Virtual sports betting involves wagering on computer-generated sporting simulations rather than real events. Virtual football, virtual horse racing, virtual greyhounds and virtual tennis are available around the clock at most GRAI-licensed bookmakers.
What are Virtual Sports?
Virtual sports use Random Number Generator (RNG) or statistical modelling to simulate outcomes of sporting events that never actually happened. Virtual football matches, virtual horse races and virtual greyhound races all run continuously, 24 hours a day. Each event takes around 2–5 minutes from start to finish, making virtual sports a faster-paced alternative to betting on real events.
GRAI Position on Virtual Sports
Virtual sports are regulated differently from traditional sports betting under the GRAI framework. They are closer in nature to casino gaming than sports betting, as outcomes are determined by an RNG rather than a real-world event. GRAI-licensed bookmakers that offer virtual sports may need to comply with additional requirements as the GRAI develops its virtual and gaming licence categories. The position may evolve as the GRAI’s remote gaming licence (expected 2027–2028) develops.
How Virtual Sports Work
Virtual sports operate on the same betting mechanics as real sports: you pick a winner or outcome, the race or match runs, and results are paid out according to the simulated outcome. The key difference is that outcomes are mathematically generated rather than determined by athlete performance. The house edge in virtual sports is typically higher than in real sports betting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Virtual Sports: House Edge vs Real Sports
| Market | Typical house edge |
|---|---|
| Real football (1X2) | 3–5% |
| Virtual football | 10–15% |
| Real horse racing (SP) | 15–25% |
| Virtual horse racing | 12–20% |
| Virtual sports (average) | 10–15% |
18+ | Gambling Awareness Trust | 1800 753 753 | gamblingcare.ie. Virtual sports move fast — set a session time limit before you start.
Virtual Sports Betting in Ireland
Virtual sports are computer-generated simulations of sports events (football, horse racing, greyhounds, tennis, basketball) that run 24/7 with results determined by a certified Random Number Generator. They are available at most Irish betting sites and offer a faster alternative to real sports, with events typically every 2–5 minutes.
| Virtual Sport | Event frequency | Typical markets |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Football | Every 5 min | Match result, goals, scorer |
| Virtual Horse Racing | Every 3 min | Win/place, forecast, tricast |
| Virtual Greyhounds | Every 3 min | Win/place, forecast, distances |
| Virtual Tennis | Every 5 min | Match winner, set betting |
| Virtual Basketball | Every 5 min | Winner, total points, handicap |
How Virtual Sports Outcomes Are Determined
Outcomes are generated by a certified RNG, typically audited by an independent testing lab (eCOGRA, iTech Labs, or similar). The RNG selects outcomes with probabilities broadly reflective of the underlying simulated sport — a 2/1 favourite in virtual horse racing has a higher probability of winning than a 10/1 outsider, though the exact probability distribution is set by the software provider, not the bookmaker.
- Virtual events run to a set schedule, independent of any real sporting activity.
- Unlike real sports, there is no form, weather, injury, or fatigue — all outcomes are purely probability-driven.
- RTP for virtual sports is typically 90–95% — lower than slots, higher than many casino games.
Virtual Sports vs In-Play Real Sports Betting
| Feature | Virtual Sports | In-Play Real Sports |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24/7 | Only during live events |
| Event frequency | Every 2–5 minutes | Depends on fixture schedule |
| Outcome basis | RNG (certified random) | Real performance |
| In-play analysis | Not possible | Yes — form, stats, momentum |
| Suspension risk | None | Markets suspended regularly |
| Responsible gambling note | Faster events increase risk | More breaks between events |
Yes. Most major GRAI-licensed bookmakers offer virtual sports including virtual football, virtual horse racing and virtual greyhounds. They are available 24/7, unlike real sporting events.
Virtual sports are offered by GRAI-licensed bookmakers and fall within their licence. The GRAI's position on virtual sports may evolve as the remote gaming licence category develops in 2027-2028.
Virtual race and match outcomes are generated by a certified Random Number Generator (RNG) or statistical model. Results are mathematically random and cannot be predicted or influenced.
Generally yes. The house edge (bookmaker margin) in virtual sports tends to be higher than in competitive real sports markets. The speed of events also means money can be spent more quickly.