Bookies beating recession

Betting offices say they are set to gain from rising unemployment caused by the credit crunch.
Manager at Betfred in Winton Daniel Williams said: "When people are jobless or have less money they turn to gambling."

He told Bournefree News: "Our main concern is how to make the most in the competition with other bookies and not the recession.’"

Mr Williams said his team make an average of 1,100 bets a week which he says is 10% less than what a rival team working for Coral collects.

Manager at Coral bookmakers Allan Smith said the lure of betting has meant the industry is able to keep its regular customers and can thrive during difficult times. He said: "People will always find money to fund a vice."

Betfred, which operates nearly 800 betting offices across the country, is employing more staff. Mr Williams said his hours have been cut to 40 per week as Betfred cuts back on overtime.

Management at Betfred are taking on new hands to cover extra shifts at starting wages to save money.

Manager of Betfred's Charminster branch Emma Blackburn said: "I am happy to have my job at reduced hours while others get employed than to be laid off."