Are retail betting shops dying?
The number of people gambling online has grown exponentially over the last few years, and this has led to some fierce speculation that the days of bricks and mortar betting shops are on their way out.
But are betting shops dying? Let’s find out!
Betting shops
While betting shops have experienced continued success for decades, the launch and rise in popularity of online casino and sports betting websites have seen fewer and fewer people visiting these bricks and mortar shops.
What’s more, statistics from UK Bookmakers reveal that between 2012 and 2019, almost 1,000 betting shops across the UK shut shop, suggesting that attendance just isn’t the same.
Part of the reason many people are now turned off from betting shops is due to their limitations. Most betting shops are incredibly small and don’t offer any other services or games for visitors to play.
Online betting sites
Online betting websites offer everything available at bricks and mortar betting shops and more. These online betting services tend to offer more betting opportunities than classic real-life shops, and they also tend to provide players with plenty of promotions and bonuses to boost their winnings or give them extra cash on the side.
If that isn’t enough, most sports betting services run online casinos too which allow users to play some of their favourite casino games online including video slots, classic casino table games, and live games too - all of which isn’t offered at traditional betting shops. There are also plenty of online casinos which have begun offering sports betting services, offering even more content for punters to enjoy.
Finally, online betting websites and casinos are also available directly from your computer, laptop, smartphone, and tablet device, which means you can play however you want and wherever you want. For many people, this is much better than having to leave home to visit betting shops since you can easily load up a website from the comfort of your sofa or bed.
All of this has made gambling online, and sports betting in particular, much more attractive. It’s easier than ever to place bets and enjoy games, and users are now able to do it from their home rather than having to venture out into the cold or rain. With this in mind, it’s no wonder fewer people are visiting bricks and mortar shops now.
The future of betting shops
As UK high streets continues to struggle and as betting shops continue to close and see fewer visitors, it’s hard to imagine a positive future for betting shops. However, brands such as William Hill, Betfred, Paddy Power, and others are trying harder than ever to attract customers.
Also, Irish bookmaker Boylesports announced in 2019 that they would be opening up shops across the UK soon, providing more competition and new blood to the industry which may shake things up.
With online gambling proving more popular than ever right now, however, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more closures over the next few years. While the bigger brands may scrape by and survive, independent brands may have a much harder time. Only time will tell.