The UK Gambling Commission reports that as of March 2021, Great Britain had 7,281 licensed betting shops. This number represents a drop from the 1970s peak of 10,000, yet brick-and-mortar bookies are still a vital part of many UK towns and cities.
Leading high street betting brands in the UK are:
Some other notable UK betting shop operators include BoyleSports, JenningsBet, along with several others. independent bookmakers .
Increased regulation, online competition, and changing customer habits have led to a decrease in physical bookmakers recently. Despite this, they remain a go-to for many who enjoy the interactive and personalized feel of in-person betting.
| Best Online Bookmakers | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Bet365 | Visit |
 | Betfred | Visit |
 | BetGoodwin | Visit |
 | Boylesports | Visit |
 | Coral | Visit |
 | LiveScore Bet | Visit |
 | RhinoBet | Visit |
 | SpreadEx | Visit |
 | Virginbet | Visit |
 | William Hill | Visit |
 | Bzeebet | Visit |
Although the number of bookie shops has decreased, chances are you'll still find one or more near you, especially if you're near a town center.
You'll often discover multiple bookmakers like Betfred, William Hill, Coral, Ladbrokes, and Paddy Power in city centers, in addition to some independently operated ones.
Check out our local bookie map further down this page to discover the nearest betting shop to your location.
Looking for a nearby betting shop might mean you're gearing up to gamble or play casino games. Most bookies offer both sports betting and casino excitement through fixed-odds betting terminals, giving you options for games like roulette and slots. Dedicated casinos may host classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps, or flaunt an arcade style focused primarily on slot machines.
Alongside betting shops, most cities host land-based casinos. The prominent ones include Aspers, Genting, and Grosvenor, while others like Admiral mainly showcase slot machines.
Recognizable across the UK landscape, land-based bookmakers, or high street bookies, have been serving bettors for years. Despite the surge of online gambling in the past decade, these physical venues still offer undeniable advantages.
In summary, both online and offline bookmakers offer unique perks and pitfalls, leaving the choice down to personal taste. While online bookmakers offer convenience and extensive options, physical betting shops promise a more social and personalized experience.
Since its founding in 1934, William Hill has cemented its status as one of the UK's major and historic bookmaking establishments, operating over 1,400 shops nationwide.
William Hill's betting shops present an array of sports betting options, from football and horse racing to greyhound racing, tennis, golf, and more, along with in-store gaming such as roulette, slots, and virtual sports.
Besides standard betting, William Hill shops provide innovative offers like 'Acca Five Insurance,' which gives money-back on multi-bets if just one selection lets the player down.
Free Wi-Fi and live sports broadcasts on TV screens are staples at William Hill shops, creating a welcoming environment for customer enjoyment.
Recently, William Hill has broadened its digital scope with a comprehensive online sportsbook and a variety of casino games, yet its physical shops remain pivotal, appealing to bettors who cherish the in-person betting atmosphere and staff interaction.
18+. Play Responsibly. Effective from 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 bet with odds at least 1/2 (1.5) on sportsbooks (Virtual markets excluded). Terms apply. #ad
Betfred began in 1967 and has matured into a popular UK bookmaker, with over 1,600 shops characterized by generous promotions that attract loyal clients.
At Betfred, customers can wager on various sports and enjoy shop-specific offers. The 'Goals Galore' deal, which enhances odds on both teams scoring in a match, is particularly popular, distinguishing Betfred from other bookies.
Though plenty of Betfred promotions can be found in shops, their online counterpart, Betfred.com, offers even more, drawing online punters right in.
For new clients only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place your first £10+ bet at odds of Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days, to receive 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry, eligibility & exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org #ad
Having started in 1926, Coral stands as one of the UK's substantial bookmaking brands, encompassing over 1,800 shops nationwide.
A Coral favorite offer is the 'Acca Boost,' aimed at increasing odds on accumulator bets.
Coral outlets provide expansive TV displays showing live events, plus digital betting terminals for quick, effective betting. They also offer complimentary Wi-Fi.
Coral also has a 'Football Jackpot' game, where customers predict match results for a sizeable cash prize.
Coral's forward-thinking approach extends into online gaming, with options like Coral Casino, Coral Bingo, and Coral Poker games readily available.
Bet £5 Get £20: For 18+ UK+IRE players. Some payment/bet exclusions apply. Make your first £5 bet within 14 days of registering with odds of 1/2 = 4x £5 free bets, which are valid for 7 days with no cash out option. T&Cs apply.
Ladbrokes, established back in 1886, is a stalwart in the betting industry, running nearly 2,000 betting shops across the UK.
Ladbrokes' betting shops have a standout feature called the 'Grid' loyalty program, which gives patrons unique promotions and bonuses when they place bets in the store. By using the Grid card, customers can unlock exclusive gambling content and track their betting activities. Ladbrokes Grid Card This loyalty program draws many customers to Ladbrokes' betting establishments.
