Rejected petition Bet on Britain’s Future – Support the bookmaking industry

Over the past few months some commentators have questioned the place of betting shops in our town centres.

The industry supports around 100,000 jobs, in particular offering flexible hours that attract a higher proportion of women and young people than other retail sectors.

Bookmakers pay nearly £1 billion in tax each year, and are one of the few retail sectors which have the potential to create new jobs and support the local economy.

Last year bookmakers contributed nearly £3 billion to the UK economy.

It is a common myth that bookmakers are proliferating on the UK high street. Shop numbers have remained stable at about 8,500 for the past decade.

Bookmakers are proud to offer a fun leisure activity in town centres up and down the country, with 8 million customers viewing shops as an essential part of their local communities.

Please sign this petition to show your support for the bookmaking industry and the thousands of hardworking and dedicated people it employs.