Irish bookmakers follow government guidelines by closing doors to the public

Bookmakers in Ireland came together on Thursday and followed government guidelines by keeping betting shop doors closed, according to Sharon Byrne, chairperson of the Irish Bookmakers Association.

After a chaotic start to the week, with betting operators initially under the impression they were permitted to reopen retail businesses from Monday, Paddy Power and Ladbrokes realised that was not the case and promptly closed their shops the following day.

Confusion reigned on Tuesday, resulting in Byrne calling an emergency meeting with the IBA’s members. By and large, it was accepted that shops would have to remain closed until the government instructs otherwise, although a few were contemplating opening their doors to provide a reduced service.

Bar One Racing boss Barney O’Hare opted to open some of his shops at the door only on Wednesday to facilitate the collection of winning dockets and deposits. However, his firm followed suit by closing its doors on Thursday.

Sharon Byrne: 'There are possibly a couple of operators, who aren't members of our association, who have remained open but hopefully they will close now too'Credit: Patrick McCann

Byrne said: “Barney [O'Hare] was just trying to look after his customers but I understand all Bar One Racing shops are closed. All IBA members have closed their shops.”

She added: “There are possibly a couple of operators, who aren't members of our association, who have remained open but hopefully they will close now too.”

There are roughly 5,000 betting shop staff working in over 800 outlets in Ireland, all of whom have endured a difficult week because of the expensive U-turn. Byrne acknowledged the difficulties faced by individual operators and staff and, while she would not pre-empt any further guidance from the government, remains hopeful that betting shops will be allowed to reopen on June 29.

Byrne said: “The issue is the staff and customers. Staff were brought back in good faith and it took a lot of effort for staff to come back. Lots of people were on wage subsidy schemes and then to be told, 'sorry, we can't open', it's been very difficult for staff and bookmakers trying to save their businesses.”

She added: “It's a very unfortunate situation and I'm just hoping that when the government makes its next announcement we will be included in those who are allowed back on June 29. There are 5,000 members of shop staff, and that's not including head offices, so it’s a big issue.”

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