Lotto bosses call for ban on bookies as 'bets divert €289m a year from good causes'

A report by consultants Indecon suggests up to €289m in potential National Lottery sales was diverted in 2024 alone to bets on Lotto results with bookies. Stock picture: MacInnes

Ireland’s bookies have clashed with the National Lottery, after the latter called for a ban on bookmakers being able to take bets on their Lotto draws.

While the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) could exercise powers to take such a step in future, it has said its current priorities are to establish a licensing regime for gambling firms in Ireland with other provisions to be considered “in due course”.