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WITH energy bills often being a top expense for Irish households, it may seem like there’s not much you can do to save money.

But one electrician has shared his top tips for lowering your energy bills by hundreds of euro each year that many might not be aware of.

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Journalist Collect

Dan O’Shea is a 20-year-old electrician from Co Longford who has recently been named the 2025 Screwfix Trade Apprentice winner.

Raised in Newtowncashel, Dan gained his skills working alongside his father Enda in farming and carpentry, giving him an understanding of the trades from an early age.

His journey into becoming an electrician began after leaving his studies in agricultural science at UCD to pursue an apprenticeship.

Dan said: “My parents always told me to do well in school so I did and I studied hard and got into UCD for agricultural science.

“Within two weeks I dropped out. I was always surrounded by trades and working with my uncle and my dad so I decided to do an apprenticeship with FWhite electrical.”

Now the youngest winner of 2025’s Screwfix’s trade apprentice, this promising electrician has shared all of his tips to lower energy costs in the home.

One of Dan’s first recommendations is to replace all fluorescent and conventional light bulbs with LED lighting due to their energy efficiency and longer lifespan.

LED lights consume up to 80 per cent less electricity than traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, and Dan says this can lead to major savings on household energy bills over time.

Dan said: “In many households there is old lighting, fluorescent tubes, fluorescent bulbs but nowadays we have LED lights.

“These are great – they have a longer shelf life, it’s usually better lighting, it can be controlled from your phone and they are far handier on electricity costs.”

Another tip Dan has is to switch off electrical appliances completely when they are not in use, as many devices continue to draw power and inflate energy costs.

Small habits, such as frequently turning lights on and off or repeatedly using appliances like toasters and kettles unnecessarily, can see a major increase in electricity consumption.

Everyday habits

And to help homeowners monitor their usage, Dan advises installing an ESB smart meter, which provides real-time data on energy consumption.

Smart meters allow users to see which appliances are the most energy-intensive and adjust their habits accordingly, making energy savings more achievable.

What’s more, he said that there may be grants available to assist homeowners with the installing them.

Dan said: “There are ESB smart meters and that allows you to track your energy usage.

“I’ve talked to a lot of people about them and it helps them to see what they’re spending their energy on – if you’re able to keep track of your energy usage and amend it over the long run that is how you will save money.”

Another tip Dan has is scheduling energy-heavy appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, to run during off-peak hours at night.

Running these appliances at night not only reduces energy costs but also eases demand on the national grid during peak daytime hours.

‘Save thousands on your electricity bills’

And beyond everyday energy-saving habits, Dan believes that investing in solar panels is the single most effective way for Irish homeowners to reduce their energy costs.

Solar panels work by converting sunlight into usable electricity, which can then power household appliances.

They can significantly decrease electricity bills by generating free, renewable energy and in some cases, surplus energy can be sold back to the grid.

And Dan said while it may take 3/4 years to start seeing your return on your investment, in the long run it could save you thousands.

He added: “The biggest one is solar panels – within four years they pay for themselves and it is pretty much free electricity from then on.

“It’s gone crazy across Ireland and the majority of new homes are being built with them or installing them.

“You get your money back within a couple of years and then you save thousands on your electricity bills going forward.”

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LOVE Island star Ben has revealed his Casa Amor game plan, and admitted he’s not scared to step on toes. 

The hunky Islander, 23, is one of the new singletons looking for love on the ITV2 dating show.

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Instagram/@ben.holbrough

And he spoke about the possibility of reaching the Casa Amor stage of the show, and how he’d act if he did. 

Ben told The Sun and other press: “If I’ve got loyalty to a girl, I would do my absolute best to go and sleep outside on my own.

“But if we’re kind of 50/50, and there’s five new girls coming in, it’s going to be hard not to just, you know. 

“Basically, I’ve got to go and say hello, we’ve got to get to know each other, so at least we’ll see when we’re there I guess.”

