The bookmaking firm’s parent company Flutter Entertainment, said on Wednesday that 28 Paddy Power shops will close in the south and one in the north
20:10, 15 Oct 2025Updated 20:10, 15 Oct 2025
An exterior view of a Paddy Power shop.(Image: (Photo by John Keeble/Getty Images))
Irish betting giant Paddy Power has revealed plans to shut down a significant number of its betting shops across Ireland and the UK.
The bookmaker’s parent company Flutter Entertainment announced on Wednesday that 28 Paddy Power outlets will close in the Republic of Ireland and one in Northern Ireland. The company also plans to shut 28 of its British shops, bringing the total closures to 57 across both islands.
Whilst no specific timeline has been disclosed, it’s understood that nearly 250 positions will be at risk of redundancy, though the firm will attempt to relocate affected staff to different divisions within the business. A Flutter UK and Ireland spokesperson commented: “In light of increasing cost pressures and challenging market conditions we can confirm that we will be closing 28 shops across Ireland within the next month.”, reports the Irish Mirror.
“We are continually reviewing our high street estate, but it remains a key part of our offer to customers, and we are seeking to innovate and invest where we can as we adapt to different customer trends and needs.” Two years previously, Paddy Power shuttered 21 Irish outlets, and the total number of premises here could now fall below 200.
The specific locations earmarked for closure across Ireland remain undisclosed. The gambling sector has experienced substantial transformation in recent years, with a shift towards online betting, whilst gambling regulation has been accelerated with the establishment of the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) this year.
On Wednesday, the GRAI unveiled its Statement of Strategy for 2025 to 2027, outlining its strategic priorities for the next three years as it strives to establish a solid regulatory and licensing framework for the gambling sector. Potential tax hikes could be on the horizon in next month’s UK budget, although the company has emphasised that the closures are not directly linked to this.
A spokesperson told the Racing Post: “While today’s closures are not directly related to the uncertainty surrounding the (UK) budget, a higher gambling tax could have a significant impact on jobs and investment across the industry and drive more customers into the arms of unlicensed operators on the illegal black market.” The tax paid by bookmakers is predicted to rise significantly in the UK’s budget, sparking a vigorous campaign within the racing industry, which saw sport go on strike for one day last month in protest.
The British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) predicts that over 2,750 jobs will be at risk in the first year if the policy is implemented, with a £330m revenue loss in five years.
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