Online betting turnover in Ireland has exceeded €1.2bn for Q1 2026, according to figures released by Ireland’s tax authority, Revenue. That is up from €814.8m for the previous quarter.
Over the same period, land-based betting turnover fell from €552.4m to €276.5m. The last time land-based betting turnover declined this sharply was during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Irish Bookmakers Association told local media that the figures reflect a continued wave of betting shop closures.
The association warned that, as the market continues to shift towards online betting, more closures are likely. It also claims that the impact of incoming regulations could further accelerate the decline in land-based betting.
In the wake of the passage of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, a new modern framework is now to be implemented across Ireland’s gambling industry.
Under this act, Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI) was established to oversee gambling and lottery activities, with responsibilities for licensing, enforcement, public education and harm prevention across the sector.
The Department of Justice said the Act equips the GRAI with enforcement powers to address non-compliance, including action against unlicensed operators, those operating without the appropriate licence or licensees found to be in breach of regulatory conditions.
In February, GRAI formally announced the opening of its licence application process.
Existing licences from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners are set to expire as of early July 2026 for online operators and December 2026 for land-based organisations.
Good to know
Ireland currently applies a 2% betting duty on stakes, while betting exchanges are subject to a 25% intermediary duty on commissions
