Bookies enjoy Good Friday opening

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Under the 2005 Gambling Act, which came into force in September last year, betting shops can now open every day except Christmas Day.

But the Salvation Army said it was concerned the move would lead to the "normalisation" of an addictive activity.

Spokesman Tim Stone said: "As a Christian church and charity, the Salvation Army has vigorously opposed the normalisation of gambling associated with the Gambling Act 2005.

"The opening of bookmakers on Good Friday, a most sacred day for Christians, is extremely disappointing. As Christians, we are not killjoys but we would have preferred Good Friday to remain gambling-free.

"There are already an estimated 370,000 problem gamblers in the UK, and we expect this figure to rise in the future. Problem gambling destroys lives and families. We repeat our appeals to the Gambling Commission to keep a watchful eye on the gambling industry and we challenge the commission to ensure that appropriate investment is in place to assist vulnerable people who are, or may in future be, at risk of becoming addicted to gambling."

Almost all Ladbrokes and Coral's betting shops in England, Scotland and Wales opened. Ladbrokes saw levels of business near that of a normal weekday, and confirmed they will open on Good Friday next year.

A spokesman for Coral said: "It's been very busy in the shops, far more so than we expected. It's been a very successful day and it's justified our decision to open. Good Friday opening is here to stay."

William Hill, which opened about 10% of its branches, also said shops were busier than expected.

There was no horse racing in Britain on Good Friday but customers were able to bet on sports such as foreign horse racing and British greyhounds.