Ladbrokes cite 'threat from unlicensed market' with 39 Irish betting shops to closeJames CoxBookmakers Ladbrokes are set to close 39 betting shops in Ireland, with 200 jobs at risk. In a statement issued to BreakingNews.ie, Ladbrokes cited "long‑term changes in customer behaviour and the growing competitive threat from the unlicensed market". A Ladbrokes spokesperson said: "We continually review our retail estate to ensure our business remains competitive and financially sustainable. Ladbrokes remains committed to Ireland and to operating responsibly within a sustainable retail footprint.”According to the Irish Bookmakers Association: "The unlicensed betting market, often called the black market, consists of gambling activities operating outside government regulation and licensing. The unlicensed market has become a lot more prominent in recent years, with bookmakers like Ladbrokes blaming it for loss of business.

Source: Irish Independent April 03, 2026 04:13 UTC