Darling calls on support for bookie campaign

Association of British Bookmakers chairman Paul Darling issued a plea on Monday for the industry to get behind the 'Back Your Local Bookie' campaign.

He told the audience at the Betting Shop Manager of the Year ceremony that it was a critical time for the retail betting industry, with the government having announced its review of gaming machine stakes and prizes.

"Like everyone here today I'm deeply proud of our betting shop colleagues, those who are up for awards today, but also the thousands of people who do a fantastic job in the communities they serve," he said.

"But we have to face this fact. Many in the media, many politicians still do not understand our world. The industry is more often than not misrepresented and unfairly criticised, and we now have the triennial review into stakes and prizes in gaming machines which is critical to our industry.

"It is now more important than ever for us to make our voice heard. That's why bookies across the country have joined together to launch the 'Back Your Local Bookie" campaign."

As part of the campaign the ABB has launched a petition in betting shops and online, asking the government to not put betting shops at risk through "unnecessary" regulation and increased tax.

"This is a critical moment for the retail betting industry," added Darling.

"It's now more important than ever for all of us to be vocal about the community support the bookmaking industry and for betting shops so that for years to come we're still here celebrating with as large and wide a group of people, the Betting Shop Manager of the Year."