Sunday betting campaign steps up

Bookmakers named a race after their campaign

Northern Ireland's bookmakers have stepped up their campaign for betting shops to be allowed to open on a Sunday.

It is the only part of the UK where it is banned.

A weekend race at Down Royal racecourse in County Down was named after their campaign.

Spokesman Adrian Eastwood said they were losing out while illegal Sunday gambling flourished in places such as pubs.

"Betting takes place whether people like it or not," he said.

"People who like to have a bet every day in the week still want to have a bet on a Sunday.

"You can't stop that desire if they want a bet and they fancy a horse or a football team.

"But they must be allowed to do it through licensed bookmakers.

"If it is done through licensed bookmakers then there is money to the Exchequer and there is a very strong possibility of extra jobs being created

"It keeps the money in Northern Ireland rather than going out of the country - it is a win-win situation."