London has betting shops across the city, from the West End and central London to major town centres including Croydon, Romford, Harrow, Ilford, Lewisham, Bromley, Hounslow and Uxbridge.
William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, Betfred and BoyleSports are among the major bookmaker brands with a retail presence in Britain.
The number and location of betting shops changes regularly as branches open, close and relocate. For that reason, we no longer publish a fixed claim for the exact number of betting shops in London or maintain hundreds of addresses that can quickly become outdated.
Use our Betting Shops Near Me locator to find current bookmakers close to your location.
Find a Betting Shop Near You in London
London is too large for one static list of betting shops to be particularly useful.
Someone looking for a bookmaker near King’s Cross has a very different requirement from someone in Croydon, Romford or Ealing.
The quickest approach is to search by your current location or London area.
[INSERT BETTING SHOP LOCATOR/MAP HERE]
The locator should remain near the top of this page. It provides considerably more value than maintaining a manual list of hundreds of London addresses.
You can also use our main nearest bookmakers page for betting shops throughout Britain.
Which Betting Shops Are in London?
London’s retail betting market includes several of Britain’s best-known bookmaker brands.
The major names include:
- William Hill: One of Britain’s longest-established high-street bookmaker brands.
- Ladbrokes: A major retail bookmaker with branches across London and the wider UK.
- Coral: Another established high-street bookmaker and, like Ladbrokes, part of Entain.
- Betfred: A major British bookmaker operating both betting shops and an online sportsbook.
- BoyleSports: An Irish-founded bookmaker that has expanded its British retail presence.
Individual branches change frequently enough that the presence of a bookmaker in a particular street should always be checked before travelling.
Our biggest bookmakers guide explains more about the major betting brands and the companies behind them.
How Many Betting Shops Are There in London?
There is no London total we consider reliable enough to present as a permanent current figure on this page.
The previous version claimed there were exactly 623 betting shops in London, including precise totals for individual bookmakers.
Those numbers have been removed.
Britain’s retail betting estate is shrinking and individual branches continually change.
The latest Gambling Commission industry statistics report 5,617 betting shops across Great Britain for the financial year from April 2025 to March 2026.
That was 208 fewer shops than the previous year, a fall of 3.6%.
The Gambling Commission also maintains a more detailed licensed-premises register, but it warns that figures derived from this source can differ from operator data because inactive premises can remain on the register.
An exact London figure can therefore create false precision.
For someone who wants to place a bet today, the more useful question is not “how many betting shops are there in London?” but “where is the nearest betting shop that is currently open?”
Use the Betting Shops Near Me locator for that.
Betting Shops in Central London
Central London has historically had betting shops around major shopping, entertainment and transport areas.
The retail market changes frequently, so we do not recommend travelling to an address copied from an old directory without checking it first.
Areas where bettors may search for shops include:
- Westminster
- Soho
- Paddington
- Marylebone
- Victoria
- Waterloo
- Southwark
- Camden
- Islington
Availability varies considerably by neighbourhood.
Central London’s changing retail property market also means branches can disappear even when older search results and directories continue showing them.
Betting Shops Near London Train Stations
A common search is for a bookmaker close to a London railway or Underground station.
This is particularly useful for racegoers travelling out of the capital to a racecourse.
Popular transport locations include:
- London Waterloo
- Victoria
- King’s Cross and St Pancras
- Euston
- Liverpool Street
- Paddington
- London Bridge
- Charing Cross
Do not assume there is a betting shop inside the station itself.
Search the surrounding streets using a current shop locator and check the branch opening hours before making a special journey.
Betting Shops Near Waterloo
Waterloo is particularly relevant to racing fans because trains from London Waterloo provide access towards several racecourses in the south of England.
Kempton Park has its own railway station and can be reached from Waterloo via the Shepperton line.
Sandown Park is accessible from Esher, with services from Waterloo.
If you are looking for a bookmaker before travelling, search specifically around Waterloo rather than relying on an old London-wide address list.
Our London racecourses page covers racing accessible from the capital.
Betting Shops in East London
East London contains large residential and commercial areas where traditional high-street bookmakers continue to operate.
