Bookmakers urge not to increase the betting tax in Ireland
The Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) has urged the country's government to refrain from raising taxes. According to local media, the Irish authorities plan to increase the current tax on customer bets in 2027 in addition to the previously announced increase in the pool betting tax.
The increase is expected to affect both online bets and bets placed at physical bookmaker shops.
The IBA warned that the increased tax burden will lead to the closure of betting shops, layoffs, and an expansion of the grey market. According to the association, following the tax increase from 1% to 2% in 2019, 222 betting shops closed in Ireland, and approximately a thousand people lost their jobs.
The IBA also stated that the additional costs incurred by licensed operators due to the tax hike will ultimately lead to lower odds and worse conditions for customers. This will make illegal companies more attractive, yet these entities do not contribute to the country's revenue nor do they offer consumer protection.