Ben also discussed his villa ‘game plan,’ adding: “I’m not going to be afraid to step on anyone’s toes.

“I think when you’re in there you’ve got to look out for yourself, and you’ve got to get what you want in there at the end of the day. 

“Everyone’s in the same boat, so if it’s early days in there and there’s a girl I like and I have no loyalties to anyone, it’s fair game.” 

And he’s open to getting down and dirty in the villa – and has even worked out a way to hide his bedroom antics.

About having sex in the villa, Ben said: “I can never say never, you know, you gotta take every day as it comes.

“Who knows if there’s a girl and I sharing a bed with and she’s sexy, who knows what it’s gonna cuddling every night, it could get carried away.”

The 6ft 2ins model from Gloucester teased: “The hideaway is there for the taking as well, so we’ll wait and see.

“I’ve already told my family that I will try and keep it as PG as possible, because I have my niece watching so I do need to make an effort to keep it PG. 

“But then again, there’s nothing wrong with just putting a quick cover over, so I could just do that and people will think we’re just having a quick cuddle, and that that is all it was.” 

Ben, who is a private hire taxi driver, is a big fan of showing off his six pack in mirror selfies on social media.

In a video on his Star Now modelling page, he said: “My main line of work is modelling, which I’ve been doing for about five or six years now.

“But when I’m not doing that, my hobbies are either going to the gym or playing football.”

Ben already has a connection to the reality TV world, as he is followed on Instagram by Married At First Sight star Lacey Martin.Love Island host Maya Jama will kick off the brand new series on Monday, June 9.

Instagram/@ben.holbrough

Instagram/@ben.holbrough

Fans weren’t too surprised to see Tom Hiddleston in the list of cast for Avengers: Doomsday. It was earlier suggested that his role would come to an end after the emotional climax of Loki Season 2. However, if Marvel history has taught us anything, it is not to trust that it is really the end […]

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JAMIE VARDY is still on the lookout for his next challenge after quitting Leicester City.

And judging by the sustained support with the bookmakers, a move to MANCHESTER UNITED is looking ever more likely by the day!

The 38-year-old has been linked with several clubs across Europe since he revealed he was quitting the Foxes.

A club legend – described by Leicester as ‘our greatest-ever player’ – Vardy leaves having scored 200 goals in 500 appearances for the side.

He also worked under 10 different managers in his 13 years at the King Power.

In a lengthy statement, he closed it off by saying: “It’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about it, but I think the timing it right.”

Vardy has been strongly linked with a move north of the border, with former boss Brendan Rodgers at Celtic before more concrete claims of interest from Rangers, who have recently been taken over.

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A move to Serie A is the current frontrunner with BetVictor, priced at 9/4 to move to any club.

But without doubt the market mover in the Vardy next club market is for Manchester United, who were reportedly interested at the end of the January window.

Ruben Amorim is desperate for options up to, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on the way out and Rasmus Hojlund potentially exiting with them.

Only Everton and the three, poor relegated sides scored less goals than United in the Premier League last season.

They’re trying to resolve that issue, having splurged over £60million on Matheus Cunha and in advanced talks with Bryan Mbeumo.

Jamie Vardy's next club

Odds from BetVictor

• Any Italian club 9/4
• Manchester United 5/2
• Wrexham 8/1
• Crystal Palace 8/1
• Sheffield Wednesday 8/1
• Any Scottish club 8/1
• Any MLS club 12/1
• Leeds 12/1
• Any Spanish club 20/1

So this move for Vardy on a free would be a much cheaper option to bolster the front line and likely be an attractive proposition for both parties.

Such is the incredible nature of this market, Championship new boys Wrexham come next at 8/1 third favourites.

The Hollywood-owned side were coined the ‘obvious transfer choice of the century’ for Vardy when he first revealed he was leaving Leicester but that seems to have cooled.

A switch to Scotland, Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday are all also 8/1.

