Key Moments:
- The number of £8 payout machines fell by 38 percent in 2024, while £25 machines declined by 0.7 percent.
- Total gambling turnover in Northern Ireland was reported at £170.9 million in 2023, over 75 percent lower than in 2016.
- The number of VAT-registered gambling businesses reached a record low of 80 in 2024, with five new businesses registered so far in 2025.
Amusement Permits and Gaming Machines Report Ongoing Decline
The Department for Communities (DfC) has published its 2024 Northern Ireland Gambling Licensing and Industry Data report, which highlights a persistent reduction in activity throughout the gambling sector. The analysis points to a notable contraction in machine numbers and business operations, though some licensing categories have remained stable.
This year, 112 amusement permits were active, corresponding to 6,410 gaming machines with a maximum payout of £25 ($33.63). An additional 23 permits covered 549 machines with an £8 payout ceiling. Compared to 2023, there was one fewer £8 machine license and two fewer £25 machine licenses in operation.
The sharpest reduction occurred in the number of machines, rather than permits themselves. Machines with an £8 payout decreased by 38 percent, while £25 payout machines dropped by 0.7 percent. The DfC report suggests that reduced customer numbers, rising utility expenses, or property renovations could be contributing to this decline, as smaller arcades and neighborhood slots venues maintain permit levels but scale back on machine counts.
Bingo, Bookmaking, and Traditional Betting Remain Resilient
In the bingo sector, 36 club licenses were in effect for 2024, maintaining recent levels. Bookmaking activity also held steady, with 280 bookmaking office licenses issued alongside 106 bookmaking licenses.
According to the DfC:
- A bookmaking office license allows a licensed bookmaker to operate in the premises specified in the license.
- A bookmaker’s license allows the holder to conduct business at a race track, at a recognized point-to-point meeting, or in licensed premises covered by a bookmaking office license.
- This dual system continues to regulate on-site betting in both fixed premises and racing venues.
Lotteries and Racing Exhibit Steady Activity
The lottery sector maintained activity in 2024 with 147 social lottery license renewals and 63 new licenses awarded. Live racing infrastructure remained unchanged, with two licensed horse racing tracks and two dog racing tracks, sustaining the same facility count as prior years. The steady figures in lotteries and racing provide a contrast to the pronounced decline observed in machine gaming.
Financial Performance and Business Numbers Slide to New Lows
Overall gambling turnover in Northern Ireland declined substantially, with more than three-quarters lost since 2016. The most recent figure, for 2023, stood at £170.9 million.
VAT-registered gambling businesses hit a historic low of 80 in 2024, compared to peak numbers of approximately 95. However, initial signs from 2025 suggest emerging optimism, as five new businesses have registered this year to date.
Wider Developments in Ireland’s Gambling Landscape
These findings arrive as the Republic of Ireland also examines its own gambling sector. Last week, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) released a report that incorporated feedback from over 200 individuals requesting steps to tackle gambling-related harm.
Sector Outlook and Ongoing Pressures
While amusement and betting license figures have shown stability, the steep reductions in gaming machine numbers and overall turnover emphasize continued headwinds facing the industry. The DfC data points to lower consumer engagement and ongoing financial stress among gambling operators throughout Northern Ireland.
| Year | £8 Machines | £25 Machines | Amusement Permits | Gambling Turnover (£ million) | VAT-Registered Businesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | 170.9 | Approx. 95 |
| 2024 | 549 | 6,410 | 112 (£25), 23 (£8) | Not specified | 80 |
| 2025* | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | +5 registered |
*2025 data as of time of report, new business registrations only.
- Author
Daniel Williams
