Irish bookmaker loses challenge

The High Court ruled against an Irish bookmaker which had challenged how operators get pitches in different areas at racecourses.

UK.- Recent rule changes in the racing industry had a local bookmaker taking the legal road. However, it lost the High Court challenge on how bookies get their spots at premium areas of racecourses.

According to Brian Graham, rule changes hurt his chances to make a profit. His father established the Sean Graham Bookmakers high street and on-course betting chain, which may now struggle.

However, the Irish bookmaker was slapped and its application was dismissed by Justice Deirdre Murphy.

Irish bookmaker landscape

Ireland introduced in October a new measure that will see relief from betting duty of €50k a calendar year for Irish bookmakers. Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe says that this initiative will help small independent bookies in Ireland.

The measure establishes that bookmakers in the country won’t be subject to pay taxes on the first €50k in bets that they take in a year, Irish Times reported. Donohoe said that this was subject to EU state aid rules.

While the aid increases to €50k, the tax strategy group from the department had suggested €2 million a year to help those bookmakers compete against the leading operators like Ladbrokes or Paddy Power.