Microsoft Irish subsidiary pays $23bn dividend to US parent
Tech
Microsoft Irish subsidiary pays $23bn dividend to US parent
Revenue reported by another Microsoft subsidiary surged from $69 billion in 2023 to $79 billion last year
Vish Gain
08:09
Catherine Doyle, general manager of Microsoft Ireland, recently told the Business Post the company and Ireland have 'grown together as a partnership'. Photo: Fergal Phillips
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The Irish Sun
42 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Best cashback bonuses in Ireland: Top cashback casinos for June 2025
CASINO cashback bonuses first emerged in the early 2000s, offering a new way for players to soften the impact of losses. Today, they are one of the most popular promotions around, and a staple among online casinos in Ireland. This article explores everything you need to know about online casino cashback bonuses: what they are, the most common types you'll find and how to claim them, the pros and cons of cashback rewards, expert tips on maximising them, and a roundup of the best cashback casino bonuses available to Irish players in 2025. 🪙 Best casino cashback bonuses 🔎 A closer look at casino cashback bonuses In the following paragraphs, we'll take a look at cashback bonuses from our 1. Spinsy Cashback bonus: Live cashback 25% up to €200 Another new casino, Spinsy, launched in 2024, offering players thousands of popular slot and table games, and some truly worthwhile promotions besides plenty of by playing live casino games each week, and requesting cashback on live chat (it's not automatically credited). The exact amount depends on the VIP level, but it needs to be wagered only once (1x) to cash out. Level 3, 4, and 5 VIP players also get access to another promo: 5%, 10%, or 15% cashback with a 1x wagering requirement up to €3,000 on all casino games each week. 2. Bitkingz Cashback bonus: Daily Cashback Hunt cashback up to 20% Since launching in 2020, Bitkingz has made its name on generous cashback promotions and fast crypto transactions. The Daily Cashback Hunt rewards players with progressively higher cashback amounts for betting at least €100 on each consecutive day for a week. It starts with 5% on Day 1, maxing out at 20% on Day 7, and staying there as long as the qualifying deposit requirement is met each following day. The wagering requirements and maximum bonus amounts depend on the player's VIP level, going from 35x and €500 on the Settler level up to 3x and €10,000 on the highest King level. There is also an Instant Cashback promo on slots or live games, with similar awards that scale with the player's VIP level. 3. 50 Crowns Casino Cashback bonus: VIP Weekly Cashback - Get up to 20% Another fairly new casino, 50 Crowns, opened its doors to the public in 2023. In addition to a massive game library of nearly 5,000 titles, it also has cashback offers for both VIP players and live casino lovers. VIPs can negotiate with their VIP Account Manager to get up to 20% in weekly cashback as long as they don't withdraw more than 60% of their deposit amount for the week. The other promotion is available to everyone at the casino, offering 25% of your weekly losses on live casino games between €5 and €200. All cashback promotions have a 10x wagering requirement. 4. 5Gringos Cashback bonus: 10% cashback up to €200 + 1 bonus crab This jolly-looking casino has been around since 2020, leaning strongly into its Mexican theme, with cartoony graphics and lots of Mexican-themed slots. It also offers two excellent cashback bonuses, the first as part of its welcome offer and the other for VIP players. For new players, all casino and live games are eligible for 10% cashback between €5 and €200 with deposits of at least €10. You'll only need to wager the bonus once to cash out, and Skrill and Neteller deposits are not eligible. For regulars, the site offers between 5% and 15% cashback per week up to €1,000/€3,000 (1x wagering), but you'll need to be on at least the third level of five VIP levels available in the loyalty programme. 5. Lukki Casino Cashback bonus: 150% Extra, a 60-day VIP trial & 10% cashback safety net Lukki is a relatively new casino, operating since 2023. It offers a solid selection of slot and casino games, including numerous jackpot slots, and a large variety of excellent promotions, especially for new players. Currently, you can get a head start to the VIP experience by depositing 500 € or more to get a 150% bonus up to 6,000 €, a 60-day VIP trial, and 10% cashback for your first week. The maximum cashback from this promotion is 1,000 €, but there are no wagering requirements. If you plan to stick around, Lukki offers a seven-tier Yacht Club loyalty programme, which, among other bonuses, also offers increasing cashback rewards. 