Betting shops have been an icon of British high streets for decades, offering a communal space for professional punters and small time gamblers. But as the world of new online casinos in the UK continues to offer more and more, including betting, highstreet shops are feeling the strain. With the rise of online and mobile gambling options, the traditional betting shop faces significant challenges. This blog reviews whether betting shops are becoming a relic of the past or if they can start a revival.
1. Rise of Online Gambling and Mobile Apps
The online gambling market has exploded in recent years with new bookies appearing all the time, the convenience of mobile apps that allow punters to place bets anytime, anywhere. Unlike betting shops which require a physical presence, online sites offer betting 24/7, live streamed events and in play/real time odds, all of which appeal to most people especially the younger generation. According to recent surveys, the global online gambling market is projected to continue growing by around 10% annually!!.
2. Impact of Recent Regulations and the Growth of Non UK Regulated Sites
Changes in UK regulations have also impacted the betting shops. In 2019, the UK government restricted the maximum stake on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals from £100 to £2, leading to a sharp decline in revenue for many shops, with many players choosing to use non UK gambling sites where they can still have stakes up to £250 per spin. As a result, several high street betting shops were forced to close their doors.
3. The Social Aspect – Do Betting Shops Offer Something Unique?
Despite the challenges faced, a betting shop does offer a social element where punters can enjoy gambling with one another, this could be watching the horses, footy or similar playing non Gamban slot machines next to each other. Many betting shops offer customers free drinks as well, so there is definitely an enjoyable social element which cannot be reciprocated online.
4. The Future of Betting Shops – New Ideas
Betting shops look to new ideas to keep people using them, one new incorporation is betting kiosk machines which allow quick bets including in play bets. Another promotion push shops are trying is BOG (best odds guaranteed) on big race meetings after 9am, this is actually a great idea and has been received extremely positively.
5. What’s Next for Betting Shops – Further Ideas?
Betting shops are unlikely to disappear completely, but their numbers may continue to decline as non UK gambling sites dominate the market. Moving forward, the shops that succeed will likely be those that can adapt to new trends and offer people value which will make them more inclined to visit a betting shop, this may be through promotions or better odds, its essential that they keep thinking on their feet though as the online competition is ever expanding with ideas.
