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OK, I live in a small Somerset town with just the one bookie now, a Baldy shop...
Very friendly shop, everyone knows everyone, a good social for some of the single old boys who get in there everyday
A old boy, let's call him Bob, mid 80s, comes in every day, does a 20p win lucky15, total 3 quid
He hands over his ticket from the previous day, doesn't check the results, just trusts them to pay him any winnings
His wife has passed away, only life is to have his daily 3 quid bet, and a couple of pints in spoons
His house is worth 500k and he's got a good income in pensions
Showed me a letter this evening that he was given today saying that due to Baldy "being socially responsible" he has been banned from the shop as of straight away
No reasons given, though I suspect it's because he sometimes because he's a bit forgetful and fumbles around a bit at the counter with his change
He is totally devastated, doesn't understand why, just given a letter and told that's it
Imo, I think they are maybe having to satisfy some sort of quota of banning so many customers to satisfy the government safe gambling rules... Easy to ban a 3 pound a day customer, and let the machine, thousand pound a day losers, who clearly are not gambling responsibly to carry on swearing at the machine... Coffee, Sir?
Anyway, rant over
Be interested in any opinions, especially someone like Ronnie
Very friendly shop, everyone knows everyone, a good social for some of the single old boys who get in there everyday
A old boy, let's call him Bob, mid 80s, comes in every day, does a 20p win lucky15, total 3 quid
He hands over his ticket from the previous day, doesn't check the results, just trusts them to pay him any winnings
His wife has passed away, only life is to have his daily 3 quid bet, and a couple of pints in spoons
His house is worth 500k and he's got a good income in pensions
Showed me a letter this evening that he was given today saying that due to Baldy "being socially responsible" he has been banned from the shop as of straight away
No reasons given, though I suspect it's because he sometimes because he's a bit forgetful and fumbles around a bit at the counter with his change
He is totally devastated, doesn't understand why, just given a letter and told that's it
Imo, I think they are maybe having to satisfy some sort of quota of banning so many customers to satisfy the government safe gambling rules... Easy to ban a 3 pound a day customer, and let the machine, thousand pound a day losers, who clearly are not gambling responsibly to carry on swearing at the machine... Coffee, Sir?
Anyway, rant over
Be interested in any opinions, especially someone like Ronnie
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Yes, swifty, very young and a company person... Just does what they're told
Then, assuming most of the customers know 'Bob' and what's happened you should all do what themightymac suggested and boycott the shop.
The manager won't last long with no slips over the counter.
The manager won't last long with no slips over the counter.
Swifty, I agree, I would do it, no problem
But people being what they are, and with no close alternative, probably wouldn't get enough to join in
Also, it's a seaside town, so half the punters are holidaymakers not locals
I'll have a chat with a few of the regulars tomorrow
But people being what they are, and with no close alternative, probably wouldn't get enough to join in
Also, it's a seaside town, so half the punters are holidaymakers not locals
I'll have a chat with a few of the regulars tomorrow
boycott dont work if it affects themselves.
As has been said, just a matter of getting somone to put his bets on, poor old boy probably got dementia and the shop think they are doing the right thing, tricky one imo depends how far his illness has took hold.
Hope they are going round to his house to check if he his warm enough and has plenty of food.
If he changed his will and left his house to Fred Done that might help,also take a picture of him wearing a Man Utd scarf as Fred would help a fellow red.
Put it on facebook and x ect, good luck.
Put it on facebook and x ect, good luck.
A boycott sounds a good plan, but as Rico says people won’t do it because it will affect them.
They’re probably being socially irresponsible by taking away one of his reasons for getting out the house.
They’re probably being socially irresponsible by taking away one of his reasons for getting out the house.
