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Britain at the Bookies

Episode 3: Going to the Dogs

Duration: 1 hour

First broadcast: on BBC One HDLatest broadcast: on BBC Two Scotland

Friday night at Romford dogs is not what it used to be. For independent bookie Doug Tyler, takings are down as more and more punters are betting online. Meanwhile, on the Britwell Estate in Slough, betting giants Coral are opening a brand new shop. Although the high street is a competitive world and 30 shops closed last year, Coral plan to open 40 new ones in locations that promise to be more profitable, like the Britwell. The last episode of Britain at the Bookies explores how we arrived at our 24/7 betting culture, and what the future holds for our love affair with gambling.

Coral's expansion plans aren't without critics. When the team tries to open a new branch in Hayes, Middlesex, near a YMCA, local opposition rallies against the plan. Meanwhile, in Slough, the shop on the Britwell Estate opens its doors, and we see customers like Terry struggle to control their gambling. He is drawn to the fixed odds betting terminals and their high stakes and high payouts. As we see him gamble thousands and get more and more agitated, manageress Julie decides enough is enough and bars him from the shop for his behaviour. Will it give Terry the wake-up call he needs to control his gambling?

As political pressure about the dangers of gambling mounts, the industry decides to get its own house in order. The big four, including Coral, launch their 'Gamble Aware Week' and make responsible gambling posters more prominent in their marketing. But as we meet lifetime gamblers like Mitch and Roy and hear of their struggles with addiction, can any amount of self-regulation be enough to safeguard the customers? Show less

Contributors

Executive Producer:
Patrick Holland
Executive Producer:
Victoria Silver
Series Producer:
Shona Thompson
Production Company:
Boundless Productions

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