Searches commonly centre around places such as:
- Stratford
- Ilford
- Barking
- Dagenham
- Romford
- East Ham
- Leyton
- Bethnal Green
Branch availability changes, so use a live locator rather than an address copied from an older betting-shop directory.
Romford in particular has historically had a strong retail betting presence because of its substantial town centre and wider leisure market.
Betting Shops in South London
South London covers a very large area, including some of the capital’s busiest town centres.
Areas where bettors commonly search for bookmakers include:
- Croydon
- Bromley
- Lewisham
- Brixton
- Clapham
- Wandsworth
- Putney
- Wimbledon
- Greenwich
- Bexleyheath
Croydon, Bromley and Lewisham have traditionally supported multiple high-street bookmaker brands.
That does not mean every historic branch remains open.
Check the latest location information before travelling.
Betting Shops in West London
West London betting-shop searches cover areas including:
- Ealing
- Hammersmith
- Hounslow
- Southall
- Hayes
- Uxbridge
- Greenford
- Ruislip
West London is also useful for racegoers because of its proximity to Kempton Park and routes towards racecourses in Surrey and Berkshire.
If racing is the reason for your visit, compare the location of the shop with your onward transport rather than simply selecting the nearest branch geographically.
Betting Shops in North London
North London includes areas such as:
- Camden
- Harrow
- Barnet
- Enfield
- Edgware
- Finchley
- Tottenham
- Wood Green
As elsewhere in London, the number of branches has changed as betting has shifted towards online and mobile accounts.
High-street betting remains available, but older address lists become inaccurate quickly.
William Hill Betting Shops in London
William Hill remains one of the major names in British retail betting.
The brand has a long history in British bookmaking and operates both physical shops and online betting.
London branches allow customers to place bets on horse racing, football and other sports according to the markets available in the shop.
Retail betting rules can differ from online sportsbook rules.
If you place a bet in a William Hill shop, keep the betting slip and check the applicable retail rules.
The previous version of this page listed a claimed 120 William Hill shops in London.
We have removed that figure because retail estates change and an undated number becomes misleading.
Use the bookmaker’s current shop finder or our Betting Shops Near Me locator instead.
Ladbrokes Betting Shops in London
Ladbrokes has a long association with British horse racing and high-street bookmaking.
It is now part of Entain, which also owns Coral.
Ladbrokes shops offer retail betting on horse racing and other sports.
The old version of this article claimed there were exactly 120 Ladbrokes shops in London and then reproduced a large selection of addresses.
We no longer consider that the best way to help readers.
If a branch closes, the page immediately becomes less accurate.
Use current location data when searching for your nearest Ladbrokes.
Coral Betting Shops in London
Coral is another established British retail bookmaker.
Like Ladbrokes, Coral is part of Entain, although the two continue to operate as separate customer-facing brands.
Coral has historically operated shops across many London boroughs.
The previous page stated there were 99 Coral branches in London.
That figure has been removed because it was presented without a current verifiable date and London’s retail estate continues to change.
If you specifically want a Coral shop, search the current branch network rather than relying on an archived address list.
Betfred Betting Shops in London
Betfred operates betting shops alongside its online sportsbook.
Horse racing remains an important part of the company’s retail offering.
The old British Racecourses page claimed London had precisely 111 Betfred betting offices.
We have removed that total for the same reason as the other historic operator counts.
Retail estates can change through closures, relocations and changes in commercial strategy.
Check the current shop location and opening hours before travelling.
Why We No Longer List Every London Betting Shop Address
The old version of this page contained hundreds of street addresses.
That looks comprehensive when first published, but it creates a significant problem.
Betting shops close.
Others move.
Opening hours change.
Individual units can change from one bookmaker to another.
Search engines and old business directories can also continue showing a branch after it has ceased trading.
A live location tool therefore provides a better service than an enormous static list.
We will continue to explain the London retail betting market on this page while using current location information to answer the question that matters: where is the nearest open bookmaker?
London Betting Shop Opening Times
There is no single opening time covering every London betting shop.
