While brick-and-mortar gambling is declining in Northern Ireland, the popularity of online gambling is on the rise. There have been growing calls for regulatory reforms over the past few years. However, implementation has been a challenge. On the bright side, overall gambling activity has decreased in recent years.
The Rise of Online Gambling in Northern Ireland: Main Highlights
- According to the Northern Ireland Gambling Prevalence Survey, land-based gambling has been declining in Northern Ireland, although the demand for online gambling is on the rise.
- Overall gambling participation reduced from 67% in 2016 to 57% in 2024. The proportion of online gamblers, on the other hand, increased from 15.8% to 23% between 2023 and 2024.
- The survey found that 29% of respondents participated in some form of gambling at least once in seven days. 13% of people gambled less than once a month, while 15% admitted to gambling less than once a month but at least once a year.
Latest Gambling Stats in Northern Ireland According to Research
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Diana Armstrong recently sent an email asking Communities Minister Gordon Lyons about the current gambling levels in Northern Ireland. Armstrong used Stormont’s written Assembly Questions mechanism, asking the minister to “detail whether there has been an increase or decrease in the levels of online gambling since the COVID-19 pandemic“.
The Minister’s response was largely based on data published in the Prevalence of Gambling in Northern Ireland 2024 survey. He said:
“My department does not hold data that shows the prevalence of online gambling since the COVID-19 pandemic specifically. However, whilst showing an overall decreasing trend in any form of gambling participation here, from 67% in 2016 to 57% in 2024, results of Northern Ireland Gambling Prevalence Surveys indicate that the proportion of those who had gambled online in the previous twelve-month period increased from 15.8% to 23% in the same time period.”
The recent survey, published on April 30, 2025, found that 29% of people participated in some form of iGaming activity “at least once a week.” Additionally, 13% gambled “less than once a week, but at least once a month,” and 15% of respondents gambled “less than once a month but at least once a year.”
Males are more prone to gamble, with 36% respondents claiming they didn’t gamble in 2024. On the other hand, 49% of female respondents claimed to have never gambled during the same period. Men are also likely to gamble frequently, with 36% claiming to do so once a week. Women visit online casinos less frequently, with 22% claiming to have gambled once a week.
Comparing marital statuses, divorced and separated individuals were found to gamble more frequently, with 38% claiming to make a wager at least once a week. Married people gambled less frequently, with 29% claiming to gamble at least once in seven days. 32% of single people gamble at least once a week, while widowed individuals are least likely to gamble, at 12%.
These findings paint a clear picture of shifting gambling habits in Northern Ireland, with online platforms becoming increasingly popular despite a general decline in overall gambling activity. As digital gambling continues to grow, there’s a renewed focus on responsible gaming and regulation, especially given the accessibility and appeal of online platforms. With more users turning to the convenience of digital wagering, top casino software providers will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry through secure, engaging, and fair experiences that meet the evolving needs of players and regulators alike.