Thanks for your input, lads
Already got a neighbour who is going to put his bets on for him, but it's more of a social thing for him, popping in every day for a chat with the regulars
When I go in this morning I shall try and have a chat with the manager about the situation, but I know they'll say they can't discuss other people's business and the decision is irreversible
I'd like them to tell me what qualifications they have to be able to judge if a person is not knowing what they are doing, rather than just a bit slow... Which is all he is
As I said earlier, there are people who play the machines for hours, constantly running out to the cashpoint, displaying more mentally worrying signs and mood swings... But they are losing hundreds each day so the shop wouldn't want to lose them
Easier and more profitable to show they are being "responsible" by banning a 3 pound a day old boy
Already got a neighbour who is going to put his bets on for him, but it's more of a social thing for him, popping in every day for a chat with the regulars
When I go in this morning I shall try and have a chat with the manager about the situation, but I know they'll say they can't discuss other people's business and the decision is irreversible
I'd like them to tell me what qualifications they have to be able to judge if a person is not knowing what they are doing, rather than just a bit slow... Which is all he is
As I said earlier, there are people who play the machines for hours, constantly running out to the cashpoint, displaying more mentally worrying signs and mood swings... But they are losing hundreds each day so the shop wouldn't want to lose them
Easier and more profitable to show they are being "responsible" by banning a 3 pound a day old boy
I fear they might not talk to you, but if they do, it might be an idea to keep the discussion general and don't refer to anyone personally, at least initially. But print out this thread and and take it with you to present it as an "example" of your concerns. As I said though, I would be surprised if you got that far. Respect for trying though.
the local rag is the answer, if his story is as you';ve told it they'd call up freds before publication and he'd be back in before it hit the press, admin error
Unless they are of a certain persuasion themselves. I'd have a look at the sort of stories they run. An old man with a gambling habit might not be a social campaign they want to be associated with. Don't assume the wider world is spilling over with sympathy.
he doesn't have a gambling habit according to the story and my first comment was "if the story is as you've told"
You're missing the point - obviously he doesn't have a gambling habit, and the story as told should engender sympathy. And I agree that it WOULD be the best route if it was given a fair hearing. But that depends on their world view and you shouldn't expect the wider public to see things through the same lens as you and I would.
This does seem a bit of a half story, without all the facts, with the rest filled in bur good luck helping the guy.
Very sad story Reg. If you happened to watch Luck on Sunday one of the guests made a very strong case that bookmakers are now casino operators who use horse racing as a front and as racing only makes a small fraction of their turnover and profits, they have no interest in encouraging old fashioned punters who don't invest much money. They prefer those who lose a lot on machines. I am very happy to be at home and watch racing channels while betting on the exchange. I reached the age when driving to and from and standing for 3 hours at a racecourse became much less pleasure than it used to be when I went racing 2 or 3 days a week.
A farcical situation, if he smokes 20 ciggies a day does that mean the newsagent should ban him from going into shop to spend £10 a day, or the pub ban him for having a couple of pints a day for £6 both for health reasons. A bit too much like Big Brother if you ask me.
Don't know what the answer is unless he could possibly get his MP involved, really it's taking away possibly one of the only pleasures he has left. In the meantime perhaps he should carry on going in everyday and wait for the police to come to escort him from the premises, then keep going back in. The Police will get fed up of going every day and will either have to charge him with trespass or as he's doing no harm have a quiet word with the manager.
Don't know what the answer is unless he could possibly get his MP involved, really it's taking away possibly one of the only pleasures he has left. In the meantime perhaps he should carry on going in everyday and wait for the police to come to escort him from the premises, then keep going back in. The Police will get fed up of going every day and will either have to charge him with trespass or as he's doing no harm have a quiet word with the manager.
Would you want to go into a shop or a pub where you know you are not welcome? The damage is done and I suspect that he will find some other way to spend his time.
Regbutler25 Feb 25 20:58Joined: 09 Mar 21 | Topic/replies: 3,229 | Blogger: Regbutler's blog
Ironically, Rico...
The letter said that if he attempted to come into the shop again or any other baldy shop, the Police would be called!!!
