Ladbrokes to Close S9 Betting Shops in Ireland with more than 200 Jobs At Risk

Ladbrokes are to close 39 betting stores in Ireland, putting more than 200 tasks at risk, with the company blaming cost pressures and the development of illegal betting.


The closures represent 37 percent of Ladbrokes' retail estate of more than 100 stores in Ireland and follows the news last fall that Paddy Power were set to close 28 wagering offices in Ireland and another in Northern Ireland.


Bar One Racing had remained in talks with Ladbrokes in 2015 about a potential acquisition of the shops, however those conversations failed.


Ladbrokes pointed out pressure from rising labour, energy and residential or commercial property costs, along with long-lasting shifts towards online betting, for the decision. There are also increasing issues about unlawful wagering, including in bars.


In all, 226 jobs are at danger due to the decision, based on consultation. The business will continue to employ more than 350 individuals in Ireland after the closures.


A Ladbrokes spokesperson said: "We continuously examine our retail estate to ensure our service stays competitive and economically sustainable. These planned closures in the Republic of Ireland are not a decision we ignore and reflect continual expense pressures, long-lasting changes in consumer behaviour and the growing competitive danger from the unlicensed market.


"Our top priority now is to engage constructively with associates throughout the consultation procedure, with a strong concentrate on redeployment any place possible. Ladbrokes remains dedicated to Ireland and to operating properly within a sustainable retail footprint."


Ladbrokes' moms and dad company Entain stated its retail company in the UK and Ireland had actually "performed well" in 2015 when publishing its annual results for 2025 at the start of March, although it confessed "continued challenges" stayed in Ireland.