Entain to Shut 39 Ladbrokes Shops in Ireland

Entain is cutting back Ladbrokes in Ireland after efforts to sell the retail estate failed. The group plans to close 39 shops, putting 226 jobs at risk, as pressure keeps building on land based betting across Ireland and the UK.

Good to Know

• Entain plans to close 39 Ladbrokes shops in Ireland, or a bit more than a third of the estate.
• The company said 226 roles could be affected, subject to consultation.
• Talks with Bar One Racing over a full sale ended without a deal.

Entain Cuts Back Ladbrokes in Ireland

The closures are due by the end of May 2026 after consultations with staff. Ladbrokes said the decision reflects cost pressure, changes in customer behaviour, and a growing threat from the unlicensed market. The company also said it will focus on redeployment where possible and will keep more than 350 staff across 66 shops in Ireland after the cuts.

The retrenchment follows failed talks over a sale of the whole Irish Ladbrokes estate. Bar One Racing had been in discussions with Entain last year, but those negotiations ended without agreement.

The move fits a wider pattern in retail betting. Operators on both sides of the Irish Sea are shrinking shop estates as online betting keeps taking share and costs keep rising. Recent reports have pointed to similar cuts at Evoke/William Hill in the UK this week, and earlier Paddy Power shop closures announced by Flutter in recent years.