The finding is contained in a new report by Dublin City University economist Tony Foley, commissioned by the European Lotto Betting Association, a body representing bet-on-lottery operators.

The National Lottery has hit back at new research that claims that Irish charities and good causes could be losing out on as much as €43m a year due to its current commercial strategy.

The National Lottery has said it is disappointed after Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said “there does not appear to be any evidence” that online betting on the outcome of draws is having an impact on the Lotto’s business.

Online betting companies have hit back at the National Lottery after it claimed that bookmakers who allow customers to bet on the outcome of Lotto draws without buying a ticket are diverting money from good causes.

THE Government has been accused of abandoning a once thriving manufacturing town which lost its last major factory yesterday.