The Dundalk-based organisation is bucking a trend which has seen UK bookmakers retreat from the high street.
Boylesports are Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker with some 250 shops across the country but have so far concentrated on the home market. However, with the acquisition of Midlands bookmaker Wilf Gilbert’s shops for an undisclosed sum, the firm have finally realised their long-term ambition to enter the UK retail market. They are confident that they can make a success of their expansion, despite the well-known pressures on the sector.
The firm also has a thriving online presence, of, course, but doesn’t think that the walk-in punter should be neglected. All of their new shops have undergone extensive refurbishment which reflects the Boylesport image. Plans are already well advanced to open a further seven shops and the firm are hoping to have over 100 new offices in their livery inside the next 12 months. Those offices will see movement into different areas of the UK.New business model to form basis of gamble
John Haddock, the former chief executive of Betfred, is adding his weight to the ambitious project and it will be interesting to see if the new business model takes off. Trade on the high street is badly in need of a lift with many betting firms simply going through the motions with shops. Many have lost a large amount of revenue since the limit on FOBTs was introduced. Indeed, the number of closures per month is on the increase so this is a rare gamble on the part of an established bookmaker.
Ladbrokes launch paperless betting shop
On the other side of the Irish Sea, Ladbrokes launched a new paperless shop in Galway last week to coincide with the summer festival at the town’s racecourse. The new interactive digital screens display the runners and riders of all UK and Irish racing throughout the day. They are accompanied by live Ladbrokes prices so there isn’t a paper version of the Racing Post in sight. At least they should make their betting shops a tidier place!
