Lottery reportedly losing nearly €300 million to bookmakers and betting apps in one year

By Kate Northrop

The Ireland National Lottery is imploring the government to ban the act of betting on its lottery games, either through bookmakers or betting apps, after it was revealed that they may potentially be losing hundreds of millions in would-be revenue.

A report found that the Irish National Lottery may be losing out on a significant amount of revenue to bookmakers and mobile apps that enable individuals to bet on its games without directly interacting with them.

Lottery bookmaking in Ireland is the practice of licensed betting shops taking fixed-odds wagers on the results for official lottery draws. It's allowed because it is technically classified as sports betting rather than purchasing a lottery ticket, so it is not considered an illegal lottery.

While bookmakers in Ireland argue that betting is a legal, taxed form of wagering that contributes to the national treasury, it's something the National Lottery is asking the government to change.

In a press release, the Lottery announced that it was officially asking the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to "take action" after a study conducted by Indecon International Economic and Strategic Consultants showed that €289 million (US$250.6 million) in potential lottery revenue was lost to lottery betting in 2024.

The study calculated that, because of that diversion, it reduced potential funding for Good Causes by about €81 million (US$70.2 million) and retail sales of official Lottery products by €238 million (US$206.4 million).

Officials argued that the National Lottery makes a "significant positive societal contribution" to Ireland in that it has supported "over €15 billion (US$13 billion) in economic output since 2018 and 18,000 jobs in 2024."

Lottery betting, according to Indecon's analysis, led to an estimated loss of 1,929 jobs across the retail sector and among Good Causes beneficiaries, reduced economic output across these two sectors by €125.7 million (US$109 million), a direct loss of about €12.7 million (US$11 million) in national treasury revenue, and reduced the value of the National Lottery license to the government by anywhere from €118 million (US$102.3 million) to €250 million (US$216.8 million).

"This research demonstrates the unique role of the National Lottery, highlighting the positive impact both socially and economically of playing our games," National Lottery CEO Cian Murphy said in a statement. "A significant number of people play for a chance to win a prize in a fun and regulated environment, while contributing to very worthy causes. The National Lottery plays a vital role in funding Good Causes, supporting thousands of jobs, and driving economic activity across communities nationwide."

Funding to Good Causes includes supporting local sports clubs, youth centers, art initiatives, health and social services. Lottery funding makes it possible for 59% of those Good Causes to provide their services without interruption.

"Lottery betting in bookmakers is a very real risk to this ecosystem, reducing the funds available for local sports clubs, youth centers, arts programs, and community services," Murphy said.