Remember to gamble responsibly

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
• Gamcare – gamcare.org.uk
• GambleAware – GambleAware.org

Read our guide on responsible gambling practices.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

MR VEGAS casino launched in 2020 and is fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, making it a secure choice for UK players.

While it may not have the name recognition of some bigger brands, it stands out thanks to a massive games library powered by leading software providers.

In this Mr Vegas review, we’ll explore everything from available slot and table games to the welcome bonus, mobile experience, and safety features — so you can decide if it’s the right UK casino site for you.

The Sun’s verdict: 4.4/5

There’s a lot to like about Mr Vegas online casino, and the biggest plus point is the huge choice of games. With its enormous library with thousands of games, one of the largest available to UK players, it’s unlikely that most platforms will be able to match that range.

Mr Vegas also provides good value through promotions, and there is a helpful customer support team available via live chat and email. Among the minor downsides is the absence of an app, but overall, this is a good casino platform for UK players that has a great score on our “Sun Factor” scale.

Mr Vegas casino quick facts

As we work through this Mr Vegas review, we will look very closely at all of the important elements of the platform. Before we delve deeper, here are some essential facts:

Year established	2020
UKGC account number	39380
Welcome bonus	11 free spins & 100% match on opening deposits up to £200
No. of games offered	8,000+
No. of game providers	170+
Payment methods	Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, bank transfer, Skrill, Neteller, MuchBetter, AstroPay Card, MiFinity, Neosurf, PaysafeCard, PayForIt, Payz, and PayPal.
Customer support	Live chat, email, telephone, social media, FAQ list
App	No

Mr Vegas casino bonuses and promotions

New UK players at Mr Vegas Casino can claim a welcome bonus that typically includes a matched deposit offer and/or bonus spins, subject to terms and wagering requirements.

For returning players, the standout feature is Rainbow Fridays — a weekly promotion that rewards customers with cash payouts based on their gameplay volume. These rewards are wager-free, meaning any money earned is immediately withdrawable.

While there’s no traditional VIP or tiered loyalty programme, Mr Vegas still offers regular promotions and prize draws like the Wheel of Vegas, where players can win cash jackpots through ongoing slot or live casino play.

Mr Vegas welcome bonus

The welcome bonus at Mr Vegas Casino comes in two parts. Firstly, there are 11 free spins up for grabs. A £10 deposit is needed to activate these and there are no wagering requirements on winnings from free spins.

Mr Vegas also offers a 100% match on opening deposits. This has an upper limit of £200 and there are wagering requirements attached to this part of the deal. Here are the key points you need to know:

• Free spins require an initial deposit of £10.
• Spins apply exclusively to the Pink Elephants 2 Slot.
• Free spins must be used within 7 days.
• A minimum deposit of £10 is required to activate the matched deposit offer.
• The maximum match is set at £200.
• There is a 35x wagering requirement attached to bonus funds.

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Mr Vegas games and software providers

Mr Vegas offers one of the broadest game selections in the UK market, with 8,000+ games from more than 170 software providers. These cover everything from classic and video slots to blackjack, roulette, poker, and live dealer tables.

Top-tier developers featured on the site include Play’n GO, NetEnt, Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Playtech, and Microgaming. The platform also supports rising studios like Wazdan, Thunderkick, and Slingshot Studios, helping to diversify the experience for players.

The end result is one of the most extensive and diverse sets of games among the best online casinos in the UK. One area to build on concerns the lack of exclusive titles. With so many producers at their disposal, it’s strange that Mr Vegas doesn’t have any exclusive games, and this may be something for them to work on in the future.

Top 3 Highest RTP slots at BetMGM

While the Mr Vegas online casino has one of the widest ranges of slot games, some are more popular among its players. These include high RTP slots such as Mega Joker, Marching Legions, and Big Bass Bonanza.

