EntainPlans to Close 39 Ladbrokes Stores in Ireland

(AsiaGameHub) –   Entain is scaling back its Ladbrokes operations in Ireland following unsuccessful attempts to sell its retail properties. The group intends to shut down 39 stores, endangering 226 jobs, amid mounting pressure on land-based betting in both Ireland and the UK.

Good to Know

• Entain intends to close 39 Ladbrokes outlets in Ireland—roughly over a third of its total retail portfolio there.
• The firm stated that 226 positions may be impacted, pending consultation processes.
• Negotiations with Bar One Racing regarding a complete sale concluded without an agreement.

Entain Scales Back Ladbrokes Operations in Ireland

The closures are scheduled to be completed by the end of May 2026 following staff consultations. Ladbrokes noted that the decision is a response to cost pressures, shifts in consumer behavior, and an increasing threat from the unregulated betting market. The company added that it will prioritize redeploying employees where feasible and will retain over 350 staff members across 66 Irish shops post-restructuring.

This downsizing comes after unsuccessful discussions about selling the entire Ladbrokes retail estate in Ireland. Bar One Racing engaged in talks with Entain last year, but those negotiations did not result in a deal.

This action aligns with a broader trend in the retail betting sector. Operators in both Ireland and the UK are reducing their physical store networks as online betting continues to gain market share and operational costs keep increasing. Recent reports highlight similar cutbacks at Evoke/William Hill in the UK this week, as well as earlier Paddy Power store closures announced by Flutter in previous years.