@ChrisMayLA6 My theory here is betting shops are popular because it's actually something to *do*.

I have little sympathy for the alleged demise of pubs because I'm of the view they're the most boring places on earth- they're at best somewhere you park yourself while you wait to go somewhere else. This is proven out by the product offering of the biggest player in the space- Wetherspoons- being that it doesn't even play music or show sport.

The betting shop at least gives you a game to play- rubbish ones that are unfairly weighted against you and involve little engagement- but a game nonetheless.

If someone can find a less harmful way of tapping into that, we could be onto a winner.

@ChrisMayLA6 The response has to be reducing inequality.

And that requires state intervention.