Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The increase in betting duty from 1% to 2% and the increase in the betting intermediary duty rate came into effect on 1 January 2019. The last time the duty rate was increased was 1975. At 1%, betting duty was at an all-time low. Receipts from betting duty represented less than 1% of all excise receipts in 2017. It is likely that this will also be the case in 2018.

In the course of last year's Finance Bill process, I acknowledged that small independent bookmakers may have difficulty competing with larger bookmakers with retail and-or online operations. At the time I agreed to review an alternative proposal put forward by the betting sector. My officials are considering this proposal, including the compatibility of a core element with EU rules, and will set out analysis and options in relation to betting duty at the tax strategy group meeting in July. The papers will be published shortly afterwards.

While work on the review is under way and there has been engagement with the industry, we must ensure that any potential change in either the model or the rate is fully compliant with EU regulations. This work is now happening.

See this speech in context