Add Betting Shops to Pubs

In a move to revitalize high streets pubs are allowed to set up betting shops, the the UK Daily Mail reported on 29 May 2013. The ruling come into force on the date of publication. Again tax revenue from gambling is seen as a solution to boost the economy (see SavySeph's Blog for a similar line of argument). While policy makers use fear of Britain’s high streets turning into ghost towns to justify themselves, critics expressed their concern about high street being ‘overrun’ with bookmakers and payday lenders. Progress at the expense of social ills is the central theme for debate.

As long as gambling is present the complimentary industries will also mushroom along with it. A related article reported that payday lenders are experts when it comes to preying on minors because they are easier targets. Instead of churning out prosperity, it will only create more ghettos. A Labour source added: ‘This would mirror the unfortunate system in Australia where betting shops are found in large bars. They are placed in a defined area within the pub where beer cannot be consumed but have led to real problems where people go out on a night out and end up blowing a lot of money on booze and gambling.’

This are the typical stigmatization attached to gamblers. They see all gamblers as irrational and consuming alcohol will add on to it. Casinos had been offering alcoholic beverages to patrons without much incidents. I don't see a difference as betting shops are not new to Britain. Surely there would be a pub in the vicinity of these betting shops. The greater concern should be on the payday lenders targeting minors.