Couldn't make it up
I think you'll find - they have made it up.
1) They will not call the police - they don't even call the police if somebody takes a hammer to one of the FOBT's (for obvious reasons).
2) Even if the they do call the police - what would they say that would make the police actually attend? - there is a man in our shop!
3) If the police did attend - what would they do?
If you do intend to take up his cause - your best bet would be media coverage - along the lines that a customer betting in 20 pence units is being driven towards the Black Market because a bookmaker licensed and regulated in the UK is refusing to take bets with a 20 pence unit stake.
Ironically, Rico...
The letter said that if he attempted to come into the shop again or any other baldy shop, the Police would be called!!!
Couldn't make it up
I think you'll find - they have made it up.
1) They will not call the police - they don't even call the police if somebody takes a hammer to one of the FOBT's (for obvious reasons).
2) Even if the they do call the police - what would they say that would make the police actually attend? - there is a man in our shop!
3) If the police did attend - what would they do?
If you do intend to take up his cause - your best bet would be media coverage - along the lines that a customer betting in 20 pence units is being driven towards the Black Market because a bookmaker licensed and regulated in the UK is refusing to take bets with a 20 pence unit stake.
Typical of the place our society has arrived at.
Old man, bit doddery banned from bookie's for no known reason.
So, maybe he should be banned from the pub, from the cafes and shops .
While they're at it ban him from leaving home in case he steps out in front of a bus!
Old man, bit doddery banned from bookie's for no known reason.
So, maybe he should be banned from the pub, from the cafes and shops .
While they're at it ban him from leaving home in case he steps out in front of a bus!
Been in the shop this morning, manager not in today however another staff member told me they were surprised when they heard he was getting banned
It seems his handwriting was getting a bit bad, and sometimes took a while to decipher the horses name, but that was about it
I suggested they could come out from behind the counter and write his bet out for him like they do for another elderly customer who comes in every day... The difference is the second customer spends a couple of hundred a day and tips all the staff generously
The letter was just a standard one, not personalised... Might even be the same one used for people who fail the affordability checks. Several paragraphs long, banning from entering any baldy shops.
It seems his handwriting was getting a bit bad, and sometimes took a while to decipher the horses name, but that was about it
I suggested they could come out from behind the counter and write his bet out for him like they do for another elderly customer who comes in every day... The difference is the second customer spends a couple of hundred a day and tips all the staff generously
The letter was just a standard one, not personalised... Might even be the same one used for people who fail the affordability checks. Several paragraphs long, banning from entering any baldy shops.
The decision is selfish, senseless and wicked; a journey to the bookie could be the old boy's only interaction with a human being for the day. If I was the old boy I'll email the head honcho of baldy. Is the baldy owner not a geriatric too? If so, I'm sure he'd empathise with the said customer. Let's hope a reconsideration, and a sensible solution found.
10 years ago I would have said this story seems a bit far fetched. But seeing as they imprison people for holding signs and shouting at Police Dogs, I can now fully believe this kind of thing happens. Absolutely nothing surprises me anymore!
My Brother would have wrote it out for him though, eh Reg?
My Brother would have wrote it out for him though, eh Reg?
If you do intend to take up his cause - your best bet would be media coverage - along the lines that a customer betting in 20 pence units is being driven towards the Black Market because a bookmaker licensed and regulated in the UK is refusing to take bets with a 20 pence unit stake.
whilst pointing out this
Meanwhile, they allow another old boy to sit there for hours feeding the machines, doing his absolute cahonas everyday, and has to look up his pin number on a piece of paper every time he tops up
I think that would sting them pointing this out as it will lean into the underlying notion that the books are still happy to fleece the vulnerable whilst purporting to be doing otherwise.
whilst pointing out this
Meanwhile, they allow another old boy to sit there for hours feeding the machines, doing his absolute cahonas everyday, and has to look up his pin number on a piece of paper every time he tops up
I think that would sting them pointing this out as it will lean into the underlying notion that the books are still happy to fleece the vulnerable whilst purporting to be doing otherwise.
