Irish Bookmakers Association rejects calls for lottery betting ban

(AsiaGameHub) –   The IBA has responded to criticism from FDJ United’s Premier Lotteries Ireland.

Ireland.- The Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) has opposed calls for a ban on lottery betting within Ireland. Premier Lotteries Ireland, the Irish National Lottery operator owned by FDJ United, recently urged for action, estimating that lottery betting results in approximately €289m a year in lost ticket sales for them.

The lottery operator stated that an additional €81m could have been allocated to community initiatives, including sports and the arts, in 2024 if customers had not been able to place bets on the lottery through bookmakers instead of purchasing official tickets.

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Charity lottery operators have supported this call for either legislative or regulatory measures to address this ambiguity, as the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) assumes responsibility for overseeing the sector. The GRAI has commenced accepting applications for the first new Irish gambling licences.

However, the IBA refutes this criticism and advocates for a balanced perspective that acknowledges the long-standing presence of lottery betting. Chairperson Sharon Byrne stated: “We fundamentally disagree with the National Lottery’s argument. Our customers have been betting on lotteries with their local bookmaker for over 30 years. Betting on the outcome of a lottery is no different to betting on the outcome of any event, and it’s an established product for many shops, which are already facing new rules and regulations under the upcoming licensing regime.”

The new regulations implemented under the Irish Gambling Regulation Act 2024 encompass advertising restrictions and the establishment of a new Social Impact Fund to support programs aimed at addressing gambling-related harm.