Our Budget 2026 submission called on the Government to maintain the 2% betting duty and avoid any additional taxation on the sector. Despite employing over 6,000 people and contributing more than €170 million to the Exchequer, the retail betting industry faces falling revenues, rising costs, and new regulatory burdens. Further tax increases would accelerate shop closures, reduce employment, and drive more customers towards unlicensed operators.
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.
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.
New research commissioned by the GRAI Read More »
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 his predecessor, Minister James Browne, as well
Gambling Regulation Act 2024 Read More »
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.
Safer Gambling Week 2024: Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling Read More »
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.
SGWeek24 Safer Gambling Week is an annual, nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness of safer gambling. It brings together all sectors of the gambling industry, including online operators, betting shops, and race tracks, to promote responsible gambling and provide advice on how to gamble safely Lets Talk about Safer Gambling Safer Gambling Week 2024 takes
Safer Gambling Week 2024 Read More »
Irish betting shop closures have been spread throughout the country. Over the long-term the number of betting shops decreased from 1385 in 2008 to 731 by the end of 2024, a decrease of 47.2%.
Betting shop closures Read More »
Safer Gambling Week, backed by the entire gaming industry, from betting shops and Race tracks to online platforms. Experience a unified campaign bridging both affiliated and independent sectors. Our mission? Engage all, from players to operators, in pivotal conversations about safe gambling. Learn about safer gambling practices, discover tools for year-round responsible play, and information about how to access the vast range of essential support resources.
Safer Gambling Week 2023 Read More »
The IBA and our members have consistently supported the Gambling Regulation Bill (“the Bill”) and the introduction of regulation of the sector. We remain committed to combating problem gambling and are consistently striving to improve the effectiveness of our safer gambling measures. We want to examine the ESRI report in detail to fully understand its methodology and