The previous version of this page stated that most London bookmakers opened at 7:30am and closed at 10pm from Monday to Saturday, with different Sunday hours.
We have removed those fixed times.
Opening hours vary according to:
- Bookmaker
- Branch
- Day Of The Week
- Local Trading Arrangements
- Bank Holidays
- Major Sporting Events
Some branches open earlier or close later than others.
Sunday and bank-holiday hours can be different again.
Check the specific shop before travelling, particularly if you plan to visit early in the morning or late in the evening.
Are London Betting Shops Open on Sundays?
Many London betting shops trade on Sundays, but individual opening hours vary.
Do not assume a branch follows its weekday hours.
Sunday racing and major sporting events mean retail bookmakers often trade at weekends, but the exact opening and closing time remains branch-specific.
Check the individual shop before travelling.
Are Betting Shops Open on Bank Holidays?
Some betting shops open on bank holidays.
Opening hours can differ from the normal weekday schedule.
This is particularly relevant around Christmas and New Year, when Britain has a major horse-racing programme but shop hours can change.
Boxing Day is one of the biggest racing days of the year, headed by the King George VI Chase at Kempton.
Check the individual bookmaker’s Christmas opening arrangements rather than relying on standard hours.
Can You Bet With Cash in a London Betting Shop?
Yes. Cash betting remains one of the main differences between a physical bookmaker and an online betting account.
A traditional over-the-counter horse-racing bet involves completing or presenting your selection, paying the stake and receiving a betting slip.
Keep the slip until the bet has been settled and any winnings have been collected.
The bookmaker’s retail rules apply to the bet.
Cash requirements and procedures for larger payouts can vary, so check the relevant operator’s rules where necessary.
What Can You Bet On in a London Bookmaker?
London betting shops typically provide markets across major sports.
These commonly include:
- Horse Racing
- Greyhound Racing
- Football
- Tennis
- Golf
- Darts
- Snooker
- US Sports
Availability depends on the bookmaker and the events taking place that day.
Horse racing remains particularly important to the traditional betting-shop model.
Shops normally display the day’s race meetings and provide prices for British and Irish racing alongside selected international meetings.
How to Place a Horse Racing Bet in a Betting Shop
Betting in a shop is different from tapping a selection on an app, but the basic information required is straightforward.
For a horse-racing bet, make sure your selection can be clearly identified.
The important details normally include:
- Racecourse
- Race Time
- Horse
- Stake
- Bet Type
If you are placing an each-way bet, make that clear.
For multiples, ensure each selection is clearly shown.
Our horse racing bet types page explains singles, doubles, trebles, accumulators, forecasts and other common bets.
What Is an SSBT?
SSBT stands for Self-Service Betting Terminal.
These terminals allow customers to select markets and construct bets using a screen rather than completing the entire transaction over the counter.
They are now common in modern betting shops.
The precise markets and functionality vary by operator.
For racing bettors, the traditional counter remains available in many shops, while terminals provide another way to browse prices and place bets.
Can You Watch Horse Racing in London Betting Shops?
Many betting shops show live sport, including horse racing.
The exact racing coverage depends on the shop, bookmaker and broadcasting arrangements.
This is one reason betting shops remain popular with some racing customers.
A bettor can place a wager and follow the race without needing a separate television or streaming subscription.
If watching a specific meeting matters to you, ask the branch which racing it will be showing before placing your bet.
For online alternatives, our live horse racing streaming page covers other ways of watching racing.
London Betting Shops for Horse Racing
London does not currently have a racecourse in its central boroughs, but several major courses are readily accessible from the capital.
These include:
- Kempton Park: A dual-purpose course staging all-weather Flat and National Hunt racing.
- Sandown Park: A major Flat and jumps course at Esher.
- Epsom Downs: Home of the Derby and Oaks.
- Ascot: One of Britain’s leading racecourses and home of Royal Ascot.
Our London racecourses page covers racing in and around the capital.
Racegoers travelling from London can use betting shops before travelling, bet at the racecourse or use an online account.
Betting Shops Near Kempton Park
Kempton Park lies around 16 miles from central London and has its own railway station.
