Forced closure of betting shops on Easter Sunday ‘economic madness’

THE Irish Bookmakers Association has described the legislation that dictates that all betting shops must close on Easter Sunday as archaic and completely out-of-date.

The association has also said that the forced closure of betting shops on Easter Sunday is economic madness, and is driving customers away from shops to online betting operators leading to the loss of substantial revenue for the exchequer.

Sharon Byrne, IBA Chairperson, commented: “Easter Sunday is one of the busiest racing and betting days in the calendar. This Sunday meetings will be held at Cork, Fairyhouse, Plumpton, Towcester and Musselburgh. These events will attract thousands of attendees and will also be broadcast on television and radio.