Ireland’s National Lottery operator has called on the government to prohibit bookmakers from offering bets on lottery results, arguing the long-standing practice is diverting substantial revenue and affecting contributions to public initiatives. The issue has sparked disagreement with betting industry representatives, who maintain that such wagers are a legitimate and established part of their business.

Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), which manages the National Lottery, estimates that the availability of betting on lottery outcomes has redirected around €289 million in annual sales away from its operations. According to analysis prepared by consultancy firm Indecon, this shift has also reduced potential contributions to public programs, with approximately €81 million less reaching causes such as sports and the arts in 2024.

The report further indicates that bets worth €828 million were placed with bookmakers on lottery draws last year. PLI argues that a significant share of this activity would otherwise have gone directly to the lottery itself. Research cited in the findings suggests that 35 percent of those placing such bets would instead purchase official lottery entries if the alternative option did not exist.

Cian Murphy, chief executive of the National Lottery, described the current situation as operating within a regulatory gap. He warned that the practice could gain formal legal status as Ireland prepares to roll out a new licensing system under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. “We are concerned that they will legalize it,” he said according to The Irish Times, adding that many European jurisdictions have already taken steps to ban similar betting activity.

The report also outlines broader economic consequences. Retailers are estimated to have lost €238 million in sales due to lottery-related betting, alongside a reduction of 1,929 jobs. The state’s tax intake has also been affected, with an estimated €12.7 million in lost exchequer revenue. Additionally, PLI claims the value of the lottery licence could be between €118 million and €250 million lower because of the current regulatory framework.

Concerns Over Consumer Understanding

Beyond financial losses, the National Lottery has raised concerns about how these betting products are presented to customers. Murphy said the similarity between bookmaker offerings and official lottery games is creating confusion among players.

“Most players who play bookies lotto believe that they’re playing, participating in the National Lottery, but they’re not. And indeed, a third of them believe that they’re contributing to good causes, but they’re not.”

He added that some betting products closely resemble official draws in branding and structure. “If you look at some of these products, they are absolutely indistinguishable from a National Lottery product. So they’re marketed as Play Irish Lotto, and they’d return the same prizes.”

Murphy emphasized the lottery’s role in funding community initiatives, stating that a portion of each ticket sale directly supports public projects. He noted that higher prizes offered by bookmakers come at the expense of contributions to these causes. “That is for sure true. But that is because that money for that extra prize is coming directly from the good cause contribution.”

Bookmakers Reject Claims and Defend Practice

The Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) has strongly opposed the call for a ban, arguing that betting on lottery outcomes has existed for decades and should remain permitted. Chairperson Sharon Byrne said: “We fundamentally disagree with the National Lottery’s argument. Our customers have been betting on lotteries with their local bookmaker for over 30 years now.”

She maintained that wagering on lottery results is comparable to betting on any other event and remains a standard offering in betting shops. “Betting on the outcome of a lottery is no different to betting on the outcome of any event, and it’s an established product for many shops, which are already facing new rules and regulations under the upcoming licensing regime.”

Byrne also stressed the need for fairness as new regulations take effect. “Our members welcome the new Gambling Regulation Act, but it’s important there’s a level playing field,” she said.

In further remarks, Byrne suggested that the lottery’s push for restrictions reflects competition concerns rather than public interest. She argued that bookmaker products differ significantly from official lottery games, describing them as “100% different” and highlighting features such as lower entry costs and fixed odds.

Regulatory Debate Continues

Ireland’s updated gambling laws aim to modernize oversight of the sector, including the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, which will handle licensing. The legislation also introduces a Social Impact Fund financed by operators to support programs addressing gambling-related harm.

Despite these changes, the question of whether to restrict betting on lottery outcomes remains unresolved. The National Lottery points to widespread bans across Europe, noting that 25 of 27 EU member states have already prohibited the practice. Meanwhile, bookmakers argue that regulatory approaches vary internationally and that Ireland should maintain flexibility.

The debate reflects broader tensions within the gambling sector as stakeholders adjust to new rules while competing for market share in a changing landscape.