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:
- Safer Gambling Week 2026: Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling
Safer Gambling Week runs from 16 to 22 November 2026. Find out what this year’s campaign is about, the tools that help people stay in control, and where to get support. - Irish Betting Shop Numbers Continue to Decline
Irish betting shop numbers have fallen to 684 at the end of 2025, with 47 closures during the year. The Irish Bookmakers Association highlights rising operating costs, regulatory transition and the importance of stability to protect high street jobs and customer protections. - Safer Gambling Week 2025: Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling
Safer Gambling Week 2025 is about raising awareness of how to gamble safely, the tools that help people stay in control, and where to find free support and advice when needed. - Budget 2026
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. - 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.
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.
Safer Gambling Week 2025
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.