The number of gaming machines in Northern Island has declined year on year, according to the latest Northern Ireland Gambling Licensing and Industry Data report, with operators reducing the number of machines in response to dwindling footfall and rising costs.
The latest figures from Northern Ireland’s Department for Communities reveal that the number of retail gambling machines with higher pay outs declined by 38 percent in 2024, with “reduced business activity” across the region.
Though the overall number of permits has remained steady, the Northern Ireland Gambling Licensing and Industry Data report suggested that fewer customer visits and “increased utility costs” could be behind the drop in machines.
“According to the report, there were 112 amusement permits covering 6,410 gaming machines with a maximum £25 payout and 23 permits covering 549 gaming machines with a maximum £8 payout,” it was reported.
“Those figures were down by one and two licences respectively year-on-year, which suggests a possible slowdown in the decline seen in previous years. However, the number of £25 payout machines dropped by 38 percent.”
Though the number of registered gambling businesses rose from 80 to 85 between 2024 and 2025, the figure is a marked decline on the 95 registered in 2015. The latest data report did not include turnover for 2024, however the latest total of £170.9m, recorded in 2023, is also down 75 percent on the same period.
“The figures highlight shrinking machine numbers, reduced business activity, and falling turnover,” reported gaming journal Sigma, “although some areas of licensing remain steady.”
Bingo club licenses remained steady at 36, while the number of bookmaking offices licences held at 280, yet Sigma added: “Smaller arcades and high-street slot venues are maintaining licence levels but reducing the number of machines on site.”
“The DfC report suggests factors such as lower customer visits, increased utility costs or property renovations could be influencing this trend.”
NI stats show an industry in decline
Media reporting said… “Smaller arcades and high-street slot venues are maintaining licence levels but reducing the number of machines on site. The DfC report suggests factors such as lower customer visits, increased utility costs or property renovations could be influencing this trend…
