BoyleSports, a leading Irish bookmaker has sealed the acquisition of Wilf Gilbert group of bookmakers, based in the West Midlands.It’s been a long wait for BoyleSports to move into the UK market , with the purchase of Wilf Gilbert, BoyleSports will take over 13 licensed Wilf Gilbert betting branches throughout the West Midlands.BoyleSports have been waiting to join the UK market for many years and it looked like this was about to happen in the the first quarter of 2019, although this had been delayed due to a tax hike in Ireland.
Look After Existing Staff
Graham Gilbert, owner of the Midlands-based betting shops had made it clear to buyers they must retain its existing staff and deliver the best possible service to their existing customer base.With BoyleSports not offering FOBT’s they are looking at capitalising on the takeover of betting shops throughout the UK that may have to close due to the FOBT’s having the maximum bets slashed to a mere £2 in April this year.Although some of the larger operators have said the effects of the new ruling is not as bad as first thought, there is still uncertainty as to whether they can maintain all of their high street shops in the future.
Great Quality and Service
Conor Gray, Chief Executive of BoyleSports said,“ With the purchase of Wilf Gilbert group of shops we have realised our long-term goal to bring the UK retail betting public the same quality of service and shops that BoyleSports’ Irish retail customers have enjoyed for years.“ The FOBT stake reduction legislation will radically change the UK’s retail betting environment. As a company that has never operated FOBT’s we hope to help drive that change by transforming each of the shops within the group into world-class betting lounges with a wide variety of betting available on state-of-the-art screens and interactive terminals.“ The shops will have comfortable furniture, free refreshments and access to WIFI, and will provide a safe, regulated and enjoyable experience for both existing and new UK betting customers.”BoyleSports are looking to expand rapidly throughout the UK. Already holding a license from The UK Gambling Commission, they have already been in contact with larger operator chains, inviting them to contact the company in the event of shop closures.