Northern Ireland’s gambling habits are changing, with new figures showing a sharp move from traditional betting shops to online platforms. While overall gambling participation has fallen in recent years, online activity continues to climb, reshaping the industry and putting pressure on high street operators across the region.

The Digital Transformation

The accessibility and diversity available online have truly changed gambling behaviour in Northern Ireland and beyond. Over the past decade, gambling habits have moved steadily toward digital platforms, attracting players who value ease of use and instant access. Betting that once required a trip into town can now be done instantly on a mobile phone or laptop.



Online platforms operate around the clock and offer fast deposits, withdrawals, account tools and a wider range of games than any physical venue can match. Modern options include casinos accepting crypto payments, attracting bettors who value fast and anonymous transactions. Furthermore, promotions, bonuses, and tailored offers are common online, as betting platforms compete for attention both locally and beyond.



Official statistics show the scale of the shift. In 2024, around 47% of adults gambled in person, while online participation rose to 23%. Turnover from land-based gambling has dropped dramatically, falling from £760 million in 2016 to £228 million in 2022. The remarkable drop reflects how quickly the market has moved away from physical locations.

The Decline of the High Street

The impact of this digital migration is visible on Northern Ireland's streets. Betting shops, bingo halls, and arcades have seen footfall collapse, forcing many to cut services or close doors entirely. In small towns where the local bookmaker was also a social meeting place, the change has created a noticeable cultural gap. A regular who once popped in on Saturday to see friends might now wager alone at home, phone in hand.



The broader UK betting estate reflects this same pressure. Paddy Power announced in October 2025 that it would close 57 shops, putting nearly 250 jobs at risk. Meanwhile, William Hill's owner Evoke has signalled potential closures of up to 200 betting shops next year if gambling taxes are raised, with around 1,500 jobs potentially affected. These announcements reflect a sector-wide struggle as companies attempt to adapt to permanently changed customer behaviour and market regulations.

Why the Shift Matters

The rapid growth of digital gambling raises challenges for regulators. Northern Ireland’s gambling laws, largely unchanged since 1985, were written long before the internet existed and struggle to address modern online practices. Although a public consultation in 2019 showed strong support for creating a dedicated gambling regulator, progress has been slow, with only small amendments introduced in recent years.



As the trend continues, analysts expect the shift to online gambling to grow rather than reverse. For local communities, this means fewer high street betting shops and more activity taking place privately on phones and laptops. For policymakers, it highlights the need to update outdated laws and ensure proper oversight in a market that now operates mostly online.