Scotbet Bookmakers are the largest independent bookie in Scotland and operate a chain of 30 betting shops. Originally established in the 1960s as Morrison’s bookmakers the business re-branded as Scotbet and launched a white-label website. However, the business which was owned by Kenny Waugh and the Festival Group sustained heavy losses following the downturn after the 2009 financial crash and was bought out by management in 2011.
Scotbet remains Scotland’s biggest independent bookmaker and is an instantly-recognisable betting brand north of the border. The roots of the company date way back to 1961 when its first betting shop was opened in Niddrie near Edinburgh and under owner Kenny Waugh the business continued to expand mostly in the Edinburgh area and surrounding towns. For most of its existence, the company traded under the name of Morrisons Bookmakers Ltd. In 2008, Morrisons acquired Sean Graham’s Scottish portfolio of betting shops for £2m which included 13 branches of which three were in Edinburgh.Disaster was soon to follow however as the economic downturn following the financial crisis hit the Festival Group which owned the betting business. A management buyout led by John Heaton who was Chief Executive took place in July 2011 for an undisclosed sum and included its then 65 betting shop estate and online website and operations.
However, in July 2019, the Scotbet business went into receivership and only 30 betting shops survived by being bought out of administration by a newly formed Company called SCOTB123 Ltd. Management again led by John Heaton blamed increased costs and the newly introduced maximum stakes on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBT’s) for the business failing again.
The Scotbet website was taken down following the latest management buy out of the business in 2019 . Previously the company had operated a white label site via Corbetts Bookmakers. For Scotbet shop customers looking to place an online bet, we recommend using an experienced and trusted bookmaker such as Bet365 or Betfred.
Scotbet Bookmakers Details
Head Office Address: 84B Clerk Street Loanhead EH20 9RG
Opening Hours: 10.00am-9.00pm
Scotbet Bookmakers Shop Locations
16-18 Main Street , Campbeltown , Argyll PA28 6AD
147 Ferry Road , Edinburgh , EH6 4NJ
42 London Road , Edinburgh EH7 5SW
195 Station Road , Cardenden , Fife , KY50BN
124 High Street , Tillicoultry , Clackmannanshire , FK13 6DX
“I'm a regular visitor to Scotbet in Edinburgh and have been for several years. Staff are great, prices good and had no ossues with them at all.”
- Pete
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