Ireland Market Opinion
Te number of licensed betting shops in Ireland fell to 684 at the end of 2025, less than half the total recorded in 2008. Te Irish Bookmakers Association examines the pressures driving the sector's long- term decline and argues that regulatory certainty and tax stability will be critical to preserving a viable retail betting market.
IRISH BETTING SHOP DECLINE Te latest data confirms that the number of licensed betting shops in Ireland had declined to 684 at the end of 2025. Tis continues a downward trend in retail betting shop numbers since the betting duty doubled in 2019. Te contraction of the sector is not sudden. It has been gradual, persistent and commercially driven. Irish betting shop numbers declined from 1,385 in 2008 to 684 in 2025. 47 shops closed during 2025 alone.
Betting shops operate as licensed, adult-only businesses in towns, villages and cities across Ireland. Tey provide local employment, contribute to local commercial activity and for many customers, offer a social space centred around sport and racing. Behind each shop is a small team of local staff and a fixed cost base that must be met each month.
While turnover figures can appear large, the sector functions on gross win after 85 per cent to 90 per cent of stakes are returned to customers. From that margin, operators must meet wages, commercial rates, rent, utilities, insurance, data and media content costs, regulatory compliance requirements and betting duty.
Over recent years, operators have faced: u
Spiralling labour and operating costs
u Inflation across utilities, services and supplier contracts u Doubling of the betting duty in 2019 u Shift towards online betting
u
Te introduction of a new regulatory framework under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024
u
Forthcoming licensing fees and regulatory levies, the full cost of which is still emerging.
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RETAIL CONTRACTION CONTINUES IRELAND
The Irish Bookmakers Association was established in 2005 and is the voice of Ireland’s licensed gambling industry, representing bookmakers from major international brands to independents. Their mission is to ensure a safe, balanced, and fair industry environment.
www.irishbookmakersassociation.com
info@irishbookmakersassociation.com
WHY STABILITY IN TAXATION POLICY MATTERS Te decision not to further increase the two per cent betting duty rate in Budget 2026 was welcome. At a time when the sector is preparing for a significant regulatory transition, stability in taxation policy is critically important.
Excessive or poorly timed cost increases would risk accelerating further closures, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas where individual shops often support local employment and commercial activity.
Policy decisions must also take account of the wider market environment. Te availability of unlicensed operators continues to grow internationally. If the regulated sector becomes commercially unviable, this risks enhancing the attractiveness of operators who do not pay Irish tax and who do not operate under Irish consumer protection standards.
Maintaining a viable, competitive regulated market is essential not only for employment and local economic contribution but also for customer protection and exchequer returns.
LOOKING AHEAD Whether the current declining trend continues will depend largely on the cumulative impact of operating costs, betting tax, regulatory implementation, licensing fees and broader economic conditions. Proportionally, regulatory clarity and stability in taxation policy will be key to avoiding further unnecessary closures and ensuring that Ireland retains a strong, compliant and consumer-focused betting sector.
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