‘Enough is Enough’ petition launched by ABB

The Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) has launched its petition to protect UK high-street bookmakers against the recent public and government backlash, which it believes has had a negative impact on the industry’s business operations.

The petition named ‘Enough is Enough’ launched over the Easter holiday weekend and will be visible throughout UK retail betting shops. UK bookmakers will be asking their clientele to sign the petition in order to show support for their local bookmaker.

The petitions campaign that can be accessed at – http://backyourlocalbookie.co.uk/campaign/petition/ claims that the recent attacks on the retail bookmakers image and business practices threaten over 10,000 UK jobs and may see the closure of more than 2000 retail betting shops.

The petition has been supported by the sports betting industry, with UK retail operators – Ladbrokes, Betfred and William Hill supporting the campaign and making the petition visible throughout their retail betting stores.

The ABB commented on the petition “disproportionate and unjustified measures are putting extreme pressure on the industry, making it harder for us to keep our shops open,” leaving “more than 10,000 jobs and 2,300 shops at immediate risk.” The ABB notes that nearly 8m Britons cross a bet shop threshold each year and believes customers “should be free to enjoy your leisure time as you choose without being demonized.”

The publication of  the campaign was criticised by UK Newspaper – the Guardian, for bias reporting and scaremongering on the impact of job losses.