More pain expected as betting shop numbers fall again

Betting shop numbers have fallen again according to the latest set of statistics released by the Gambling Commission, with the industry warning pressure on the sector is set to increase even further.

By contrast the remote gambling sector continues to grow, with its gross gambling yield (GGY) – the money retained by operators after winnings have been paid out – increasing by 12.8 per cent to £5.3 billion in the year to March 31.

There were 8,406 betting shops in Britain at the end of September according to the regulator's figures, with 151 shops closing in the previous six months.