'I had to learn online basics just to bet' - how the pandemic changed punting

The British and Irish racing industries breathed a huge sigh of relief last June as racing finally resumed after breaks of more than two months. But there was most definitely something still missing – and it's been missing for most of the subsequent year.

Winners returned to silence and racecourses lost their identity as fans and punters were forced to watch the action from home. We couldn't even nip down the betting shop to soak up a bit of atmosphere as the shutters stayed down and screens remained blank for months on end.

For many, the absence of betting shops and racecourses forced a seismic change in their habits. And people told to take refuge at home also had lots of free time on their hands to explore more betting options.