THE Irish Bookmakers’ Association says news that Paddy Power is to close 57 shops across Britain and Ireland serves to highlight of the “significant pressures that retail betting operators continue to face”.

An estimated 247 jobs are said to be put at risk by the development - 119 of those positions based in Ireland. The major bookmaking firm has announced plans to close 28 individual Irish shops, though details on which units are up for closure remain unclear at this stage.

The decision was partly taken in light of “increasing cost pressures and challenging market conditions”.

Irish Bookmakers’ Association chairperson Sharon Byrne told The Irish Field: “It’s always very disappointing to see shop closures and the impact this will have on shop staff and local communities. It highlights the significant pressures that retail betting operators continue to face, from rising costs and changing customer habits to the lingering effects of the 2019 doubling of betting duty.

“Betting shops remain an important part of the social fabric in towns and villages across Ireland, providing employment and a safe, regulated entertainment environment for adult customers. We hope that as many staff as possible will be redeployed within the company.”

A spokesperson for parent group Flutter said Paddy Power is “seeking to innovate and invest where we can as we adapt to different customer trends and needs.”