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Irish Bookmaker’s Association

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The Irish Bookmaker’s Association

The Irish Bookmaker’s Association (IBA) is the authoritative voice of Ireland’s licensed gambling industry. Established in 2005, the IBA represents a diverse range of operators, from major international brands to independent bookmakers, advocating for a regulatory framework that fosters responsible gambling, comprehensive consumer protection, competition and innovation.

Our mission is to ensure a safe, balanced and fair industry environment, one that prioritises consumer protection, responsible gambling, and the integrity of the betting sector. We work closely with government bodies, authorities and other stakeholders to enhance policies that benefit both the industry and the wider community.

At the core of our values is a fundamental commitment to responsible gambling. The IBA champions initiatives that promote safe and enjoyable betting experiences, ensuring that player protection is always the foremost priority. Our track record includes launching the Responsible Gambling Helpline, supporting a network of counsellors across Ireland, establishing the Gambling Awareness Trust, and spearheading Responsible Gambling Week. We collect funds annually from gambling operators, ensuring 100% of the funds collected goes directly to the Gambling Awareness Trust – which supports over 30 gambling addiction service providers across Ireland. In 2021, we introduced the Safer Gambling Code, which implemented a gambling advertising watershed ban and prohibited the use of credit cards.

The IBA is also dedicated to enhancing the economic contribution of the bookmaking industry to Ireland. Our members provide significant employment opportunities and contribute to the national economy through taxes and local investments. We actively engage in discussions around taxation, licensing, and regulations to ensure that the industry remains a vital part of Ireland’s economic landscape.

Latest News:

  • Irish Betting Shops Continue to Close: Why Increasing Betting Tax Would Threaten Jobs and Licensed Operators Across Ireland
    Ireland’s retail betting sector faces a critical crossroads as shop numbers fall to just 721 nationwide. Since 2019, over 134 shops have closed, costing more than 700 jobs and threatening the viability of local businesses. With Budget 2026 approaching, increasing the betting tax risks further closures, thousands of job losses, and growth of the unregulated black market. It’s vital the Government maintains the current betting duty rate to protect jobs and uphold consumer protections.
  • New research commissioned by the GRAI
    The Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) welcomes today’s publication of the new research report, “Effects of Inducements on Sports Gambling and Decision-Errors: An experimental study,” commissioned by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). The IBA has consistently called for balanced regulation and independent research for the gambling sector, to ensure consumer protection and industry sustainability. We believe that evidence-based insights are essential to inform effective regulation and protect consumers, particularly those most at risk. We look forward to reviewing the findings and the methodologies used in this latest report. We will consider its findings carefully in the context of our ongoing efforts to enhance consumer protection and promote responsible gambling.
  • Gambling Regulation Act 2024
    Irish Bookmakers Association Welcomes Commencement of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 The Irish Bookmakers Association and its members welcome the recent announcement that Minister Jim O’Callaghan has signed the commencement order for the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. This marks a significant milestone, following years of dedicated work by… Read more: Gambling Regulation Act 2024
  • Safer Gambling Week 2024: Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling
    Safer Gambling Week 2024 starts this Monday. It brings the industry together for an important initiative. Running from 18th to 24th November, the campaign highlights safer gambling practices. It also encourages open conversations between businesses, customers, and support services. This united effort aims to make gambling safer, more responsible, and enjoyable for everyone.
  • Budget 2025
    The Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) has submitted its detailed Budget 2025 proposal to the Minister for Finance, highlighting key issues impacting the betting sector in Ireland.

The Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) has submitted its detailed Budget 2025 submission to the Minister for Finance, highlighting key issues impacting the betting sector in Ireland. For full details or to download a copy of our Budget submission, please click here.

Budget 2025 Submission

Featured Campaigns

Image of Main Safer Gambling Week 2024 message

Safer Gambling Week 2024

SGWeek24

Safer Gambling Week is an annual cross-industry initiative aimed at promoting safer gambling practices in Ireland and the UK. The campaign encourages open conversations about responsible gambling, offering tools, resources, and support to help people gamble more safely. It brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including gambling operators, charities, and regulators, to raise awareness and provide support throughout the year, with a concentrated effort during the campaign week.