Ireland holds betting duty at 2 per cent for 2027

Ireland has retained its 2 per cent turnover-based betting duty for 2027, while increasing Horse Racing Ireland’s (HRI) annual funding by 3 per cent to €81.6 million.

The 2027 budget leaves duty at the level set in 2019, when it doubled from 1 per cent. The opposition Social Democrats had sought an increase to 5 per cent to support sports and culture initiatives.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is due to apply a separate social impact fund levy next year, with its rate yet to be determined.

Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) chairwoman Sharon Byrne told the *Racing Post*: “It’s very important it wasn’t raised because we aren’t sure what level the new levy will come in at.

“The licensing fees for the regulator are quite expensive for our members, so with the uncertainty around the level of the new levy, a further increase in the tax would not have been welcome. Too many shops are closing as it is and it would have been the final nail for a lot of operators.”

The IBA attributed 222 betting shop closures and roughly 1,000 lost retail jobs since 2019 to the doubling of duty in its pre-budget submission. It said shop numbers had fallen from 1,385 in 2008 to 643 in 2026.

The Horse and Greyhound Fund will rise from €99.1 million to €102 million in 2027. HRI receives 80 per cent, with its allocation increasing from €79.3 million. Greyhound racing will receive €20.4 million.