Ladbrokes cite 'threat from unlicensed market' with 39 Irish betting shops to close

James Cox

Bookmakers Ladbrokes are set to close 39 betting shops in Ireland, with 200 jobs at risk.

In a statement issued to BreakingNews.ie, Ladbrokes cited "long‑term changes in customer behaviour and the growing competitive threat from the unlicensed market".

Ladbrokes said the focus would now be on consultation with colleagues, including redeployment "wherever possible".

A Ladbrokes spokesperson said: "We continually review our retail estate to ensure our business remains competitive and financially sustainable. These planned closures in the Republic of Ireland are not a decision we take lightly and reflect sustained cost pressures, long‑term changes in customer behaviour and the growing competitive threat from the unlicensed market."

The spokesperson added: "Our priority now is to engage constructively with colleagues throughout the consultation process, with a strong focus on redeployment wherever possible. Ladbrokes remains committed to Ireland and to operating responsibly within a sustainable retail footprint.”

According to the Irish Bookmakers Association: "The unlicensed betting market, often called the black market, consists of gambling activities operating outside government regulation and licensing. These illegal platforms lack consumer protections, including age verification and self-exclusion tools, and often fail to pay out winnings."

The unlicensed market has become a lot more prominent in recent years, with bookmakers like Ladbrokes blaming it for loss of business.