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Banking on the Future of UK Betting Shops

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Down the years, if you were hard-pushed to find a bookmaker’s shop in a typical UK town you would make for the nearest pub, knowing that the betting shop would be strategically located close to the ale pumps. Far from being a nefarious marketing strategy, it was seen as cultural: a few pints, a quick bet on the football or horse racing.

Of course, there are still plenty of betting shops in the UK, many of which are located strategically next to the ‘boozer’. In fact, around 8,000-9,000 outlets are still operating as of March 2018. Although numbers peaked in the 1970s and 80s (at around 16,000), it must be said that the traditional bookmakers shop has been reasonably resilient, despite many prophecies of doom.

 

The interesting aspect is that the betting shops have not really changed all that much over the years. We live in an era of digital disruption, one where the traditional high street is changing beyond recognition: DVD stores and books shops have been supplanted by Amazon. Clothes shops are also having a difficult time in the face of competition from online rivals. High street retailers are being asked to adapt in order to survive – why aren’t bookmakers’ shops doing the same?

Shops have changed slightly

Certainly, there have been some slight changes to the make up of a typical betting shop. You can walk into a William Hill shop, for example, and fund or withdraw from your online account. Electronic betting terminals, too, have changed the way we bet in the shops. Effectively, those terminals allow us to bet online without an account. It has been pointed out that, in the world of betting, cash is still king. Not only is there a level of anonymity to walking into a shop, but there is also a psychological reward to getting winnings in real cash as opposed to a number on a computer screen.

Still, we know that eventually the digital option will likely win out. The benefits of betting online make it inevitable. Take, for example, Betfred, a brand that has bucked the trend slightly by adding dozens of new shops last year. Why would you walk into a shop as a new customer, when you can enjoy Betfred betting offers, including free bets, to use online on any sport you like? Why back Manchester United at 13/2 to win the Premier League in a shop, when you could lose the receipt over the course of a nine-month season?

FOBTs limits may cause closures

fobts uk

You cannot talk about betting shops in the UK without mentioning the media’s cause célèbre from the last few years – fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs). Steps have been taken to limit the maximum bet on these games to £2 (down from £200), in a move that many bookmakers have said would spell disaster in terms of shop closures. Much of the revenue for shops came from these terminals, so it is almost certain the regulations will have an impact.

The answer for the continued existence of betting shops 10, 20 years from now may lie in the example of bookstores. Some have been thriving in the face of Amazon’s dominance, because they have redefined what a bookshop is. Instead of going to buy a book, you are invited to a communal space, complete with a café and other things not easily replicated online, such as guest speakers. Could bookmakers have a similar way forward? Perhaps fusing with their natural bedfellow – the traditional British pub?

Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Arena Racing Company awarded United Arab Emirates Gaming-Related Vendor License

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Arena Racing Company (ARC) has been granted a Gaming-Related Vendor license from the United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Authority (GCGRA), an independent entity of the UAE Federal Government with exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license, and supervise all commercial gaming activities.

The license, operational with immediate effect, affords ARC the opportunity to provide its products and services to licensed operators in the region. Notably, the Racing1 Markets service, an all-in-one horse and greyhound racing solution delivered in conjunction with Racing1 alliance media rights partners at 1/ST CONTENT, Racecourse Media Group (RMG), and Tabcorp, alongside technical partner Pythia Sports. ARC has been added to the list of licensed vendors as per the GCGRA website.

Jack Whitaker, Commercial Manager at ARC, said: “Obtaining this license is a great achievement for ARC and its Racing1 partners. The emerging regulated UAE market is incredibly exciting, and we look forward to showcasing our innovative products and services in the region.”

The post Arena Racing Company awarded United Arab Emirates Gaming-Related Vendor License appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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Play’n GO games now live with Ivy Casino in the UK

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Swedish gaming giant’s industry signals commitment to the UK regulated market by launching it leading portfolio of games with Ivy Casino 

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced that its industry leading portfolio of games is now live with Ivy Casino in the UK. 

Ivy Casino’s players in the United Kingdom can now access global smash hits from Play’n GO, including Book of Dead, Legacy of Dead, and Rise of Olympus 100 among many others. 

Ivy Casino is a UK-facing online casino brand that launched in 2024 with a focus on delivering a premium, player-centric experience tailored specifically for the UK market. 

The brand operates alongside two sister sites, Rose Casino and O’Reels, which also serve UK audiences and share the same commitment to high-quality entertainment, strong user experience and robust responsible gaming standards. 

Play’n GO has been one of the leading game suppliers in the UK for many years and is steadfast in its commitment to regulated markets globally. 

Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer of Play’n GO, said:

“We are delighted to launch with Ivy Casino in the UK who, like us, are focused on all the key elements of operating within a regulated market framework. I’m sure this is just the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.” 

Mark Good, representing Ivy Casino, said:

“This partnership with Play’n GO forms part of Ivy Casino’s ongoing strategy to enhance its content offering for UK players by collaborating with leading studios known for creative, engaging gameplay.” 

Play’n GO is a proud sponsor of the Moneygram Haas Formula 1 team, and recently launched a fashion brand, Play’n GO Shop, to sit alongside its existing Play’n GO Music brand to give fans more ways to connect with Play’n GO. 

In October, Play’n GO set a world record by launching everyone’s favourite slot character, Garga, into space reaching a height of over 35,500m as part of the launch campaign for Reactoonz 100 which instantly became one of the biggest game launches of the year for the company. 

The post Play’n GO games now live with Ivy Casino in the UK appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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Esportes da Sorte strengthens brand presence during New Year’s Eve celebrations across four Brazilian capitals

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Esportes da Sorte, one of Brazil’s leading online betting platforms, will be the official sponsor of New Year’s Eve celebrations in four Brazilian capitals: Salvador, Recife, Natal and Maceió. The initiative reinforces the brand’s growing presence in the national cultural calendar and its strategy to connect with large-scale public celebrations beyond the digital environment.

New Year’s Eve is one of Brazil’s most significant annual moments, marked by intense domestic travel, international tourism and mass public participation. By supporting celebrations in four key destinations, Esportes da Sorte aligns its brand with tradition, culture and shared experiences that resonate deeply with local communities.

“Sponsoring New Year’s Eve celebrations in four capitals reflects our commitment to being present in moments that bring people together,” said Marcela Campos, Vice President of the Esportes Gaming Brasil Group, owner of the Esportes da Sorte brand. “Supporting these cities means valuing their cultural identity, strengthening local ecosystems and celebrating the people who keep these traditions alive year after year.”

Across all four capitals, the brand will activate its presence through immersive experiences, public-facing activations and the distribution of branded giveaways — a hallmark of Esportes da Sorte’s engagement strategy at major events. The activations are designed to enhance the festive atmosphere while reinforcing the brand’s connection with culture, entertainment and responsible enjoyment.

The New Year’s Eve sponsorships build on Esportes da Sorte’s broader cultural engagement strategy, which includes long-standing support for large-scale events such as Carnatal, in Rio Grande do Norte — a key fixture in the state’s tourism and cultural calendar. Together, these initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in cultural sponsorships nationwide.

Esportes da Sorte’s participation also mirrors a wider trend within Brazil’s regulated betting market, as operators increasingly diversify their sponsorship portfolios beyond football. Music, festivals and cultural celebrations have become strategic platforms for brands seeking broader visibility, deeper community ties and more sustainable engagement with the public.

The post Esportes da Sorte strengthens brand presence during New Year’s Eve celebrations across four Brazilian capitals appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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