Wager Mage
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When did bookmakers become legal?

Betting shops first became legal on 1 May 1961. A few days later News Extra dropped in on some brand-new bookies, and discovered what punters and people on the street thought #onthisday 60 years ago.

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An example of an old William Hill betting shop

Betting shops became legal in England 60 years ago this month and a fascinating BBC archive clip has shown the reaction to the move in 1961. Licensed betting shops opened their doors on May 1 that year, offering an alternative to on-course bookmakers or illegal operations on the streets, and the BBC garnered the public's views in two new establishments in London. The correspondent tells viewers the only inducement towards betting was the lists of runners in shops and besides that likened the experience to being in a small post office. A bet slip was timestamped, as was the receipt, with punters notably sporting smart attire, including gentlemen in suits, in the footage. On the legalisation of betting shops, the response was varied, and on occasion, quite entertaining.

Betting shops first became legal on 1 May 1961.

A few days later News Extra dropped in on some brand-new bookies, and discovered what punters and people on the street thought #onthisday 60 years ago. pic.twitter.com/oSxCyozAZT — BBC Archive (@BBCArchive) May 5, 2021 One gentleman said: "I think nothing of these betting shops, I'd sooner be on the street corner." Another disagreed, saying: "They're a great innovation. It brings the surreptitious and undercover off the streets and into a legal situation. When you have a place like this that's so nice and so well done out, it's a fine thing." Others welcomed the move, saying it should have happened years ago, and it was not just gentlemen frequenting the new shops. What does the future hold for betting shops – and what will they look like? (Members' Club) One lady said: "They're a wonderful idea. They're a great asset as there's no need to run round corners. You can come in here openly, have your bet and there's no fears or worries at all." Another lady added: "They're a very good idea indeed. As long as you back the right horse you're bound to get your money!"

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With many scam sites today, it’s only normal to worry about the safety of your money. Parimatch is one of the safest betting sites in the world. Founded in 1994, Parimatch has managed to stay afloat all these years, this alone assures the user of stability in the betting industry. Moreover, Parimatch is licensed by the online betting regulator for additional security for its players. Plus it has managed to carry a positive reputation by ensuring legit services to players globally. Parimatch has sponsored several well-known football teams such as; Leicester City, Everton, and Juventus. Also, its ambassadors; Mike Tyson and Conor McGregor are well-known as well as its betting partners UFC Europe and the Middle East. These are some of the factors that make it a solid and safe site for players. Furthermore, there are a lot of precautions put in place especially regarding the payment method to ensure a player’s safety. It accepts many types of currency including Indian currency. Plus it features a modern calculator to help a user monitor the flow of his/her money. It’s worth mentioning all the credentials of Parimatch check-in. The betting site is registered and regulated by the Curacao government.

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