Ladbrokes Coral plead with Scottish government to ease restrictions in shops

Ladbrokes Coral have urged the Scottish government to ease restrictions on betting shops as bookmakers north of the border reported disappointment among customers at a severely curtailed service.

Betting shops reopened in Scotland on Monday – two weeks later than in England – but they are not allowed to broadcast any live racing, while chairs have been removed and gaming machines switched off in an attempt to limit any further outbreaks of Covid-19.

Simon Clare, Ladbrokes Coral PR director, said on Wednesday: "Our colleagues are doing the best job they can under very challenging circumstances, given the severe restrictions that the Scottish government has decided to inflict upon betting shops in Scotland since they reopened.