What a disgrace
.
The daily walk to the bookies/pub is probably the only physical/mental stimulation he gets and is probably keeping him healthier than he otherwise would be.
The ban is probably doing more to affect his mental health than anything else........
. The daily walk to the bookies/pub is probably the only physical/mental stimulation he gets and is probably keeping him healthier than he otherwise would be.
The ban is probably doing more to affect his mental health than anything else........
remember having to cover manage that shop a couple of years ago
This appears to be a local issue. Likely to have been the decision of the local manager. if this is the case, an email to the customer services via an official complaint may result in a positive outcome. Bookmakers dont enjoy negative publicity and if such an email intimated the matter could be raised elsewhere may get them to see the light. Good luck and keep us posted.
Whippin, your brother would definitely have accommodated "Bob"
He's a gent, your brother that is
Blencathra, no, not the mobility scooter guy
Are you from Taunton or Plymouth? That's where most of our cover managers come from
He's a gent, your brother that is
Blencathra, no, not the mobility scooter guy
Are you from Taunton or Plymouth? That's where most of our cover managers come from
Mike who goes in with Jack Russell of a morning will let ya know
I think I know who you are
Is your shop one of the Bedminster ones?
Is your shop one of the Bedminster ones?
You hear Brian , old manager of North Street passed away Sunday
He`ll get back in next year, when the shop runs without any staff.
.... mind you, perhaps not, after the camera slams the door after face recognition.
.... mind you, perhaps not, after the camera slams the door after face recognition.
Was in my early days
(BRI)Freds down North Street by Tabacco Factory
(BRI)Freds down North Street by Tabacco Factory
That's the one I meant, near the City ground
Used to go in Parsons bakery opposite for a bacon roll and coffee then come in the shop as it opened
Not sure if I know who Brian is though
Used to go in Parsons bakery opposite for a bacon roll and coffee then come in the shop as it opened
Not sure if I know who Brian is though
oh you do ,,
BRIAN old grey hair n beard , took an age to put ya bet through the till
BRIAN old grey hair n beard , took an age to put ya bet through the till
starsports didn't last long after spending few quid doing that shop up .
Yeah, I know who you mean now, that's sad news
The Star sports shop lasted about 18 months... Unfortunately for me, cost me 7 grand on a lucky15 bet in that time... Got a lucky15 up December 23 which I did in there, but their BOG was capped at 1k,didn't say on their posters... If I'd done it in the baldy shop 100 yards away I would have copped 14k with the BOG instead of 7k
Thanks for reminding me!
The Star sports shop lasted about 18 months... Unfortunately for me, cost me 7 grand on a lucky15 bet in that time... Got a lucky15 up December 23 which I did in there, but their BOG was capped at 1k,didn't say on their posters... If I'd done it in the baldy shop 100 yards away I would have copped 14k with the BOG instead of 7k
Thanks for reminding me!
Blencathra, just realised we had a conversation on here a couple of years ago about the shop in Bedminster... Sorry about that
reg,take him back in and refuse to leave.
let them call the poiice.
let them call the poiice.
This story reminds me a little of the bloke with the whippet in 'Big Deal' - he was banned from bringing the whippet in, but still used to creep in and hang around the back of the shop when the manager wasn't looking. I'd suggest 'Bob' does the same..
That is disgusting and senseless. Perhaps write to Fred Done and explain what the clowns running his shop have done in his name. As well as contacting MP, and the media.
Like fairweather's idea , reckon we should club together and buy Bob a whippet 
I wonder what it will take for baldy to allow this customer to visit the betting shop again. Maybe this customer could suggest taking up fobt to the management of the shop, if necessary.
Fred owes him a personal written explanation at the very least.
