The gambling industry has expressed strong discontent following Prime Minister Andy Burnham's recent categorization of betting shops alongside vape outlets and questionable operators in his critique of the declining high streets in Britain.
Burnham's government aims to amend the Gambling Act 2005, removing the “aim to permit” principle, thereby granting local authorities more power to deny applications for gambling premises. Furthermore, new adult gaming centers will now require specific planning permission.
However, it was the accompanying language of the announcement that struck a nerve. Burnham suggested that betting shops and vape stores have taken the place of desirable shops, services, and community spaces. This policy was framed as a strategy to rein in “dodgy businesses.”
Bookmakers immediately contested this characterization, insisting it diverges significantly from the reality. As of now, the number of betting shops in Britain sits below 5,900, a notable drop from nearly 9,000 in 2015, indicating a contracting sector rather than one that is expanding uncontrolled.
Addressing the derogatory framing, JenningsBet’s chief executive, Greg Knight, expressed that comparing betting shops to dubious businesses is insulting to both employees and patrons. “What sort of ‘dodgy’ business provides employment for 40,000 people, finances the entire British horseracing industry… and pays billions in taxes and rates?” he questioned.
Knight highlighted that JenningsBet has opened four new shops this year, yet has closed three, resulting in only a single net outlet addition; the bulk of its growth has come via acquisitions. He cautioned that further openings could “grind to a halt” if councils gain more discretion, as there are already very few applications being submitted. He suspects that politicians have conflated betting shops with adult gaming centers, which are fundamentally different entities, though they have been grouped in government discussions.
The adult gaming center sector has voiced similar concerns. Alistair Gair, communications director for Bacta, noted that the number of such venues has decreased from 1,610 in 2015 to 1,502 last year. “This is a sector in decline, not one taking over Britain’s high streets,” he stated.
Gair argued further that adult gaming centers occupy spaces that might otherwise sit vacant, contribute to local employment, and provide regulated, low-stakes entertainment in alcohol-free settings. He cautioned that limiting licensed premises could inadvertently drive customers toward unregulated, illegal alternatives that lack those protections.
The narrative surrounding the high streets' deterioration is complex. Christopher Snowdon with the Institute of Economic Affairs contended that Burnham has misidentified the causes of high-street decline, wrongly attributing it to the rise of betting and gaming businesses. Instead, he posited that these businesses have become more visible as traditional retailers have shuttered due to diminished demand.
Snowdon added that the high street's future will likely comprise services that must be accessed in person, such as cafes, pubs, and repair shops, whereas many spaces will likely be repurposed for housing. He argued that obstructing legitimate operators will not reverse these structural transformations, and that crafting new laws targeting activity in some vape shops and barbershops may just replace the need for effective enforcement of existing regulations.
Rank chief executive, Richard Harris, defended the industry’s societal role during a recent year-end results call, emphasizing that the venues operated by Rank are vital community assets. He affirmed the commitment to providing supervised gambling and safe entertainment. "We try and look after our customers really, really well,” he explained, reiterating the company’s mission.
There are calls within the industry for more proactive efforts. Patrick Jay, a consultant and former William Hill executive, asserted that the sector has been at a disadvantage, consistently outmaneuvered by its opponents who have successfully shaped public narrative.
“We have fundamentally misunderstood how to fight back,” Jay commented, suggesting the need for a rapid response team to counter health lobby claims as they arise.
With challenges in retail betting now transferred to Vicki Foxcroft, the newly appointed minister overseeing gambling, she faces an industry convinced of unfair treatment, a prime minister whose language reflects a clear bias, and an overarching policy announcement that conceals complex legislative issues.
Given the landscape, her task is formidable. As the old adage humorously puts it, “if I were you, I wouldn’t start from here.”
