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Members of Parliament from all political parties are warning that a proposed measure will devastate the industry, leaving millions unable to visit shops where the average bet is just over £10, and half of all wagers are less than five pounds.
Dave Humphries, alongside Teresa Hodges and Wendy Richards, at Betfred, Weoley Castle, BirminghamCredit: Betfred
We traveled to shops nationwide — including those in Leeds and Clacton, where the leader was elected as MP last year — to engage with customers who are supporting The Sun’s Save Our Bets campaign.
CLACTON
‘Many small shops will shut down’
Len Adams, an 83-year-old retired business owner, places a £15 bet nearly every day.
Retired business owner Len Adams places a £15 bet most daysCredit: John McLellan
He remarked, “Losing that simple pleasure will be devastating for many people like me.”
Nic Barrett, the area manager for Coral, 51, who oversees 24 branches, stated, “Our shops serve as vital community hubs, and many customers enjoy placing small bets.”
“Tax increases will severely impact local communities, especially in areas like Clacton with a significant unemployed and retired population,” he added.
“A decrease in profitability will greatly affect villages and small towns, leading to a high likelihood of shop closures.”
BIRMINGHAM
Punter Dave Humphries faced long odds when he suffered a cardiac arrest in his local betting shop.
The 63-year-old hospital domestic worker collapsed when his heart stopped at the bookmaker’s in Weoley Castle last April.
Quick-thinking employees Teresa Hodges and Wendy Richards, both 65, rushed to assist him.
Having visited the bookmaker daily for the past decade, Dave survived and has returned to placing bets at the store.
Teresa stated, “If this unreasonable tax had been in effect and this shop had closed, who knows what might have happened to Dave? He could have been alone.”
“He went into cardiac arrest in the shop, again in the ambulance, and once more in the hospital. He was in really bad shape,” she added.
Wendy, who performed CPR while Teresa called for an ambulance, expressed, “It’s a frightening thought that he might not be here if that tax were in place. This tax is a poor idea, and vulnerable, lonely individuals will suffer the consequences.”
Six paramedics worked on Dave for 90 minutes before he was stable enough to be transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he is employed.
“They saved my life, and now we must save them.”
“I’m fortunate. Without this shop, I wouldn’t be here.”
“I could live to be 100 and still not be able to thank them enough. I will always be grateful.”
EASTBOURNE
‘Many men are lonely, so it’s a nice escape for them’
At a local shop in Eastbourne, manager Adam Kent shared, “I returned to the industry because there’s an atmosphere here that you can’t find anywhere else.”
“When there’s a significant match, I have customers who come in just to watch football.”
Punter River O’Callaghan stated: ‘Many men are lonely, so it’s a nice thing for them to do. The pubs are all disappearing’Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun
“We’ll step out from behind the counter to watch with them because, at the end of the day, we are part of the community.”
Martial arts instructor River O’Callaghan, 35, remarked, “I’m in my 30s, but I’ve made friends here who are in their 80s, and you can see how much it means to them.”
“Many men are lonely, and this is a pleasant activity for them. Pubs are all disappearing, and if Rachel Reeves has her way, the next to go will be the betting shops.”
PLYMOUTH
‘It allows me to escape my responsibilities’
Jas Methven,