They will probably tell him the minimum stake is £5 and that anyone watching racing without placing a bet will be charged £5 for a seat.
Reg you should know by now bookmakers are cold as ice and wouldn’t give a jot if he was in a cardboard box tbh…..
I remember an old boy punting £10 @ evens on a winner at Kelso….the cold one tried to pay him 4/5…..the old boy complained and was threatened….fkn scumbag…..
Hello lads, an update from this morning in the shop
The manager was taken aback with how many regulars were saying it was wrong
A compromise has been reached whereby "Bob" can come into the shop, sit and chat with the others but not place a bet.
Whilst not ideal, "Bob" is delighted as it wasn't really about the betting for him, just a social thing... And I'm sure there are ways he could be accommodated bets wise.
So, all in all, turned out OK
I mentioned the tone of the letter he was given, regarding "police being called if he refuses to leave the shop". I was told they only have one standard letter for everyone who gets banned. So, a 20-something lad who kicks off or swears at staff after doing his conkers on the machines... Gets the same banning letter as an 84 year old for "social responsibility" reasons!
Anyway, thanks for your mostly supportive posts
The manager was taken aback with how many regulars were saying it was wrong
A compromise has been reached whereby "Bob" can come into the shop, sit and chat with the others but not place a bet.
Whilst not ideal, "Bob" is delighted as it wasn't really about the betting for him, just a social thing... And I'm sure there are ways he could be accommodated bets wise.
So, all in all, turned out OK
I mentioned the tone of the letter he was given, regarding "police being called if he refuses to leave the shop". I was told they only have one standard letter for everyone who gets banned. So, a 20-something lad who kicks off or swears at staff after doing his conkers on the machines... Gets the same banning letter as an 84 year old for "social responsibility" reasons!
Anyway, thanks for your mostly supportive posts
Thanks for the update reg.
Nevertheless “So, all in all, turned out OK”. is a million miles from the truth in my book!
Nevertheless “So, all in all, turned out OK”. is a million miles from the truth in my book!
It still sounds like an unsatisfactory outcome to me.
Yes, I agree saxon
What I meant was that the person it affected was OK with the outcome and that's the main thing
However, the whole process is totally not OK
What I meant was that the person it affected was OK with the outcome and that's the main thing
However, the whole process is totally not OK
Is the place normally busy Reg? I can imagine that some manager might have asked them to discourage people who don't bet much if so. I very rarely visit a shop these days but might peer round the door to see results if I am not at home but can't remember the last time I saw more than 5 people in one.
Good to hear he can still go into shop Reg, well done, presume someone can write his bets out and put them on for him. Perhaps everyone who has read this sad story can write to Fred and let him know how dispicable this has been, reminding him that he's a doddery old f@cker himself.
Credit for all the effort put in reg , caring and helping others seems far less frequent these days 
A compromise has been reached whereby "Bob" can come into the shop, sit and chat with the others but not place a bet.
is this an april fookin fools or what
is this an april fookin fools or what
call the police ? imagine if that came to court.
judge. what's been going on then.
fred. the old guy over there has been coming into the shop and having fivers on horses, we've told him to stop.
judge. ok. give me your fooking bookmakers licence and get to fk.
judge. what's been going on then.
fred. the old guy over there has been coming into the shop and having fivers on horses, we've told him to stop.
judge. ok. give me your fooking bookmakers licence and get to fk.
It goes to show the mentality of the bookies has changed. It's no longer a place to socialise, to keep warmth, kill a bit of time and meet betting mates not sufficiently ok to invite home.
I think the management of the shop and the area manager need to go to an "inclusion" course to learn about a business on the high street and its relationship to society.
I think the management of the shop and the area manager need to go to an "inclusion" course to learn about a business on the high street and its relationship to society.
Bookies have always been rascals, and I can't see that changing.
Was there any intimacy involved here, I'm wondering?
Was there any intimacy involved here, I'm wondering?
