this page.
We will review the welcome bonuses of each top sportsbook, their betting features, app experience, and market coverage, which will help users choose the platform that fits their betting style.
As SportsJOE, we will help you in discovering everything that you need to know ahead one of the biggest Horse Racing events of the year.
These include all the best Cheltenham betting offers and the steps to claim from the most renowned and reliable bookmakers in Ireland.
We will also break down how to choose which free bet deals to sign up for, the best mobile apps and websites, where to find the best Cheltenham betting odds, along with tips on how to maximise your betting throughout the festival.
Do keep in mind that betting involves risks, however, so you are reminded to gamble responsibly.
This page contains commercial content and affiliate links. If you take up one of the offers presented, Joe Media Group will receive a share of a commission payment. Read more here.
With the event fast approaching, we have come up with a list of all the best betting offers for you for Cheltenham Festival 2026.
You can take a look at them at the table below:
| Site | Welcome Bonus | Features | Pros | Rating |
| Sky Bet | £50 in free bet accas when you bet £10 | Live streaming, in-play betting, daily price boosts | Great odds, fast payouts | 9.8/10 |
| Paddy Power | Bet €10 get €50 in bet builders | Bet Builder, in-play markets, frequent boosts | Huge promos, strong app, great for football | 9.7/10 |
| bet365 | Bet €10 get €30 in free bets | Live streaming, early payout, huge market coverage | Best all-round sportsbook, top in-play experience | 9.6/10 |
| Betfred | Bet €10 get €50 in free bets | In-play betting, daily odds boosts, cash out | Strong football & racing markets, reliable payouts | 9.2/10 |
| Betfair | Bet €10 get €50 in free bets | Betting Exchange, cash out, in-play trading | Best for value betting, unmatched odds via exchange | 9.4/10 |
| Novibet | Up to €50 in free bets | In-play betting, accumulators, mobile-first design | Easy to use, good promos, solid odds | 8.9/10 |
| BetVictor | Bet €10 get €60 in free bets | Price boosts, football specials, strong racing markets | Great racing bookie, strong offers for new users | 9.3/10 |
| BOYLE Sports | Bet €10 get €20 in free bets | In-play betting, accumulator boosts, football specials | Good value offers, strong football markets | 8.8/10 |
| Kwiff | Bet €10 get €10 in free bets | Kwiffing feature, boosted odds, novelty markets | Fun promos, unique bet boosts, good for casual betting | 8.6/10 |
| Vivatbet | Bet €10 get €20 in free bets | In-play betting, accumulator offers, simple interface | Decent welcome deal, easy sign-up, good football coverage | 8.5/10 |
When it comes to comparing the betting offers for Cheltenham Festival, there are a few key factors which will help you in separating the best bookmakers from the rest.
You should make sure to always choose fully licensed bookmakers that are regulated by the Gambling Commission. For your Cheltenham experience to be safe and trustworthy, this is ensured by strong reputation for fairness, customer service, and responsible gambling.
Top bookmakers compete with standout odds, as Cheltenham attracts huge betting volume. You should look for consistently competitive pricing on favourites and outsiders and also keep an eye for deep markets such as place terms, specials, and extra place races.
You should compare free bets, bet credits, insurance offers, extra places, price boosts, and early payout deals - especially those tailored to Cheltenham’s big races – as promotions can add real value during the festival.
What will enhance the experience of the festival for you is high quality live streaming, as it is crucial for in play betting. Make sure to look for HD streams, low latency and coverage of all races at the festival.
Next thing that matters during peak race times is a fast, intuitive app. You should prioritise smooth navigation, quick bet placement, and reliable performance even when traffic spikes, which is common during major races at Cheltenham.
You can manage your balance during the festival thanks to quick deposits and fast withdrawals. For secure transactions, check which methods (Visa, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.) are supported and ensure the bookmaker uses advanced encryption.
Among the leading brands for Cheltenham in 2026 are Bet365, Paddy Power and Sky Bet.
Bet365 stands out for its excellent live streaming and has excellent market depth across all races at the festival.
Paddy Power has fun Cheltenham themed offers and is great for Money Back Specials and Power Prices, in addition to its superb push alerts and the user-friendly app.
Sky Bet is renowned for its strength in promotions and has a slick, intuitive app, while also popular for reliability during the big events.
Thanks to speed, reliability, and top tier betting features, these are the leading apps which consistently stand out for Cheltenham Festival 2026.
• Renowned for excellent live streaming and expansive in play options.
• Offers Best Odds Guaranteed, regular boosts, and super fast bet placement.
• Clean UI and excellent market depth across all Cheltenham races.
• Great for Money Back Specials, Power Prices, and fun Cheltenham themed offers.
• User friendly app with fast navigation and superb push alerts.
• Live streaming and quick cash out options make it ideal for in running punters.
• Strong for promotions, including Sky Bet Club, price boosts, and Festival specific offers.
• Slick, intuitive app with excellent notifications and easy bet management.
• Known for reliability during big racing events.
