chart showing steady decline in number of betting shops in Ireland from 2008 to 2025

Irish Betting Shops Continue to Close: Why Increasing Betting Tax Would Threaten Jobs and Licensed Operators Across Ireland

Betting shop closures, Betting Tax, Latest /

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.

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Irish Bookmakers Association Welcomes New Research on Gambling Inducements

New research commissioned by the GRAI

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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.

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Safer Gambling Week 2024 - Image about gambling shouldn't interfere with personal relationships - one of the key messages of the campaign

Safer Gambling Week 2024: Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling

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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.

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Safer Gambling Week 2024 banner

Safer Gambling Week 2024

Problem Gambling in Ireland, Problem Gambling Services, Responsible Gambling, Safer Gambling Week /

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

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Image outlining the measures being highlighted for Safer Gambling Week 2023 in Ireland and elsewhere

Safer Gambling Week 2023

Problem Gambling Services, Responsible Gambling, Safer Gambling Week, SGWeek23 /

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.

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ESRI Report – Measures of problem gambling, gambling behaviours and perceptions of gambling in Ireland

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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

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