The course stages both National Hunt and all-weather Flat racing.
Its best-known meeting is the Christmas Festival, headed by the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.
If you are travelling from central London, you do not necessarily need to find a shop close to the racecourse.
You can use a bookmaker near your starting station, bet at Kempton itself or use an online sportsbook.
Betting Shops Near Sandown Park
Sandown Park is at Esher in Surrey and is easily accessible from London.
The course stages both Flat and jump racing.
Major races include the Eclipse on the Flat and the Tingle Creek Chase over fences.
Esher station is within walking distance of the racecourse.
Anyone travelling from London Waterloo can therefore search for a bookmaker either before leaving central London or around Esher.
Betting Shops Near Epsom Racecourse
Epsom Downs is one of Britain’s most famous Flat racecourses.
It stages the Derby and Oaks in June.
Racegoers travelling from London have several rail options depending on their route and meeting arrangements.
For major racedays, particularly Derby Day, allow additional travel time and do not assume a betting shop close to a station will be quiet immediately before racing.
Betting facilities are also available at the racecourse.
Betting at a Racecourse Versus a London Betting Shop
Betting at the racecourse creates a different experience from betting in a London shop.
On-course bettors can access the Tote and betting facilities available at the meeting, including racecourse bookmakers where applicable.
A betting shop offers the convenience of betting before travelling and can cover meetings taking place around Britain.
Online betting adds another option.
None is automatically better.
The most suitable method depends on whether you prefer cash, want to compare prices, need access while travelling or simply enjoy betting as part of the racecourse experience.
London Betting Shops Versus Online Betting
Online betting has reduced the number of physical betting shops across Britain.
The two formats still serve different purposes.
A betting shop can be useful if you:
- Prefer Cash Betting
- Do Not Want To Place The Bet Through An App
- Want To Watch Racing In A Shop
- Prefer Speaking To Shop Staff
- Are Already Near A Convenient Branch
Online betting can be useful if you:
- Want To Compare Prices Quickly
- Need Access From Different Locations
- Want To Use A Mobile Racecard
- Prefer Managing Bets Through An Account
- Want Access Outside Your Local Shop’s Opening Hours
Readers interested specifically in online racing accounts can compare them on our best horse racing betting sites page.
For the mobile experience, see our horse racing betting apps comparison.
Can You Get Best Odds Guaranteed in a Betting Shop?
Best Odds Guaranteed rules vary between bookmakers and can differ between retail and online betting.
Do not assume an online BOG promotion automatically applies to an over-the-counter shop bet.
Check the bookmaker’s current retail rules before betting.
Our Best Odds Guaranteed guide explains how BOG works for horse racing.
Collecting Betting Shop Winnings
Keep your betting slip after placing a retail bet.
If the bet wins, the slip provides the information required for settlement and collection.
Procedures can vary depending on the bookmaker and size of the payout.
A shop may not always hold enough cash to pay a particularly large winning bet immediately.
The operator’s retail rules explain how larger winnings are handled.
For unusually large bets or potential returns, our maximum payout betting sites page explains why betting limits also need to be considered.
Do London Betting Shops Offer the Same Odds as Online?
Not necessarily.
Retail and online prices can differ.
Promotions can also be specific to one channel.
Do not assume a price displayed online will automatically be available over the counter in a London betting shop.
Check the price when placing the bet.
For racing, even a relatively small difference in odds affects the return.
Our betting odds section explains fractional prices and how returns are calculated.
Are London Betting Shops Regulated?
Betting businesses operating legally in Great Britain are regulated under Britain’s gambling regulatory framework.
Retail premises are also subject to premises licensing requirements.
This is another reason to use recognised current shop information rather than relying on an old directory entry.
A historic address appearing online does not prove that a betting shop is still trading there.
Finding an Accessible Betting Shop
Accessibility differs between individual premises.
Customers who require step-free access or other adjustments should check the specific branch before travelling.
Do not assume every branch of the same bookmaker has an identical layout.
London premises range from modern purpose-built units to older high-street properties where physical access can be different.
If accessibility is important, confirm the facilities directly with the shop.
