Ireland’s National Lottery is facing growing competition from alternative betting products. A new report outlines the Ireland lottery betting impact across retail and online channels. It shows how spending is shifting away from licensed operators – see more details:

• The report focuses specifically on Ireland and the performance of the National Lottery between 2018 and 2024 estimating that EUR 289m in player spend has moved away from licensed lottery sales. The Ireland lottery betting impact is reflected in lower activity across both retail shops and the official online platform.
• Licensed lottery sales in Ireland are generated through a network of more than 5,000 retail outlets alongside a regulated online channel. These sales directly fund good causes and provide income for local businesses through commissions. Retail remains a key distribution point despite ongoing digital growth.
• Betting on lottery outcomes is mainly offered online by third-party operators, including both licensed and non-licensed sites. Instead of purchasing a ticket, players place bets on the result of official lottery draws. As a result, this activity does not contribute to National Lottery funding or retailer income.
• The Ireland lottery betting impact is particularly visible in online channels, where access to offshore and externally licensed sites is easier. These platforms compete directly with the official lottery website for digital players. This creates pressure on the National Lottery’s ability to retain online market share.
• According to the report, the shift in spending has reduced economic output by around EUR 126m and is linked to the loss of about 1,929 jobs. It states that this trend “has a negative economic impact” on the wider lottery ecosystem. The findings highlight the gap between regulated lottery sales and third-party betting activity in Ireland.

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