6. Slotbox Casino Cashback bonus: Weekly cashback up to €2,000 every Friday Since opening its doors to the public in 2021, Slotbox has been making waves in the gambling community with its generous welcome bonuses and excellent slot game selection. The cashback offer is tied to the casino's SlotClub Loyalty Program. It's a weekly cashback scheme, with players on the third VIP level (Platinum) getting 5% cashback up to €500 on net losses from Friday 00:00 to Thursday 23:59, increasing up to 10% or even higher, with a cap of €2,000 on the top-tier Black Diamond VIP level. The minimum cashback amount is €5, and it has to be wagered 1x within three days or it expires. 7. Rolling Slots Cashback bonus: Get 10% up to €200 every Monday! We don't imagine Mick and Keith are much into gambling, but one look at the Rolling Slots casino and you'll know where it got its inspiration from. Aside from the refreshingly rock music-inspired design, this casino has, since 2021, been a great place to visit if you like cashback deals. Every Monday, all players can claim 10% up to €200 of their losses for the past week, with no VIP level requirements to worry about. That said, you'll need to have at least €50 in losses as the minimum cashback is €5, and before you cash out, you'll need to meet a rather steep 30x wagering requirement. 8. CrocoSlots Cashback bonus: Up to 20% daily cashback If you're a fan of casinos with fun cartoonish designs, CrocoSlots will be right up your alley. Since 2022, this casino has made its name on more than design, though, with the current cashback bonus being one of the best in the industry. Starting with day 1 and 5%, your cashback will depend on your ability to keep up with the €100 wagering requirement each successive day - if you get up to seven days, it will get to as much as 20%! That said, the total amount is limited by your VIP level at the casino, starting at just €500 for new players, and €5,000 at the Diamond VIP level. Similarly, the wagering requirements will go down from a hefty 35x for beginners to just 3x for Diamond-level players. 9. Need for Spin Cashback bonus: Cashback bonus 15% up to €200 Ever thought fast cars and casinos go together nicely? The owners of Need for Spin certainly did in 2022. But, whether you're a sports racing car fan or not, you'll enjoy the numerous worthwhile promotions at this casino, and particularly its excellent cashback offer. All registered players can each Monday get 15% of deposit losses incurred between Monday 00:00 UTC and Sunday 23:59 UTC during the past week. The minimum cashback amount is €7.5, while the maximum you can get each week is €200, and you'll have five days from activation to play through the funds 30x before you can cash out. 10. Playoro Cashback bonus: Weekly cashback up to 20% Playoro opened its doors in 2023 and quickly made a name for itself on the Irish market with generous bonuses and promotions. One of our favourite ones is a weekly cashback credited every Monday, where your losses will be reimbursed based on your current VIP level. The minimum cashback amount is €10, and cashback starts at 5% on the Bronze VIP level, going all the way up to 20% for Diamond level players. Best of all? You'll only need to wager the bonus through once before you can cash out, and there is no limit on the maximum bet contribution to wagering for this promotion. 🙋 What are cashback bonuses in casino gaming? Cashback bonuses are a type of casino promotion that gives players a percentage of their net losses back over a specific period. Unlike free spins or cashable prizes that reward players for winning or making deposits, cashback offers act as a safety net, softening the blow of losses. Typically calculated weekly (sometimes daily or monthly), these bonuses help retain players by giving them a second chance, essentially turning a losing streak from a total loss to a smaller setback. 🤔 How do casino cashback bonuses work? Casino cashback bonuses function as a form of loyalty reward, usually calculated at the end of every week. If you lose money while playing that week, the casino gives you back a percentage, often between 5% and 20%, as a bonus. This refund is either credited automatically or claimed manually, depending on the site's terms, and the amount will often depend on the specific promotion or tier of loyalty/VIP programme you are currently in on the site. How cashback bonuses may differ Cashback bonuses can vary widely between casinos. While sometimes tailored for new players as a welcoming and ongoing perk, most target and reward loyal, returning customers. The validity period may range from 24 hours to a full week, and they usually require a minimum deposit or qualifying loss amount to activate. Terms can include wagering requirements, caps on the cashback amount, whether it's paid out as bonus funds or real cash, and even specific game restrictions. Always check the fine print, as even similar-looking bonuses at first glance may work very differently in practice. Types of cashback bonuses Cashback bonuses are a popular type of casino promotion