National Lottery: Betting Diverts €289 Million Annually, Calls for Ban
The National Lottery reports that betting on its draws through bookmakers diverts €289 million annually from official sales. This practice, banned in most EU states, reduces funding for Good Causes and impacts jobs. The Lottery is urging government intervention to protect its model and funding.
The National Lottery warns that betting on its draws through bookmakers diverts an estimated €289 million annually from official ticket sales, according to a new report by Indecon International Economic and Strategic Consultants.
This «lottery betting» creates a parallel market, reducing potential National Lottery sales by €289 million in 2024 alone. This led to an estimated €81 million reduction in funding for Good Causes, a €125.7 million hit to economic output, and a loss of almost 2,000 retail and sector-linked jobs. Exchequer revenues were also reduced by about €12.7 million, and the long-term value of the National Lottery licence diminished by €118 million to €250 million.
Chief executive Cian Murphy states this highlights a structural risk, impacting funds for local sports clubs, youth centres, and arts programmes. The National Lottery is calling for government intervention, noting the practice is banned in 25 of 27 EU member states. Retail groups, including RGDATA, support this call, urging Ireland to align with most EU countries.