Mass closures as Paddy Power, BoyleSports and independents shut doors in Ireland

Paddy Power, BoyleSports and the majority of independent bookmakers in Ireland announced on Monday night they will be closing the doors of their retail outlets until March 29 at the earliest in an effort to adhere to social distancing guidelines set out by the government.

Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker, BoyleSports, have 278 shops in the country while Paddy Power have 250. However, Ladbrokes have not followed suit, for now.

Soon after the two big firms' announcements, another statement followed from the Irish Bookmakers Association to confirm most of its membership will also close their doors in the coming days.

The mass closures will mean approximately 650 shops in Ireland will be shutting. Depending on how the situation unfolds, thousands of jobs could be at stake.

A statement issued by Paddy Power said the drastic measure was in line with the guidelines set out by the government in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

It read: “In line with the spirit and letter of the social distancing guidelines from the government in the Republic of Ireland, we are closing all Paddy Power betting shops in the Republic of Ireland from tomorrow [Tuesday] morning until March 29. This is a developing situation and we will review all necessary measures as matters progress with the safety of our employees and customers foremost in our minds.”

Sharon Byrne, chairperson of the IBA, said: "It is very important that the retail betting sector acts responsibly and plays its part in the efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19 in Ireland. Operators continue to adhere to the advice given by the Government and most will look to close their doors in the next couple of days once staff and customers have been informed."

Conor Gray, chief executive of BoyleSports, claimed the firm had a responsibility to protect its staff and customers during the pandemic with their stores shutting from 8pm on Wednesday.

He said: “BoyleSports has a responsibility to protect its staff and its customers. Like other Irish businesses we also have a responsibility to support the government’s social-isolation policy. The closure of our shops supports this policy.”

The announcement comes after bookmaker share prices took a nosedive again on Monday with some of the major operators warning the lack of major sporting events could reduce their earnings for the year by more than £100 million.

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