Bookmaker Paddy Power said in a statement this week: "In line with the spirit and letter of the social distancing guidelines from the government in the Republic of Ireland, we are closing all betting shops in the Republic of Ireland from tomorrow morning until March 29th.
"This is a developing situation and we will review all necessary measures as matters progress with the safety of our employees and customers foremost in our minds."
BoyleSports are shutting up shop on their 278 premises on Wednesday evening and will also pay their staff in full for the period.
They said: "In response to the ongoing efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19, BoyleSports has decided to close all of its stores in the Republic of Ireland. The closure of the 278 retail shops will take effect at 8pm, Wednesday March 18 and will remain in effect until after March 29 at the earliest.
"Although there has been no official guidance in relation to bookmakers, BoyleSports believes the decision to close shops is in the best interests of our staff, our customers and Irish society. "
It comes as Paddy Power Betfair parent company Flutter Entertainment has said it could face a €100m hit from the pandemic that has seen sporting events cancelled around the world.