For those aged 18 and above, new customers from the UK and Ireland can participate. Exclusions apply to Paypal, specific deposit types, and certain betting categories. A minimum £5 bet is required within two weeks of opening an account, at the lowest odds of 1/2, to earn four £5 free bets. Note that free bets stand for a week on sporting stakes and the original stake isn't returned. Terms and conditions apply.
Paddy Power stands as a colossal figure in the betting industry, boasting a customer base exceeding 13 million people across the globe.
Even though Paddy Power enjoys a strong digital presence, their physical shops in the UK are fewer compared to other notable brands like Coral, Ladbrokes, William Hill, and Betfred.
The UK hosts about 350 Paddy Power outlets, complemented by over 250 in Ireland. These shops can be found in key UK cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Newcastle.
Located below is a dynamic map showcasing betting shops scattered throughout the UK. It displays the locations for brands such as William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, Paddy Power, and Betfred.
Recent data indicates there are roughly 7,300 betting shops in the UK, though this number is gradually decreasing as more individuals shift towards online betting.
The UK betting scene is largely dominated by a few major players like William Hill, Ladbrokes Coral, and Betfred. These firms operate hundreds, if not thousands, of shops nationwide, making them a common feature on high streets.
In recent times, the UK's betting market has seen increased competition from new online-only bookmakers and smaller independent shops. However, the giants still rule the industry and account for most of the betting shop revenues.
Despite the drop in betting shop numbers, they still play a vital role in the gambling ecosystem. Many enjoy the social and communal atmosphere they offer, providing an alternative to online betting for those who appreciate the traditional touch.
The operating hours of betting shops in the UK vary based on the bookmaker and location. Typically, most shops open their doors at 9 am and close at 10 pm, seven days a week.
During major sporting events like the Cheltenham Festival or the World Cup, some may open earlier or stay open later. However, these extended hours are usually announced beforehand and aren't the standard.
It's worth noting that some UK local councils have the authority to determine the opening hours for betting shops in their areas. For instance, they might mandate earlier closing times on Sundays or limit late-night operations during the week.
Checking your local shop's opening hours prior to visiting is advisable as they can differ based on location and local rules. Most bookmakers have a store locator on their websites to help you find this information.
Placing a bet in a shop is a fairly simple process which can be done in a few steps. Here's a quick guide on how to do it:
The cash-out option has gained traction with online bookmakers but isn't as prevalent among physical shops. Most don't offer cash-out for in-store bets.
To cash out a shop-placed bet, you must check with your bookmaker about its availability. Some may offer it in-store, possibly via your online account or a shop terminal.
Note that you need to cash out your bet before the event ends. Once concluded, cash-out is no longer possible.
If cashing out in a physical shop isn't viable, online options might be available depending on your bookmaker. Numerous online platforms offer cash-out for bets made on their sites or apps.
Dating back centuries, betting on activities like horse racing was common in the UK. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that betting shops were legalized. Before this, gambling was largely illicit, with few exceptions at racecourses and private clubs.
The Betting and Gaming Act of 1960 was a game-changer, licensing bookmakers to operate shops nationwide. This act aimed to bring gambling under control by the government, reducing illegal gambling and crime.
William Hill opened the first legal betting shop in London in 1961, marking the beginning of a swift expansion as major bookmakers established chains in towns and cities.
Since then, the UK gambling landscape has evolved, adding online and mobile betting to the mix. Nevertheless, many still value the traditional experience of placing bets in shops.
The Gambling Commission now regulates UK betting shops, ensuring firms adhere to strict guidelines to protect patrons and curb problem gambling. It's an industry powerhouse, contributing significantly to the economy with thousands of jobs and billions in revenue.
If you're looking to gamble at UK betting shops, note that credit cards are not an option for payment. In April 2020, using credit cards for gambling was restricted under strict UK regulations.
The Gambling Commission prohibits operators from accepting credit cards for any gambling activities, including physical betting shops, to combat gambling problems and safeguard at-risk patrons from debt.
Most betting shops welcome alternative payment methods like debit cards, cash, and occasionally electronic payments such as PayPal or Apple Pay. Some even offer branded cards for in-store transactions.
Top Casinos
Top New Bookmakers
Top Offers
Is Fact To File's Ryanair Chase mission at Cheltenham 2025 all hype or the real deal?
The Cheltenham Festival of 2025, scheduled from March 11-14 covering 28 races, has the Ryanair Chase on March 13 at 15:20 lined up—will Fact To File live up to expectations?
For those keen on football, our specialist analyst Liam Johnson provides expert tips on corners betting—all complimentary on WhichBookie.
Top Rated Bookmakers
Our astute football analyst Liam Johnson shares his card and booking point tips which you can access free of charge here at WhichBookie.
Check out the Lucky 15 horse racing tips presented by our adept analysts at WhichBookie. Enjoy these complimentary tips alongside our Lucky 15 Calculator available further down the page.
Here are our predictions for the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, happening at 15:20 on Thursday, March 13, 2024. Provided by expert analysts Will Smith & David Young, we offer insights into more Cheltenham races, so don't miss out on our extensive betting tips.
Best Football Bookies
