Who is betting more Irish or British?
Online betting and gambling have become increasingly popular across the world in recent years, with millions of people placing wagers on sports, games, and casino games online. Two countries that are known for their love of online betting and gambling are Ireland and the UK. In this article, we will explore who is betting and gambling online more, the Irish or the British, and the key differences between their online betting and gambling habits.
Ireland
In recent years, online betting and gambling have become increasingly popular in Ireland. According to a 2019 survey by Amárach Research, almost half of Irish adults had gambled at least once in the previous year, with online betting being the most popular form of gambling. The survey found that 44% of Irish adults had placed a bet online, compared to 37% who had bet in a bookmaker’s shop and 19% who had played the national lottery.
Football (soccer) and horse racing are among the most popular sports for Irish bettors. Gaelic games, such as hurling and Gaelic football, are also popular among Irish bettors. Online casinos and slots have also seen an increase in popularity in Ireland in recent years.
The Irish gambling industry is regulated by the Irish government, with the Irish Revenue Commissioners responsible for issuing licenses and regulating the industry. There are currently 31 licensed bookmakers operating in Ireland, with the majority also offering online betting and gambling services.
UK
Online betting and gambling have been a popular pastime in the UK for decades. According to the UK Gambling Commission’s latest statistics, the online gambling sector had a gross gambling yield (GGY) of £5.7 billion in the year ending March 2021, making up 38.8% of the overall GGY for the gambling industry. The same statistics showed that online sports betting was the largest sector, with a GGY of £3.2 billion.
Similar to Ireland, football and horse racing are among the most popular sports for UK bettors. However, the UK has a wider variety of sports and games available for online betting and gambling, including cricket, rugby, and darts, among others. UK Online casinos and slots are also popular among UK bettors, with many UK casinos offering generous bonuses and promotions.
The UK gambling industry is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, which is responsible for issuing licenses and regulating the industry. There are currently over 2,800 licensed betting operators in the UK, with the majority offering online betting and gambling services.
Key Differences
While there are many similarities between the online betting and gambling habits of the Irish and British, there are also some key differences. One major difference is the regulations and laws surrounding online betting and gambling in each country. In Ireland, the Irish Revenue Commissioners are responsible for regulating the industry, while in the UK, it is the UK Gambling Commission. The UK has also introduced strict advertising regulations for online gambling, which has led to a decrease in the number of gambling ads on TV.
Another difference is the types of sports and games that are popular among bettors in each country. While football and horse racing are popular in both countries, the UK has a wider variety of sports and games available for online betting and gambling, including cricket, rugby, and darts, among others.
Conclusion
Overall, both the Irish and British enjoy betting and gambling online, with online betting being the most popular form of gambling in both countries. However, there are some differences in the types of sports and games that are popular, as well as in the regulations and laws surrounding online betting and gambling in each country. Whether you are Irish or British, it is important to gamble responsibly and to be aware of the potential risks and dangers of online betting and gambling. Always ensure you gamble within your means and seek help if you feel like it is becoming a problem.
