Bookmakers Closing Times
The UK’s favourite pastime of betting is a popular and lucrative hobby, closing time but there are many things to be aware of. For instance, the majority of bookies are closed on Sundays, but this has changed in recent years thanks to legislation allowing premises-based bookmakers to operate on that day.
Bookmakers opening hours vary across different brands and branches, but most are open between 8 am and 10 pm. To find out the best times to visit your local betting shop, use their store locator or call them directly.
History of Bookmakers
Bookies have been around since the 1700s, but they really took off in the 1960s when it was allowed for them to be opened on the high street. Before this, bookies could only operate in sports stadiums and employ ‘runners’ who would go to local pubs or offices to collect bets from customers.
In 1961, the Gambling and Betting Act was passed which meant that bookies could now open their own stores. This was a huge boost for the industry, and it has led to thousands of shops popping up all over the country.
Ladbrokes, Coral and Betfred are just some of the most well-known bookmakers in the UK, but there are also plenty of other companies that offer similar services. Here are some of the most common:
Betfred
The UK’s largest betting firm, Betfred is a major competitor of Ladbrokes and Coral, with over 1800 betting shops throughout the country. Their website has a handy Shop Locator that shows you which of their stores are close to you, and the opening times for each.
Coral
They are another popular bookmaker, and their Store Locator shows which of their stores are located near you. They also have a dedicated Responsible Gaming page on their website.
Coral has over 1800 shops in the UK, so you’ll be able to find one near you!
There are a lot of reasons to visit your local betting shop, but here are some more:
Gambling Addiction Support The staff in your local betting shop can help you with any problems you may have. They are trained to spot patterns and can point you in the right direction if you’re struggling with gambling addiction.
Responsible Gambling
Bookmakers want to promote safe betting and keep their shops a friendly place. They do this by helping new betters learn the rules, practicing responsibility and communicating with their customers. They can even offer help if someone is over-gambling and needs to stop.
They can also offer support for people that are struggling with a gambling problem, and will often refer them to an online service that can help them cope.
In the UK, bookmakers are regulated by the Betting and Gaming Commission. They are required to have insurance cover, a strict customer protection policy and to take part in responsible gambling training courses. They are also obligated to report any suspicious activity to the police and to share data with other bookmakers.