London Betting Shops and Major Racing Festivals
Interest in horse-racing betting increases around the sport’s biggest meetings.
Important periods include:
- Cheltenham Festival
- Grand National Festival
- Epsom Derby Festival
- Royal Ascot
- Glorious Goodwood
- York Ebor Festival
- British Champions Day
Shops can be busier around major races.
Allow extra time if you plan to place a complicated bet over the counter shortly before the off.
You can check the wider programme on our horse racing fixtures page.
London Betting Shops FAQs
How many betting shops are there in London?
There is no fixed London figure we consider sufficiently reliable to keep permanently on this page.
The previous figure of 623 has been removed because betting-shop estates continually change.
The Gambling Commission reported 5,617 betting shops across Great Britain for April 2025 to March 2026, down 3.6% from the previous year.
What betting shops are in London?
Major British retail bookmaker brands operating in the wider market include William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, Betfred and BoyleSports.
The exact brands available depend on the part of London you are searching.
Where is the nearest betting shop in London?
Use our Betting Shops Near Me locator to search using your current area.
This is more reliable than a static London address list.
Are there betting shops in central London?
Yes, betting shops continue to operate in parts of central London.
Availability varies considerably between neighbourhoods and changes as branches open and close.
What time do London betting shops open?
There is no universal London opening time.
Hours vary by operator, branch, day and bank holiday.
Check the specific shop before travelling.
What time do London betting shops close?
Closing times vary between individual branches.
Do not rely on the old blanket assumption that every bookmaker closes at 10pm.
Are London bookmakers open on Sunday?
Many are, but Sunday opening hours vary.
Check the individual branch.
Are London betting shops open on Boxing Day?
Some bookmakers trade on Boxing Day because it is one of Britain’s biggest horse-racing days.
Christmas opening arrangements vary significantly, so check the specific branch.
Can I bet with cash in a London betting shop?
Yes. Physical betting shops continue to accept qualifying cash bets according to the operator’s retail rules.
Can I watch horse racing in a betting shop?
Many betting shops show live racing.
Coverage depends on the bookmaker and branch.
Can I place an each-way bet in a London bookmaker?
Yes. Each-way horse-racing betting is widely available.
Check the number of places and place fraction applying to the race before betting.
Can I collect winnings from a different branch?
Rules vary by bookmaker and sometimes by the size or type of bet.
Check the operator’s retail rules before travelling to another branch to collect a winning bet.
Do betting shops have the same odds as betting apps?
Not always.
Retail and online prices and promotions can differ.
Check the price available through the channel you intend to use.
Which London betting shop is best for horse racing?
There is no single London branch that is automatically best for every racing bettor.
Location, prices, opening hours, racing coverage and your preference for a particular bookmaker all matter.
If price comparison is your priority, comparing several bookmakers online is generally easier than travelling between physical shops.
Are there betting shops near London racecourses?
There are betting shops in towns and areas surrounding courses accessible from London, but racecourses also provide their own betting facilities on racedays.
Kempton, Sandown, Epsom and Ascot are all accessible from the capital.
Responsible Gambling
Betting shops provide easy access to gambling, but proximity should not determine how much you stake.
Set a budget before entering a shop and only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Do not increase your stake because a race is about to start or attempt to recover previous losses by placing larger bets.
Retail bookmakers provide safer-gambling information and controls. If gambling stops being enjoyable or begins causing financial or personal problems, stop betting and seek support.
British Racecourses betting content is intended for adults aged 18 and over.
Summary
London remains a major centre for retail betting, with bookmaker branches spread across central, north, south, east and west London.
The market is changing, however.
Britain had 5,617 betting shops in April 2025 to March 2026, 208 fewer than the previous year. Maintaining a fixed list of hundreds of London addresses and claiming an exact city-wide shop total would therefore make this page less reliable over time.
Use our Betting Shops Near Me locator for the closest current options.
For readers travelling to the races, our London racecourses guide covers Kempton, Sandown, Epsom and other courses accessible from the capital.
If you prefer to bet online, compare the racing-specific features on our best horse racing betting sites and horse racing betting apps pages.
