Ladbrokes to shut 39 Irish betting shops, risking 226 jobs
Ladbrokes has announced plans to close up to 39 betting shops in the Republic of Ireland. The move follows a broader trend of declining footfall in retail betting as online gambling grows. Around 226 jobs are now at risk across the affected locations. The company pointed to rising operating costs, shifting customer habits, and the growth of unlicensed gambling as key factors behind the decision. If all proposed closures go ahead, Ladbrokes' presence in Ireland will shrink by over a third. A consultation process with staff is expected in the coming weeks, with final closures likely by the end of May.
The Irish gambling market generates roughly €2.5 billion annually, with online casino activity driving much of this revenue. This shift has reduced demand for physical betting shops, prompting Ladbrokes to scale back its retail network. Even after closures, the brand will still operate a number of shops across Ireland, employing around 350 staff.
Similar moves have been seen elsewhere. Flutter Entertainment and William Hill have also closed shops in Ireland and the UK. Additionally, Ladbrokes is reviewing six locations in Northern Ireland, which may face closure. The planned closures reflect wider changes in the gambling sector, where online platforms now dominate customer engagement. With fewer physical shops, Ladbrokes will rely more on its digital operations. The final number of closures and job losses will depend on the outcome of ongoing consultations.