• Deep racing markets, strong odds, and consistent Festival coverage.
• High quality streams, fast withdrawals, and extensive in play features.
• Often provides exclusive Cheltenham enhancements for mobile users.
• Ideal for bettors wanting Exchange prices or lay to lay strategies.
• In play liquidity is strong during the Festival.
• Sportsbook offers bonuses and boosted odds during Cheltenham week.
For app users, many bookmakers now release exclusive promotions. What you can expect to see:
• App Only Free Bets: Usually triggered by placing a qualifying bet on the app.
• Boosted Odds: Enhanced prices for selected Festival races available only on mobile.
• Early Payout Promotions: Win if your horse leads at a certain point or jumps the last in front.
• Bet & Get Offers: Place a bet on the app and receive a Festival specific free bet in return.
• Extra Place Specials: Bookies often expand place terms via mobile-only deals.
How to access them:
When it comes to mobile betting during Cheltenham, the main advantages are speed, live streaming on the go, instant notifications, and easy cash-out options.
Mobile apps make Cheltenham betting faster, easier, and more flexible:
• Speed: Instantly place bets, even within seconds before the off.
• Live Streaming on the Go: Watch every race from your phone wherever you are.
• Instant Notifications: Get alerts about price boosts, results, cash out changes, and race updates.
• Easy Cash-Out Options: Secure profits or limit losses with a single tap.
• Mobile-Exclusive Offers: Many of the best bonuses are app-only during Cheltenham.
• Understand Race Types (Flat, Jump, Harness)
Understanding hurdles, chases, and stamina demands can greatly improve your selections, as Cheltenham is all about National Hunt (jump) racing.
• Read the Form Guide
More than anywhere else, Cheltenham form and course experience is what often matters. Make sure to study the previous performances, trainer/jockey stats and ground preferences.
• Manage Your Bankroll
Cheltenham Festival is unpredictable, so make sure to set a budget for the festival and stick to it. Also, consider using level-stake betting and never chase losses.
• Shop for the Best Odds
We advise that you use odds comparison tools or check multiple apps for the best value, as different bookmakers can vary significantly in pricing.
• Avoid Emotional Betting
Make sure to avoid betting based on emotions, as the hype of the festival can tempt impulsive bets. Remember to stay disciplined, stick to your research, and avoid backing horses purely because they’re heavily talked about or popular.
You should use betting operators that have a license from a respected regular, as this means the operator follows stringent rules regarding fair gaming, data security and responsible gambling.
In addition, please make sure that your choices align with your beliefs, since religious views on betting vary.
You should set strict time and money limits, and never chase losses and recognise that it’s not a way to make money.
Responsible gambling means playing for fun, so please make sure to see the link we have provided to responsible gambling resources, should you need them:
Are Cheltenham betting apps different from desktop betting sites?
They are, because the betting apps are designed for speed, convenience, and on the go betting. On the other hand, desktop sites offer full functionality, but mobile apps often deliver quicker navigation, faster bet placement, and app exclusive features. These include personalised notifications or mobile only boosts.
Do Cheltenham betting sites offer enhanced odds and Festival promotions?
Yes, most definitely. Special Cheltenham Festival promotions are released by most top bookmakers, and these include enhanced odds, extra places, free bets, and insurance offers. During peak race days at the festival, these promos become especially competitive, since the sportsbooks try to attract customers, both existing and new.
Can I place Cheltenham bets in-play using Irish betting apps?
Yes, you can. On Irish betting apps, in-play betting is widely available, as it lets you react in real time to developments at the races. Bet365, Paddy Power, William Hill and BoyleSports, all major operators that are commonly used in Ireland, offer strong in-play horse racing features.
Which Cheltenham betting apps offer the fastest withdrawals in Ireland?
In Ireland, bettors generally find e-wallets, such as PayPal, Skrill and Neteller the fastest, as they often pay out within 24 hours. However, keep in mind that withdrawal speeds depend on payment methods.
For efficient processing across Ireland, brands such as bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair, BetVictor, and Betfred are popular.
Are Cheltenham betting sites in Ireland regulated and licensed?
Yes, they are. Irish betting sites and apps must operate under licences regulated by the Irish Revenue Commissioners or fall under UK regulatory frameworks when applicable.
For Irish bettors, this ensures safe, fair, and compliant betting environments.
Do betting apps offer exclusive Cheltenham bonuses not available on desktop?
Yes, they often do. Mobile exclusive promotions, such as app only price boosts or free bets triggered through mobile wagering, are provided by many bookmakers. During high traffic events like Cheltenham week, these offers encourage app usage.
How can I compare Cheltenham betting sites and apps to find the best value?
To compare effectively, you should look at:
• Licensing and safety
• Odds competitiveness, especially on major races
• Market depth including extra place races
• Mobile experience and app reliability
• Payment options and withdrawal speeds
• Festival specific promotions
What can help you in consistently finding better value is using comparison tables, expert reviews, and checking multiple apps for the same race odds. Across betting comparison briefs, these are also common ranking criteria.
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