Sneeze screens and touchscreen pens: how the betting shop experience will change

The majority of betting shops in England and some in Ireland are reopening on Monday with a raft of protective measures in place to preserve social distancing and help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Here are a few of the changes customers can expect when visiting their local betting shops from Monday.

Queues and a one in, one out system
Due to social distancing measures, some customers may have to queue on arrival with limitations on how many people are permitted in a shop at one time. The amount of people allowed in a shop is determined by the individual size of each. Customers are also encouraged to place their bets early to make sure it can be placed in time.

Sneeze screens
Transparent plastic sneeze screens have been installed on counters to avoid contact between shop staff and customers. They have also been placed between betting machines and FOBTs to divide up customers and prevent contact.

Touchscreen pens will be implemented to avoid fingers on screensCredit: Matt Alexander / PA Media

Touchscreen pens
Ladbrokes and Coral will be using touchscreen pens on the betting terminals to stop customers from using their fingers. The pens are for each customer to take and then dispose of or keep until their next visit. Screens will be regularly cleaned but the pens act to avoid multiple customers touching the screen.

Placing bets
Customers can place bets on machines, over the counter and on the traditional betting slip, but pens should be disposed of when used and William Hill will not be putting pens out, with customers needing to ask for one.

Payment
All types of payment, including cash, are allowed to be used in shops, but customers are advised to use contactless payments when possible.

Hand sanitiser
All shops will have hand sanitiser free to use for customers. They will be encouraged to use them on arrival, after touching machines and when exiting.

Social distancing
Social distancing has been enforced in shops with stickers on the floor to indicate the distance customers should keep from each other. Similar to in supermarkets, there are also mats where customers should stand when queuing to place a bet at the counter.

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