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Are the bookies open on Good Friday? Easter gambling tradition that wasn't always legal

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Betting has become a favourite pastime for many punters on Good Friday, but the tradition hasn't always been legal.When betting shops first became legal in the 1960s, having a flutter on Good Friday was against the law because the day was rooted in religion.Now it’s not just the bookies that see a heavy footfall, with online betting also offered by a number of sites.For some, the long weekend presents a great opportunity to kick back and enjoy some live sport, however, there isn’t a huge amount of football or racing on Good Friday.Read on for all you need to know about the legalisation of gambling on Good Friday, and what the top race of the day is for you to get stuck into.Betting on Good Friday became legal because of the 2005 Gambling Act, which allowed bookies to open on every day of the year except for Christmas.

It came into effect in 2008.Thousands of bookies opening their doors to punters for the first time on the Easter bank holiday.But many Christian groups were angry at the change, and although bookies were open there weren’t any races on.Instead, punters were left only with the option to bet on foreign horses and dogs.Speaking at the time, Tim Stone, spokesperson for the Salvation Army, said the organisation "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.

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