Menu

Scotbet In Plea For Further Support

Scotbet In Plea For Further Support

Many Scottish independent betting shops are facing challenging times, grappling with fierce competition from digital platforms and the increasing stringency of government regulations, not to mention the lingering effects of recent lockdowns. John Heaton, who chairs the biggest independent chain, Scotbet, hasn't held back criticism of the Scottish authorities, highlighting how scant financial resources have been to help the industry withstand the unparalleled challenges brought on by the pandemic.

Scotbet Last year, they faced insolvency, resulting in the closure of 11 shops and the loss of 27 jobs. Yet, 30 shops persisted, employing around 127 staff members. The business has been hit hard with additional costs amounting to £500,000 since March, alongside a 20% dwindling in revenue, creating a significant hurdle for a company that was on the path to recovery and growth.

Heaton underscores the limited financial support provided to the gambling sector by the Scottish government and contrasts this with the ample relief granted to other similar sectors. Since the lockdown began in spring, a full waiver of business rates was put into effect for retail, hospitality, and leisure industries, automatically applied by all councils across Scotland. Independent bookmakers The gambling sector, unlike others, only benefits from a meager 1.5% relief on rates for non-residential properties; a form of support Heaton labels as 'scarce.' Furthermore, the industry misses out on the grants aimed at retail, hospitality, and leisure, and is also excluded from applying for Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans, which can offer SMEs up to a £5 million loan to assist them in staying afloat amidst revenue losses and cash flow issues.

Heaton does recognize some valuable aid, noting, 'We are grateful for the financial backing extended to us, especially the UK Government's furlough program. It has been our lifeline through the pandemic, helping us to retain our skilled workforce and navigate through the toughest phases of lockdown.'

However, his criticism of the Scottish government's financial oversight in relation to the betting sector remains strong, highlighting their perceived indifference. Speaking for all independent bookmakers in Scotland, he states, 'We feel utterly neglected by the Scottish Government. We've tried reaching out repeatedly about our struggles without even a courtesy acknowledgment. The First Minister claims she aims for all Scottish businesses to bounce back, yet tangible support is missing for businesses like ours. Admittedly, resources are tight, but betting shops in England garnered government backing, so why not give the same support in Scotland?'

With the sports schedule in turmoil and restrictions prevalent in betting shops discouraging customers, with the online sector stepping in, the road ahead for independent betting shops seems daunting. John Heaton is raising awareness of the dire situation in hopes of urging the Scottish Government to recognize the scale of the issue and offer crucial financial help to ensure the sector's survival. online bookies At WhichBookie, we're committed to bringing you top-notch content and offers daily, and it's important to note that we receive compensation from some of the links featured here.

Advertising Disclosure
Fact To File’s Ryanair Chase Adventure: Comeback or Triumph at Cheltenham 2025?

Top Casinos

100 Free Spins - No Deposit!
Visit
150 Free Spins + Up to £500 in Bonuses
Visit
150% up to £150 + 75 Free Spins
Visit

Top New Bookmakers

BetMGM
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=3259637 ★★★★★
Visit
Bet442
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=4237684 ★★★★★
Visit
Tote.co.uk
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/tote-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
MonkeyBet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=4938958 ★★★★★
Visit
MrLuck
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=5441347 ★★★★★
Visit
PricedUp
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=4566795 ★★★★★
Visit
CasinoKings
https://www.fansbet-online.com/online-casinos/casinokings/ ★★★★★
Visit
NRG.bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=3924790 ★★★★★
Visit
talkSPORT BET
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=2018021 ★★★★★
Visit
Vbet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/vbet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
Highbet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/highbet/ ★★★★☆
Visit
Betrino
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=4499812 ☆☆☆☆☆
Visit
Fafabet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/fafabet/ ★★★★★
Visit
Gentleman Jim
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=3933385 ★★★★★
Visit
BetGoodwin
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=1498342 ★★★★★
Visit
BresBet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=2039219 ★★★★☆
Visit
Lottoland
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=91925 ★★★★☆
Visit
CopyBet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=2039539 ★★★★★
Visit
LiveScore Bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/livescore-bet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit

Top Offers

Bet £10 & Get £40 in Free Bets
Visit
Bet £20 & Get £20 in Free Bets
Visit
Bet £10 Get £40 in Bonuses
Visit
100 Free Spins - No Deposit!
Visit
Bet £10 Get £50 Free Bet
Visit
Bet £20 Get £20 in Free Bets
Visit
Bet £40 Get £20 Free Bet
Visit
Bet £20 Get a £10 Free Bet
Visit
Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
Visit
Bet £10 Get a £10 Free Bet
Visit
Bet £20 Get £20 in Free Bets + £10 Casino Bonus
Visit
Bet £20 Get £60 in Free Bets
Visit
Corners Betting Tips
Read
Liam Johnson
Liverpool over
Liverpool vs Southampton

Player likely to receive a booking - Conor Bradley

Date published: March 8, 2025

Top Rated Bookmakers

Tote.co.uk
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/tote-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
bet365
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/bet365-review/ ★★★★★
Visit
Coral
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/coral-bookmaker-review/ ★★★☆☆
Visit
Ladbrokes
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/ladbrokes-review/ ★★★☆☆
Visit
Betfred
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/betfred-review/ ★★★★★
Visit
William Hill
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/william-hill-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
BetUK
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/betuk-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
10bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/10bet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
BetVictor
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/betvictor-review/ ★★★★★
Visit
Virgin Bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/virgin-bet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
Card Betting Tips
Read
Liam Johnson
Featuring our card betting strategies from seasoned analyst, Liam Johnson. All card and booking points tips you see here at WhichBookie are completely free.
Liverpool vs Southampton

Our Lucky 15 choices in horse racing, crafted by the WhichBookie expert team, come with all the insights you need. These free tips are complemented by our Lucky 15 Calculator, conveniently found further down the page.

Date published: March 8, 2025
Lucky 15 Tips
Read
Will Smith
Narragansett
13:15 Sandown
7/2

Here are our predictions for the Ryanair Chase scheduled at 15:20 on Thursday, March 13, at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.

Date published: March 8, 2025
Ryanair Chase Tips
Read
Will Smith
Heart Wood
EW 3 Places

Predictions from our skilled analysts in horse racing, Will Smith & David Young. Make sure to explore our other Cheltenham advice for a comprehensive view. © 2025. fansbet-online.com is a brand of Better Media Ltd., UK, Company No. 07151866

Date published: March 7, 2025

Best Football Bookies

bet365
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/bet365-review/ ★★★★★
Visit
Ladbrokes
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/ladbrokes-review/ ★★★☆☆
Visit
Coral
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/coral-bookmaker-review/ ★★★☆☆
Visit
Virgin Bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/virgin-bet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
LiveScore Bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/livescore-bet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
Betfred
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/betfred-review/ ★★★★★
Visit
CopyBet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=2039539 ★★★★★
Visit
10bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/10bet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit

Best Racing Bookies

bet365
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/bet365-review/ ★★★★★
Visit
Coral
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/coral-bookmaker-review/ ★★★☆☆
Visit
Ladbrokes
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/ladbrokes-review/ ★★★☆☆
Visit
Virgin Bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/virgin-bet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
William Hill
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/william-hill-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
Betfred
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/betfred-review/ ★★★★★
Visit
CopyBet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=2039539 ★★★★★
Visit