Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Betting shops on their way out?
I have always felt that the number of betting shops on Green Lanes was detrimental to the area so I was delighted to see this morning that “fixed odd betting terminals” or FOBTs will have the maximum stake reduced from the current limit of £100 to just £2.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44148285
William Hill claim that half its retail revenues are generated from FOBTs and the government’s “unprecedented” decision could lead to thousands of outlets closing and whilst I feel sorry for those that may lose their jobs, I can only say that I think this is great news. Betting shops are limited to having only 4 machines per shop and this is the main reason why we see so many on our high streets.
These machines ruin lives and Green Lanes would be a nicer place if we didn’t have quite so many outlets.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by AlexConx on
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this is great news (despite feeling sorry for job losses, obvs). Sadly it comes a bit late as some places like the pub in Lordship Lane is now a Paddy Power : (...that little shopping parade has 4 or 5 out of 10 shops, so could do with losing a couple....
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It might take a while for the effect to actually hit the high street but I think this is such a positive move. For once the government has made a bold decision which benefits everyone; except the betting shop shareholders that is - their share prices plummeted this morning.
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Permalink Reply by Maddy on
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Betting shops are a blight on the area and the companies that run them are bloodsuckers on people who can least afford it - closing them down won't prevent people betting online, but it might stop some impulse betting. Hopefully other businesses will open in the premises with jobs to offer - more Turkish restaurants for example ;)
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Permalink Reply by Liz on
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Betting shops are dangerous places for people to work.
Staff are often on their own and are left to deal with violent punters, drugs and drink and are not well protected if someone attempts a robbery. This article details the risks and lack of protection betting shop workers endure.
For Billy Hills and others to wring their hands about job losses when they treat their staff so abominably is hypocrisy of the highest order. If they've suddenly developed a conscience about their employees welfare, maybe they should start to give those that they won't put out of work better pay, conditions and perhaps even re-employ some of those made redundant from shop closures to staff the remaining shops to a safe level.
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Yes, I had also read about the risk of robberies in particular. The high amount of cash held in comparison to the number of staff guarding it makes it a tempting target for criminals, including the moped gangs that are on the increase.
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Permalink Reply by Albert Ross on
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Fantastic news and shows what pressure on a weak government can do. FOBTs cost jobs: Since their proliferation betting shops have employed fewer and fewer staff as more and more of their income comes from an automated roulette machine rather than han horses, dogs, football etc. The whining of the bookies about jobs is self serving rubbish.
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Permalink Reply by John McMullan on
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Good point about a weak government and pressure.
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