designed to reduce the sting of losses and reward player loyalty. While the specific mechanics and conditions may vary, several common types show up on almost all sites. Here's a quick overview of each one of them: Percent-based cashback – This is the standard and most common type of cashback. You receive a fixed percentage (typically 10%) of your losses back over a certain period, like a week. As an example, if during the given period you've lost €200, with a 10% cashback, you'll be getting €20 back. Tiered cashback – Based on loyalty or VIP levels, the higher your rank, the greater your cashback will be. New players might get as little as 5%, but higher-level VIPs will enjoy as much as 20% or more. Weekly or monthly cashback bonus – Issued at the beginning of each week or month, this type of offer reflects your activity over the past week or month. It's designed to reward consistency and take the sting out of particularly unlucky periods. Game-specific cashback – Only applies to selected games, such as certain slots or table games. Playing these titles can earn you partial refunds on your losses, and it is a promo designed to encourage players to play specific games on the site. No-wager cashback – A rare but very appealing type of cashback, this one has no wagering requirements, meaning you can withdraw it immediately or use it as real money. That said, it's typically more restrictive in terms of how much you can get overall. Special event or timed cashback – Unlike loyalty rewards, these are typically short-lived, and used to either promote or celebrate special events, such as Christmas holidays or the opening of a new game section on the site. While you'll have a limited time to make use of them, they usually tend to be more generous or unique than other types of cashback rewards. READ MORE SUN STORIES 👉 How to claim a casino cashback bonus offer While exact steps may differ across casino sites, claiming cashback bonuses typically follows this process in the online casino world: Sign up for a casino account on your chosen site to access the available casino bonuses. Opt in to the cashback offer or enter a bonus code if required for the specific promotion. If necessary, make a qualifying deposit using accepted payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, or Neteller to meet the deposit bonus criteria. Play eligible casino games, such as slots, table games, or video poker, and place qualifying bets within the required timeframe. Accumulate any net losses during the cashback period, which may range from daily to monthly, depending on the casino promotion. Receive your cashback bonus automatically as bonus funds, or request it manually through customer support if the promotion requires it. Use the bonus cash to keep playing, or withdraw your cashback according to the specific wagering requirements and T&Cs set by the casino. Tips for getting the most out of your cashback bonus Look for high cashback percentages – Choose casinos offering 10% or more to maximise your return on losses. Read the T&Cs thoroughly – Make sure to understand the wagering requirements, restrictions, and expiry dates to avoid missing out on cashback offers. Play only eligible games – Focus on casino games like slots or table games that qualify under the cashback terms. Join VIP and loyalty programs – Higher-tier players and veterans on casino sites often receive better cashback bonuses, such as higher percentages or the ability to withdraw their cashback without further wagering requirements. Track your gameplay and losses – Stay aware of how much you've wagered to optimise your cashback potential, but don't let cashback rewards spur you to start destructive gambling habits such as chasing losses. ⚖️ Advantages and disadvantages of cashback bonuses Pros Cons A safety net for losses Usually only applies to net losses Often low or no wagering requirements Can be time or game-limited Rewards ongoing play and site loyalty Cashback amounts can be capped Can be for new players and veterans alike May require manual claiming or opt-in Sometimes stacks with other promotions Often paid in bonus funds, not real cash 👇 FAQs about casino cashback bonuses 1. What should I look for in a good casino cashback offer? When searching for the best cashback casino bonuses, you should focus on a few key details: the cashback percentage (higher is better), the wagering requirements (lower or none is ideal), and whether it applies to your favourite casino games like slots or table games. Also, check if the bonus funds are credited automatically or require a bonus code . Reliable casino sites clearly state these requirements in their T&Cs, which is crucial for avoiding issues later on. 2. Which payment methods are best to use for withdrawing cashback bonuses? For e-wallets like , and reliable debit cards such as Visa and Mastercard . The latter are widely accepted by most online casinos in Ireland, while the