Why Do People Still Bet In High-Street Bookies?

Placing a bet in a traditional high street bookmaker involves several straightforward steps:

  1. Choose Your Bookmaker: Visit a local high street bookmaker of your choice. Look for well-known and reputable bookmakers in your area.
  2. Select Your Bet: Decide on the type of bet you want to place. This could be a bet on a specific sport, event, or outcome.
  3. Fill Out a Betting Slip: Most bookmakers provide betting slips where you can write down your bet details. Include information like the event, the selection you’re betting on, and the stake amount.
  4. Specify Bet Type and Odds: If you’re placing a straightforward bet, you might only need to write down the selection and stake. If you’re placing more complex bets like accumulators or system bets, make sure to indicate this clearly on the slip.
  5. Hand Over Your Slip: Take your completed betting slip to the counter, where a staff member will assist you in processing the bet. They will confirm the details with you and calculate the potential payout based on the odds.
  6. Provide Payment: Pay the stake amount to the staff member. You can usually pay in cash, but some bookmakers might accept card payments.
  7. Receive a Receipt: Once your bet is placed and paid for, you’ll receive a receipt from the staff member. This receipt serves as proof of your bet and includes all the necessary details.
  8. Keep Your Receipt: It’s important to keep the receipt in a safe place. You’ll need it to collect your winnings if your bet is successful.

Remember that each bookmaker might have slightly different procedures, and it’s always a good idea to ask the staff if you’re unsure about any aspect of placing your bet. Additionally, be aware of responsible gambling practices and only wager what you can afford to lose.

Many of us still remember the days that the only place you could get a bet on, other than at the racetrack, was your local high-street bookies. However, since the introduction of online betting, many punters prefer to bet from home, or even whilst they’re out and about thanks to mobile technology – so that raises the question of why anyone still bets at high-street bookmakers?

Hiding Your Betting From Your Spouse

There’s no getting away from the fact that many people don’t like their spouses to gamble, forcing that type of bettor into the high-street bookies where they’re often missing-out on juicy enhanced odds or tasty concessions that many bookies offer to online customers. If that’s why you bet on the high-street, then you might want to consider following the advice of one or more of the successful Betting Gods’ tipsters, as that should put money in your bank in the long-term – and a smile on your spouse’s face.

Friendly Banter

If you’re one of those people who prefer to go down to the local pub for a drink and a chat with your mates rather than drink at home, then an afternoon in the bookies probably has the same sort of appeal. Although betting online offers more options, sometimes an afternoon of betting in the bookies is a great way of spending time with your mates, especially if there’s a pub next door, too.

Taking Early Prices

Sometimes a trip to the bookies is worth the effort though, as it’s often easier to get on at an early price at some of the big high-street bookies. William Hill are often the most generous in that regard, as they’ll often hold the price of a horse for an agreed period of time to allow shop punters to get on. Some limits may apply but, of course, there’s nothing to stop you having a bet on a selection online and in the bookies.

Accounts Closed

When asking the best professional punters why they bet in high-street bookies, the most common answer is that they’ve had a certain online account closed for being too successful, but still want to get the best odds available – and no effort is too much for the professional punter!

Spreading The Load

Whether you’re a successful punter in your own right, or are winning thanks to one or more of the Betting Gods tipsters, it’s often a great idea to spread the load by splitting your bets between bookies. Putting smaller bets on in a greater number of bookies means your success will often go unnoticed, and help avoid the risk of having limitations put on your accounts, or having them shut down altogether – and high street bookies are always worth considering when adopting this strategy.

Are online bookies better than high street bookies?

The preference between online bookies and high street bookies can be subjective and depends on individual preferences and needs. Each option comes with its own advantages and considerations:

Online Bookies:

Convenience: Online bookmakers offer the convenience of betting from anywhere with internet access, whether it’s from your home, on the go, or even abroad.

Variety: Online platforms often provide a broader range of betting markets, sports, and events to choose from.

Bonuses and Promotions: Online bookies frequently offer various promotions, welcome bonuses, and free bets to attract and retain customers.

Live Betting and Streaming: Many online platforms offer live betting options and live streaming of events, allowing for real-time engagement.

