Whilst acknowledging that sports betting and bookies have an important role to play in UK culture, London mayor Boris Johnson has called for a change in the national planning law that would force operators to obtain planning permission for each specific premises before being allowed to trade. Currently, betting shops are allowed to set up in vacant banks and pubs without applying for a change of use planning permission.

Having seven or eight shops on one street isn’t uncommon, with areas like Hackney playing host to 64 sports betting shops, and there are a number of concerns being expressed at the proliferation. Johnson’s primary concern is that clusters of betting shops could have a negative impact on the quality of life of the people living nearby. Local businesses, on the other hand, feel that the long opening hours may put people off shopping and tourism in the area.

If Johnson’s motion succeeds, will online betting reap the benefits? The closure of bet shops will mean that what few shops are left will be crowded with punters looking for somewhere to place their bets, so it’s likely that people will naturally move online. Betting online is an excellent alternative, with free bet offers and research tools that help punters place smarter bets.

It seems there’s never been a better time to start taking your betting business online!