Irish bookmakers consider half-day closures in protest over gambling tax rises
A national petition and marketing campaign receives “united” support from industry
Irish bookmakers are currently considering closing their doors for half a day, as one of several measures to convince the Irish government to reverse its decision to double gambling tax, EGR understands.
Members of the Irish bookmakers’ association (IBA) met last Friday in crisis talks following announcement of the budget on Tuesday, with weekly meetings to take place until the budget comes into force in 2019.
In addition to the half-day closures, a nationwide petition will be launched later today, with a poster campaign and marketing campaign coordinated by Irish marketing firm McEnaney Media.
IBA president Sharon Byrne told EGR that bookmakers were “unified” in their condemnation of the measures and that a “100% increase will not raise €50m [as predicted]. A fairer tax could have been introduced that did not affect jobs.”
IBA estimates state that up to 2,500 jobs will be lost, indirectly affecting a further 10,000 people and thousands of suppliers servicing the sports betting industry in Ireland. The IBA currently represents 750 of the 850 betting shops and bookmakers in Ireland but confirmed that all have given their support for measures.
EGR understands that bookmakers across Ireland will meet with their respective members of parliament, bringing with them evidence of the financial impact of the tax rise on their businesses.
The Irish government is reportedly looking to use the bulk of the estimated €50m generated from the tax rises to fund problem gambling treatment in Ireland.
However, Irish bookmakers said they already fund the Dunlewey Charity Gambling addiction service, which provides the free National Problem Gambling Helpline and a National network of counsellors located in every Irish county providing face to face sessions for anybody affected by gambling.