former tend to offer faster processing times. Always verify that the casino supports your preferred payment option and whether using certain methods affects your eligibility for a deposit bonus or cashback promotion. Some bonus offers may exclude e-wallets, so it's vital to read the T&Cs before you deposit or try to withdraw your bonus cash. 3. How can I check a cashback casino, or cashback bonus offer, to make sure it's legit? To ensure a cashback bonus offer is legitimate, look for licensing from recognised regulatory bodies and check the casino's reputation through trusted reviews and expert lists . A legitimate online casino cashback bonus will clearly list its wagering requirements, time limits, and game restrictions. Check for transparency in the promotion's terms and a responsive customer support system. You should also verify if there are responsible gambling tools available and whether the casino has a history of fair payouts, as these are both signs of trustworthy and reliable casinos. 4. When and how might my cashback offers appear? Your cashback bonus may appear in your casino account automatically after a specified timeframe, often weekly or monthly, based on your net losses during that period. Some casino promotions require you to opt in, enter a promo code, or contact support. Cashback can be credited as bonus funds, bonus cash, and in the case of the best cashback bonuses, even real money. Always review the requirements in the T&Cs and keep track of your bets, as certain casino games or slot titles might be excluded from the cashback calculations. About the author James Anderson James Anderson is a Betting & Gaming Writer at The Sun. He is an expert in sports betting and online casinos, and joined the company in November 2020 to work closely with leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to curate content in all areas of sports betting. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter and Head of Live Blogs/Events at the Daily Express and Daily Star, covering football, cricket, snooker, F1 and horse racing. Responsible gambling A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry, or depressed Problem gambling – Gamble Aware – Help with gambling addiction If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland. Most read in Betting
Extra.ie
an hour ago
- Extra.ie
How pension pots are being hit by cost of living
The cost of living is taking a major toll on people saving into their pension, a survey has found. Some 60% of day-to-day living costs such as grocery and childcare bills are among the key reasons people are not saving enough for their retirement, the survey of more than 130 advisers showed. A lack of knowledge or awareness of pensions is the prime reason Irish people are falling behind on their retirement savings, with 61% of financial advisers citing this as a key factor. Pic: Shutterstock Ireland's high cost of living comes a close second, with 60% of experts saying these costs are to blame. The other reasons people are not saving enough into their pensions are due to unaffordable housing (30%); a lack of interest in pension savings (28%) and poor budgeting & money management skills (22%). Glenn Gaughran, of pension trustees Independent Trustee Company, said: 'Ireland is the second most expensive country in the EU, with prices for basic goods and services a staggering 42% above the EU average, according to a recent Eurostat report. Pic: Shutterstock 'Ireland experienced record inflation in 2022 and 2023, with inflation surpassing 9% on a number of occasions. 'While inflation today is a fraction of what it was back then, worryingly, it has started to creep up again. 'Let's not forget too that aboveaverage inflation has been recorded for many basic grocery items with butter prices up over 16% over the last year, milk up between 12% and 14% and beef up 13%,' the report says. Pic: Shutterstock 'So inflationary pressures are still very much a reality in Ireland and this has far-reaching consequences for Irish people, not just for affording the immediate day-to-day but also for saving and planning for retirement years. 'The message of why it's so important to save adequately into your pension needs to be communicated in a way which hits home to Irish people.'
The Journal
2 hours ago
- The Journal
Have you reduced your alcohol consumption in the past year?
THE LEVEL OF alcohol consumption by Irish adults has fallen by 4.5% in the last year, which is the continuation of a downward trend recorded over the last 25 years. A new report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) and authored by economist Anthony Foley found the average alcohol consumption per adult fell to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol. This is a drop of more than one-third (34.3%) since 2001. So in today's poll we want to know, are you drinking less? Poll Results: Yes (622) No (357) I don't drink (122) Yes No I don't drink Vote