Accessibility: Online bookies are available 24/7, giving you the flexibility to place bets at any time.

High Street Bookies:

Personal Interaction: High street bookmakers offer face-to-face interactions with staff, which can be preferred by those who value personal assistance and local community connections.

Immediate Payouts: Winnings from high street bookies can be collected immediately after the event, compared to online bookies where payouts might take some time.

Atmosphere: Some people enjoy the atmosphere of a physical betting shop, especially during major sporting events when the shop might be lively and bustling.

Cash Transactions: High street bookies allow for cash transactions, which can be more straightforward for some individuals.

Ultimately, the choice between online bookies and high street bookies depends on your preferences for convenience, variety, interaction, and the overall experience. Some people prefer the flexibility and options provided by online platforms, while others enjoy the social interaction and immediacy of high street bookmakers.

How do you place a bet in a bookies?

Placing a bet in a traditional high street bookmaker involves several straightforward steps:

1. Choose Your Bookmaker: Visit a local high street bookmaker of your choice. Look for well-known and reputable bookmakers in your area.

2. Select Your Bet: Decide on the type of bet you want to place. This could be a bet on a specific sport, event, or outcome.

3. Fill Out a Betting Slip: Most bookmakers provide betting slips where you can write down your bet details. Include information like the event, the selection you’re betting on, and the stake amount.

4. Specify Bet Type and Odds: If you’re placing a straightforward bet, you might only need to write down the selection and stake. If you’re placing more complex bets like accumulators or system bets, make sure to indicate this clearly on the slip.

5. Hand Over Your Slip: Take your completed betting slip to the counter, where a staff member will assist you in processing the bet. They will confirm the details with you and calculate the potential payout based on the odds.

6. Provide Payment: Pay the stake amount to the staff member. You can usually pay in cash, but some bookmakers might accept card payments.

7. Receive a Receipt: Once your bet is placed and paid for, you’ll receive a receipt from the staff member. This receipt serves as proof of your bet and includes all the necessary details.

8. Keep Your Receipt: It’s important to keep the receipt in a safe place. You’ll need it to collect your winnings if your bet is successful.

Remember that each bookmaker might have slightly different procedures, and it’s always a good idea to ask the staff if you’re unsure about any aspect of placing your bet, they’ll almost always be happy to help. Failing that just ask one of your fellow punters, they’ll most likely enjoy the chat and to compare bets.


5 thoughts on “Why Do People Still Bet In High-Street Bookies?”

  1. Aside from the social aspect of going to a high street bookie, all of the other actions mentioned in this article can be done just as easily on-line. Two good reasons where on-line betting wins hands down are “best odds guaranteed” and odds comparison between bookies. Betting shops need to start competing as if not for the roulette etc machines, they would be closing their doors. They certainly need to offer best odds guaranteed and they need to be more lounge like with comfortable seating, clean toilets, comfortable seating and quality drinks and snacks.

    Reply
  2. There is defo a social element to nipping out to the local bookies. For me, it’s the new pub, given the amount of those closing.
    Another good reason is getting your hands on readies if your bet is a winner. It’s great seeing the bookie/bank account growing, but can’t beat putting cash in your pocket.

    Reply
  3. I would love to bet online with multiple accounts but l only have one left but when that goes l will have to use a High Street bookmaker

    Reply

Leave a comment

Free Betting Tips, Direct to Your Inbox

Sign Up Today to Join Betting Gods for FREE and Receive Betting Tips Direct to Your Inbox Every Morning

Not Sure Who to Join?

These are the Top Performing Tipsters in March

In Form

Just Winners

72 Winners Since October 2023
Total Profit:£3,894.50

£649.08

Per Month

17.89%

Win Rate

38.18%

ROI

£1,291.25

This Month

In Form

The Outside Edge

1,502 Winners Since December 2019
Total Profit:£18,355.58

£367.11

Per Month

29.68%

Win Rate

8.33%

ROI

£990.75

This Month

In Form

Premier Greyhound Tips

1,070 Winners Since October 2014
Total Profit:£34,436.35

£307.47

Per Month

27.25%

Win Rate

13.31%

ROI

£555.75

This Month