Ireland gambling statistics show signs of recovery in 2025

The gambling industry in Northern Ireland and the wider Republic of Ireland has been under close scrutiny in recent years. Declining revenues, reduced numbers of licensed premises, and heightened public awareness of gambling-related harm have reshaped the sector, leaving regulators, businesses, and communities searching for balance.

Newly released figures from the Department for Communities (DfC) in Northern Ireland reveal a mixed picture. While certain indicators suggest ongoing decline, other areas—such as social lotteries and newly registered businesses—point to signs of recovery and resilience. The data, which forms part of the Northern Ireland Gambling Licensing and Industry Data Report for 2024, offers insight into the trajectory of gambling activity in the region, while also highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Overview of the latest gambling report

The 2024 report provides detailed statistics on licences, amusement permits, machine numbers, bingo clubs, bookmakers, lotteries, and racing venues. These figures serve as a critical benchmark for policymakers, industry operators, and stakeholders concerned about both the economic contribution of gambling and the potential risks associated with it.

According to the data, the overall number of amusement permits and machines has seen reductions compared to previous years. However, other areas—particularly lotteries and VAT-registered businesses—are showing momentum. The report thus paints a nuanced portrait: while traditional gambling formats struggle, new forms of engagement and structural adjustments within the industry suggest cautious recovery.

Amusement permits and gaming machines

In 2024, there were 112 amusement permits covering a total of 6,410 gaming machines with a maximum payout of £25 (approximately $33.63). An additional 23 permits were issued for smaller-scale machines capped at an £8 maximum payout.

Notably, this represented one fewer £8 licence and two fewer £25 licences than the previous year. However, the most striking change was in machine numbers: there was a 38% reduction in the number of £8 machines, while £25 machines saw only a modest 0.7% decline.

This contrast suggests that high-street arcades and smaller entertainment venues may be consolidating their offerings, cutting down the number of machines despite maintaining the same number of operating permits. Several factors may explain this trend:

• Reduced foot traffic: Post-pandemic consumer habits and economic pressures may have limited visits to arcades.
• Rising operating costs: Energy bills, staffing costs, and compliance expenses are weighing on smaller venues.
• Renovations and space constraints: Some premises may have physically reduced their machine numbers due to refurbishments or space optimization strategies.

Despite these reductions, the persistence of permits demonstrates that operators are seeking to remain active, albeit with leaner operations.

Bingo clubs and bookmakers

Bingo and betting offices remain a cornerstone of the Northern Irish gambling landscape. In 2024, there were 36 active bingo club licences, 280 bookmaking office licences, and 106 bookmaking licences.

The Department for Communities makes a distinction between two licence types:

• A bookmaking office licence allows a bookmaker to operate within the premises specified in the licence.
• A bookmaker’s licence permits activity either at a racing track, at recognised point-to-point events, or within premises for which a bookmaking office licence has already been granted.

These figures indicate relative stability in the number of establishments operating in this space, though the overall betting turnover remains significantly below its historic peaks.

Lotteries and community engagement

Lotteries continue to play a significant role, not only as a gambling product but also as a community fundraising mechanism. In 2024, there were 147 renewed social lottery licences and 63 newly issued licences.

The rise in new lottery licences suggests a shift towards socially oriented gambling models, where proceeds often support charitable or community-based causes. Social lotteries are generally perceived as lower risk compared to high-stakes gambling, and their growth may reflect a combination of regulatory encouragement and consumer preference for activities with tangible local benefits.

Turnover and financial performance

Perhaps the most concerning long-term trend has been the steep decline in gambling turnover. Since 2016, turnover has fallen by more than three-quarters. The most recent data shows a turnover of £170.9 million in 2023, a sharp reduction compared to earlier years.

This decline reflects a combination of factors:

• Stricter regulations limiting certain activities.
• Changing consumer behaviour, with many individuals moving toward digital entertainment alternatives.
• Public health campaigns highlighting the risks of problem gambling.
• Economic conditions, including inflation and cost-of-living pressures, reducing discretionary spending.

While the decline is clear, some observers argue that this adjustment may represent a healthier balance between gambling as an entertainment activity and broader societal goals of harm reduction.

