National Lottery urges ban on betting on its games

The National Lottery has long been a cornerstone of Irish society, generating billions for vital Good Causes and creating wealth across the nation. Now, a new report from Indecon International Economic and Strategic Consultants lays bare the damaging impact of unregulated betting on our games. This isn't just about lost sales; it's about the erosion of a trusted institution and the diversion of funds away from the very fabric of our communities.

“

Our players have generated over €7bn for good causes, and we've created over 1,000 millionaires. And this report highlights the positive impact of the National Lottery on the economy of Ireland, supporting in 2024 over €2bn in economic activity and over 18,000 jobs

We are calling on the government to act decisively. The current situation, where betting companies profit from our brand while undermining our mission, is unsustainable. It's a betrayal of the trust our players place in us, a trust that has fueled over €7 billion in funding for Good Causes since our inception. The report clearly shows that this betting is causing significant player confusion. Many mistakenly believe they are playing the National Lottery and contributing to worthy causes, when in reality, their money goes to bookmakers.

“

player confusion

This practice is already outlawed in 25 EU states, a clear indication of its detrimental effects. We cannot stand idly by as our receipts are diminished, jobs are lost, and the economic contribution of the National Lottery is threatened. The report's findings are stark: an estimated €81 million less for Good Causes in 2024 alone, alongside significant reductions in retail sales and national economic output. This directly impacts the funding available for sports, arts, health, and community projects that rely on the National Lottery.

“

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.

As CEO of the National Lottery, I see firsthand the positive impact we have. We've created over a thousand millionaires and supported over €15 billion in economic output since 2018. It is imperative that we protect this vital national asset. Banning lottery betting is not just a business decision; it's a necessary step to safeguard the future of Good Causes and the broader Irish economy. We urge the government to heed the report's findings and implement the ban swiftly.

“

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.