'Our expectation is that the number of shops will continue to decline' - alarm in Ireland over proposed hike in betting duty

The Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) fears further shop closures should a recommendation to increase betting duty by 0.5 per cent be acted upon in October's budget, five years after the last hike which the association says resulted in 127 betting shops being shut down.
The mooted rise came from the Tax Strategy Group (TSG) in a report that suggested increasing the betting duty by 0.5 per cent to raise an estimated additional €25 million. The TSG is chaired by the department of finance and its publications are to be considered in the budgetary process but it is not a decision-making body. It recommended a similar increase in betting duty last year which was not introduced.
There was widespread distress among bookmakers in the lead up to last year's budget due to the TSG's proposals and they are set for an anxious wait again given how sensitive the industry is to changes in betting duty due to Ireland being one of the few jurisdictions that apply it as a turnover-based tax.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inIreland
Last updated
- 'He hasn't got the credit he deserves for winning two' - Energumene camp think 'forgotten' star can land third Champion Chase
- Get Cheltenham ready! From tipping to analysis and more, a Racing Post+ subscription covers all your festival needs
- 'He's a different horse this year' - Sean O'Driscoll hoping it can be fourth time lucky in the Stayers' for Home By The Lee
- Legion of supporters set to follow leading festival contender Maughreen over to Cheltenham
- Brighterdaysahead to take on Constitution Hill in Champion Hurdle showdown - but Nicky Henderson reiterates confidence in unbeaten star
- 'He hasn't got the credit he deserves for winning two' - Energumene camp think 'forgotten' star can land third Champion Chase
- Get Cheltenham ready! From tipping to analysis and more, a Racing Post+ subscription covers all your festival needs
- 'He's a different horse this year' - Sean O'Driscoll hoping it can be fourth time lucky in the Stayers' for Home By The Lee
- Legion of supporters set to follow leading festival contender Maughreen over to Cheltenham
- Brighterdaysahead to take on Constitution Hill in Champion Hurdle showdown - but Nicky Henderson reiterates confidence in unbeaten star