Slot name	Mega Joker	Marching Legions	Big Bass Bonanza
RTP	99%	98.12%	96.71%
Software provider	NetEnt	Relax Gaming	Pragmatic Play
Theme	Classic Slots	Rome	Fishing
Reels	5	5	5
Paylines	5	243	10
Volatility	High	High	Medium
Year released	2011	2020	2020

Payment methods at Mr Vegas

It helps to be flexible when it comes to payment methods, and Mr Vegas works with a wide set of funding providers. For deposits and withdrawals, the choices are Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, bank transfer, Skrill, Neteller, MuchBetter, AstroPay Card, MiFinity, Neosurf, PaysafeCard, PayForIt, Payz and PayPal.

There will be something for everyone on that list. Deposits and withdrawals are quick, but one drawback is that fees apply to withdrawals except for bank wire withdrawals. Other methods are subject to a £2.50 charge.

Mr Vegas mobile play

Those who like to play on the go can access Mr Vegas UK via the operator’s mobile website. You can call this up in your browser and bookmark it for future use. Deposits and withdrawals can be made on the mobile casino site, and you can also sign up here if you’re not yet an existing customer. 

If you have a sound internet connection, you should have no problems in terms of speed and functionality when using the mobile platform. It’s an option for playing on the go, but it would be more convenient if Mr Vegas UK were to introduce an app in the future.

How to sign up at Mr Vegas

As soon as you land on the Mr Vegas homepage, a registration form will open. If you want to proceed with sign-up straight away, you can enter your details. The first part of the form asks for an email and telephone number, together with a password. 

You will then be asked to enter all your personal information – name, date of birth, physical address etc. If you want to have a look around the site first, that’s fine. Just click on the green ‘Open Account’ button at any time. Whatever you decide, the two step sign-up form works as follows:

• Enter your email, telephone number and choose a password.
• Enter name, date of birth, address and other personal details.
• Verify the code sent to your phone, and the account will be open.

Responsible gambling at Mr Vegas

The best online platforms will always look to promote responsible gambling, and that’s the case at Mr Vegas online casino. The operator links out to recognised charities and organisations, including GAMSTOP and GamCare, and they have a selection of tools for customers to put in place. 

In order to keep things within those responsible guidelines, players can look to harness the following tools:

• Deposit and wagering limits if you want to cap the amount of funds you play with.
• Reality checks to tell you how long you’ve been on the site.
• Timeouts and self-exclusions if you want to take a temporary or permanent break from Mr Vegas.

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Mr Vegas customer support

Anyone who needs assistance from Mr Vegas Casino has a choice of ways to get in touch with the customer support team. The most convenient way to do this is through the live chat operators who are available 24/7.

Those who prefer other methods will find a dedicated customer support telephone number and an email address. Mr Vegas can also be contacted via certain social media platforms, and they have one of the better lists of frequently asked questions.

FAQ about Mr Vegas casino

While the Mr Vegas platform has a solid set of help options, some common queries often arise and here are some answers to the more frequently asked questions:

1. Is Mr Vegas Casino legit?

Yes, Mr Vegas Casino is a legitimate provider of gambling services in the UK. They are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, and this is the guarantee to customers that this is a legit operator.

2. How long do Mr Vegas Casino withdrawals take?

Withdrawals from a Mr Vegas Casino account will usually take from 1 to 3 days. This can depend on the method used, but 1-3 days is an average timeframe.

3. Who owns Mr Vegas?

Mr Vegas is owned and operated by Videoslots Limited. The company is based in Malta and is responsible for obtaining the brand’s license from the UK Gambling Commission.

4. Does Mr Vegas have an app?

No, Mr Vegas UK does not currently have an app. For those looking to play on the go, there is a mobile site that can be called up through any browser.

5. For what games can I use my Mr Vegas bonus?

The free spins part of the Mr Vegas bonus can only be used on the Pink Elephants 2 slot. The matched deposit offer is available for all games on the platform.

More casino reviews

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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.

Find James on LinkedIn

Remember to gamble responsibly

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
• Gamcare – gamcare.org.uk
• GambleAware – GambleAware.org

Read our guide on responsible gambling practices.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.