Racing tracks and traditional betting

Northern Ireland continues to maintain two horse racing tracks and two dog racing tracks, unchanged from previous years. These venues carry historic and cultural significance and provide a social experience distinct from online betting. However, their economic contribution remains limited compared to larger gambling markets.

The stability of racing track licences suggests steady interest but not significant expansion. This aligns with wider trends across Europe, where traditional forms of betting are competing with online platforms that provide faster, more accessible wagering opportunities.

VAT-registered gambling businesses

A particularly notable statistic is the number of VAT-registered gambling businesses. In 2024, this figure hit an all-time low of 80 registered businesses, compared with earlier years when the number reached as high as 95.

However, a positive sign emerged in early 2025, with five new businesses registering already. This could signal a turnaround, as entrepreneurs and operators seek to enter or re-establish themselves in the market after a period of contraction.

Regulatory focus on harm reduction

Beyond financial and operational metrics, gambling-related harm remains a pressing issue in Ireland. Last week, more than 200 individuals gathered to support a report published by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). The report called for coordinated action to address gambling harm, including better safeguards, awareness initiatives, and accessible support services.

This reflects the dual challenge facing regulators: encouraging sustainable industry growth while ensuring consumer protection. The DfC’s statistical reporting provides transparency, while the GRAI’s advocacy emphasizes the human impact behind the numbers.

Prospects for recovery

While turnover remains far below pre-2016 levels, the growth in social lotteries and the rebound in VAT-registered businesses suggest that the industry may be entering a period of stabilization. The sector’s future will likely depend on:

• Regulatory reform: Updates to outdated gambling laws could provide clarity and structure for operators.
• Digital adaptation: Shifting towards regulated online platforms could capture consumer demand currently flowing into unlicensed markets.
• Community integration: Social lotteries and responsible gaming initiatives may help align gambling with broader social objectives.
• Economic conditions: A more favourable financial climate could restore consumer spending capacity.

The Irish gambling landscape is unlikely to return to the rapid growth seen in earlier decades. Instead, stakeholders may anticipate a more measured recovery, characterized by cautious expansion, strict oversight, and stronger public health measures.

Conclusion

The newly released data from the Department for Communities reveals a complex picture of gambling in Northern Ireland. Declines in machine numbers and turnover underscore the challenges the industry faces, while growth in social lotteries and early signs of business registrations suggest resilience and adaptation.

The balance between economic recovery and harm prevention will remain central to policy discussions. With the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland amplifying calls for action against gambling-related harm, and with cautious optimism shown through business registrations in 2025, the sector stands at a critical juncture.

Whether this moment becomes the foundation for sustainable recovery will depend on how effectively regulators, businesses, and communities can collaborate to ensure that gambling in Ireland develops in a way that is both economically viable and socially responsible.

FAQs

What is the main finding of the 2024 gambling report in Northern Ireland?
The report highlights a decline in gambling turnover and gaming machines, but also shows growth in social lotteries and new VAT-registered businesses.

Why have gaming machine numbers declined?
The decline is attributed to reduced customer visits, rising operating costs, and venue renovations that limit space for machines.

How many bingo clubs and bookmakers are licensed in Northern Ireland?
In 2024, there were 36 bingo clubs, 280 bookmaking office licences, and 106 bookmaking licences.

What role do social lotteries play in the industry?
Social lotteries provide fundraising for community causes and are viewed as lower-risk forms of gambling, with significant growth in recent years.

How much has gambling turnover fallen since 2016?
Turnover has declined by more than three-quarters, reaching £170.9 million in 2023.

Are racing tracks still operating in Northern Ireland?
Yes, two horse racing tracks and two dog racing tracks continue to operate, consistent with previous years.

Why did VAT-registered gambling businesses hit a low in 2024?
A combination of economic pressures, regulatory challenges, and declining demand reduced the number of registered businesses to 80.

Is there evidence of recovery in 2025?
Yes, five new VAT-registered businesses have been added in 2025, suggesting renewed interest in the sector.

What is the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland focusing on?
The GRAI is emphasizing harm reduction, advocating for safeguards, awareness, and support services for those affected by gambling.

What does the future look like for the Irish gambling industry?
The industry is expected to see cautious recovery, driven by regulatory reform, digital adaptation, and stronger community-focused initiatives.