Entain to Close 39 Ladbrokes Shops in Ireland After Sale Collapse

(AsiaGameHub) –   Entain is preparing to shut down more than a third of its Ladbrokes betting shops in Ireland, following reports that it has abandoned negotiations to sell its entire retail portfolio in the region.

As first reported by The Irish Times, Entain has confirmed it will close 39 of its roughly 100 Irish Ladbrokes locations, accounting for over 33% of its local estate. These closures put 226 jobs at risk, pending the outcome of a consultation process.

The company has initiated formal consultations with the affected staff and expects to finalize the closures by the end of May 2026.

A representative for Ladbrokes stated to iGB: “We regularly assess our retail operations to ensure the business remains financially viable and competitive.

“Our current focus is on working constructively with our team members throughout the consultation period, with a strong emphasis on finding redeployment opportunities wherever possible. Ladbrokes remains dedicated to the Irish market and to maintaining a sustainable retail presence.”

Following these closures, Ladbrokes will continue to operate 66 shops in Ireland, employing over 350 people.

Rumoured collapse of Ladbrokes retail estate sale

Last year, Entain engaged in talks with Bar One Racing regarding a potential divestment of its Irish retail betting business.

However, as reported by The Racing Post on 31 March, those discussions ended without a deal.

Regarding the decision, the spokesperson added: “Closing these shops in the Republic of Ireland is not a step we take lightly. It is a response to persistent cost pressures, long-term shifts in consumer habits, and the increasing competitive threat posed by the unlicensed sector.”

The reduction of Ladbrokes’ retail footprint reflects a broader trend across the betting and gaming industry in the UK.

Just this week, Evoke informed employees of plans to close approximately 200 of its UK retail outlets in May, citing a strategic review and the recent increase in remote gaming duty.

Additionally, last October, Flutter Entertainment announced the closure of 57 Paddy Power shops, which placed nearly 250 jobs at risk of redundancy.

These UK retail closures were anticipated following the government’s announcement that remote gaming duty would rise from 21% to 40%, effective as of this Wednesday.

Having experienced stagnation in recent years, the UK retail betting market is now bearing the brunt of these measures as operators look to mitigate the impact of the tax hike.