Which are the Oldest Bookmakers in the UK?
Unlike like many countries which have a tote system of betting, the United Kingdom has a long history of independent bookmakers often called turf accountants. In fact, bookmakers are far from a modern creation dating back to the 17th century.
It is said that a gentleman called Harry Ogden was the first bookmaker in the UK standing at Newmarket racecourse in Suffolk.
One of the major changes to bookmakers came when the 1960 Betting and Gaming Act was passed which legalised betting shops as previously betting was only allowed on course. In the 1970 there were more than 15,000 brick-and-mortar betting shops in the UK. The numbers has gradually decreased since 2014. With the introduction on online apps the number of betting shops in 2022 was just over 6,000.
But which bookmakers have the longest history in the United Kingdom?
The earliest bookmaker which still exists today is Ladbrokes who was founded in 1886 by Messr Schwind and Pennington at Ladbroke Hall, Worcester.
Corals was established in 1926 by Joe Coral. It has merged with many companies and now part of the Entain Group which owns several other brands.
Next oldest is William Hill which dates back to 1934, founded by William Hill. Now one of the largest bookmakers in the country.
Betfred is a familiar name on the Highs Street and was founded by Fred Done and his brother Peter in Salford. While established in 1967 it isn’t as old as some but has a rich history and become a prominent betting company in the UK.
Bookmakers have been a part of the UK since the 17th century and probably long before that if truth be known. The changing picture of the gambling area can often take a paradigm shift as seen with new laws & technological advancements as seen with betting exchanges and online platforms. As there is so much money within the gambling industry, there is always the likelihood of much change regarding cutting-edge technology.