Yeah, like Scots people do today with your wokes, mefemale, femalemale. What's going in your country, Kenbo? I went there last week and this crow in Glasgow was giving me the eye!
My God! The place is like a cesspit of perverts
Southern Bred and Northern tainted and perverted methinks.
Southern Bred and Northern tainted and perverted methinks.
One day, we'll have a strong leader that will put all you lot to the sword, and we'll be back to the old days with men and women.
I might be an illiterate, gambling alcoholic, but I’m not actually Scottish, as Lochy has pointed out!
I think Mr Betfred needs to know about this insensitive, despicable, unjustified and unnecessary letter to "Bob". If Bob was a relative of mine I'd send an email to him or his Mrs/partner; the media (BBC/SKY); the government (DCMS); the bookies' stooge (Racing Post); Gambling Commission and Help The Aged.
I'd like to know what criteria this letter has come about, and its necessity. "Bob" could have kept the letter to himself, internalise, not venture out and become a recluse which could be detrimental to his welfare and health.
I'd like to know what criteria this letter has come about, and its necessity. "Bob" could have kept the letter to himself, internalise, not venture out and become a recluse which could be detrimental to his welfare and health.
Feb 28, 2025 -- 4:38PM, s.kenbo wrote:
I might be an illiterate, gambling alcoholic, but I’m not actually Scottish, as Lochy has pointed out!
No, a masquerading Scottie. I had you clocked from the first time you posted.
To be fair. I used to post on here over 20 years ago, Kenbo, and then you were Scottish.
I had a life twenty years ago. I wasn’t posting on here then!
Yes, you were. I have a distinct memory of you posting. I always remember the s. befor you name, and I found that strange.
Either you’re wrong or I’m a liar. I will let you decide which one is correct!
Back to the main subject. I've known you for a long time REG and it puzzles me as to why you would give your buisness to these parasites in the first place?
Stewart, another parading Scotty with hopes of Becoming an Englishman.
2 old boys go in my local laddies every day, their routine round to the cafe in the morning couple of cups of tea and toast to while away the time till the racing starts ,and have their small bets on the horses or dogs ,its their life makes it worth getting up in the morning for them ,take it away they have fook all.
Joined: 01 Mar 18 | Topic/replies: 3,024 | Blogger: Cutter27's blog
Stewart, another parading Scotty with hopes of Becoming an Englishman.
He is a rangers fan....so already english...
Stewart, another parading Scotty with hopes of Becoming an Englishman.
He is a rangers fan....so already english...
A total insult to the Man ,Hows Baldy Freds Marbles these days ?
How do they know the Mental capacity of these Lunatics who do their Gonads on their online Casino ?
I remember the Baldy bastard and his safer Gambling Ads During lock down ,Why not log in to Freds and check out our safer gambling tools , Pathetic back door advertising
The routine of the two old boys was a bit like mine during student days eg friday night was waiting for the 1st edition of the Sporting Life at the news stand in Marble Arch. Then I'd zip home to study the form (horses and doggies) and plan betting for the weekend.
It was something I looked forward to each weekend.
It was something I looked forward to each weekend.
The Gambleaware reminders at night by bookies are merely to activate the betting stimulus/urge of any tv audience and to remind those at a loose end the bookies are open for business. It's a subliminal message with an ulterior motive!
Stewarty
Back to the main subject. I've known you for a long time REG and it puzzles me as to why you would give your buisness to these parasites in the first place?
I seem to recall you talking about walking into town to place bets with bookies. Am I misremembering?
Back to the main subject. I've known you for a long time REG and it puzzles me as to why you would give your buisness to these parasites in the first place?
I seem to recall you talking about walking into town to place bets with bookies. Am I misremembering?
all professional gamblers walk into town, the £1.95 saved on the bus fare can be used for a 13 pence Lucky 15.
There are some funny characters on this platform. A £1.95 acca could be a nice little earner to some.
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