Lottery Targets Betting on Draw Results in Ireland

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-04-30

Ireland's National Lottery operator is pushing the government to ban bookmakers from offering bets on lottery results. They claim this long-standing practice siphons off millions in revenue that could otherwise support public programs. The move has sparked a heated debate with the betting industry, which argues these wagers are a legitimate part of their business. Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), which runs the National Lottery, estimates that betting on lottery outcomes has diverted about $315 million annually (converted from €289 million at an approximate exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.09 USD). This money, they say, could fund community projects, sports, and other initiatives. But the betting industry pushes back, saying these bets are just another way for people to engage with the lottery—and they've been doing it for years. ### The Core of the Debate At the heart of this issue is a simple question: who should benefit from lottery-related bets? PLI argues that every bet on a lottery draw takes money away from the National Lottery's contributions to society. The operator pays a portion of its revenue to the government for public goods, like health and education. When bookmakers offer odds on lottery results, they're essentially piggybacking on the lottery's brand without sharing those costs. - Bookmakers can offer better odds because they don't have the same overhead as the lottery. - This creates an uneven playing field, where the lottery loses revenue to private companies. - The government misses out on funds that could improve public services. But the betting industry sees it differently. They argue that their customers are a different group—people who might not buy a lottery ticket but enjoy betting on the outcome. "It's just another market," one industry insider said. "We're not taking anything away from the lottery; we're adding to the excitement."  ### How It Affects Players For the average player, this might seem like a technical squabble. But it has real implications. If betting on lottery draws is banned, you might see fewer options for wagering on these events. On the flip side, if the lottery gets its way, more money could flow back into public programs. It's a classic trade-off between consumer choice and social good. Consider this: a bet on a lottery draw at a bookmaker might offer better odds than buying a ticket. But that bet doesn't contribute to the public pot. So, while you might win more personally, the community loses out. It's a tough call, and regulators are caught in the middle.  ### What's Next? The Irish government hasn't made a decision yet, but this debate isn't going away. PLI is lobbying hard, and the betting industry is fighting back. Meanwhile, other countries are watching closely. If Ireland bans betting on lottery results, it could set a precedent for similar moves in the U.S. and elsewhere. For professionals in the U.S. looking at this, it's a reminder that the lines between gambling and state-run lotteries are blurry. As online betting grows, these conflicts will only intensify. Stay tuned—this story has legs. ### Key Takeaways - PLI wants to ban bookmaker bets on lottery draws to protect revenue for public initiatives. - The betting industry calls these bets a legitimate, separate market. - The outcome could influence how other countries handle similar issues. - For now, it's a waiting game as Ireland weighs the arguments. This isn't just about Ireland—it's a glimpse into the future of gambling regulation worldwide.