Scotland’s culture goes beyond the bagpipes, Scotch whiskey, and the Highlands. Edinburgh’s capital city is home to some of the most spectacular architectural remarks from medieval and Georgian times.
At the same time, Scottish people have a rich heritage in betting. Horse racing betting to be precise. It’s a legacy the people still hold close to their hearts. When Scotland entered the political union with the Kingdom of England in 1707, it also signed up to share the betting heritage.
Image by Anna Urlapova
Fast forward to today, Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole is a hub of gambling, both online and offline. If you look at the top 100 betting sites in the United Kingdom, you’ll know what we’re talking about. The historical racecourses still allow wagers to make the experience more vibrant and engaging.
And that’s what we plan on discussing on The Edinburgh Reporter. To help us succeed, we’ve invited Jimmy Daytona, a betting expert specializing in the UK’s gambling culture.
Jimmy Daytona’s Betting Guide in Edinburgh: Start with the Racecourses
Horse racing has long been a part of the history and culture of Great Britain. Scotland is not immune to this spectator sport. The history of horse racing in Scotland dates back over 900 years, to the time of William the Lion.
Historically, horse racing has been more popular in the Lowlands compared to the Highlands. Edinburgh has the best horse racing legacy as part of the Lowlands and the cultural hub in Scotland.
Take the Musselburgh Racecourse, for example. Located in East Lothian, it’s the 2nd largest racecourse in Scotland. It has been operational since 1777. For a brief period, the race meetings were moved to Leith. By 1816, they all came back to Musselburgh.
Before off-course betting shops were legalized in the UK, Musselburgh had been the center of gambling attention in the Northern part of the Kingdom. It still allows on-course betting for those who show up.
Musselburgh will remain a heritage for Scottish people as it’s home to races like the Queen of Scots Stakes, Royal Mile, Queen’s Cup, and the Edinburgh National. The picturesque landscape of the course draws many tourists every year from all over the world.
Online and Mobile Betting is Taking Over
Although attending a horse race is a mainstream activity among the commons and the elites, the consistent rain doesn’t help. As a result, attendance at courses like Musselburgh started declining after off-course betting became legal.
And then came online betting. In case you’re not aware, online gambling is completely legal in the UK and is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission under the Public Gambling Act 2005.
It enabled the bettors visiting the racecourses and betting shops to bet from the comfort of their homes. Of course, the audience that loves the sport to death still shows up for every major event.
But there’s no way to deny that online gambling has paved the way for more people to join the sports bettors club. And now, mobile betting seems to be the emerging theme among bettors.
For the most part, mobile betting is no different from betting on a desktop or laptop. It’s just that you can bet on the go, making it more convenient and hassle-free.
Of course, betting on online platforms comes with other perks. Here is a quick list Jimmy has curated for you.
- You don’t have to endure the notorious rain of Edinburgh on your way to and from racecourses
- You don’t have to spend on petrol or food
- Online betting is available 24/7, allowing you to do it in your own time
- All payments are handled online, making life easier
- Online gambling gives you the option to compare multiple betting sites
- you don’t have to stand in line and fight with the crowd to get your money after you win
Specialized Betting Experiences in Edinburgh
What you get on the usual menu in Edinburgh are not the only events you can bet on. Jimmy has you covered if you’re a sucker for specialized events that showcase a unique take on the culture.
First, you have the major horse races spread throughout the year to explore. Morebattle Hurdle, Scottish Champion Hurdle, Scottish Sprint Cup, Future Champion Novice’s Chase, Lanark Silver Bell, etc., are some of the most notable races across Kelso, Ayr, and Musselburgh.
Then you have the niche activities like at the Boom Battle Bar. Even if you don’t find any official betting bookie, you can surely place a friendly wager on the activities there.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
Whatever you bet on, it’s always important to remember responsible gambling practices. The UK is one of the most stringent jurisdictions regarding gambling regulation. The UK is also the hub for some well-known gambling help organizations.
Here is a quick list of organizations you can reach out to you or someone you know is suffering from problem gambling:
- GamCare National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133
- BeGambleAware
- Safer Gambling by the Gambling Commission
Future of Betting Experiences in Edinburgh
The historical racecourses across Edinburgh will maintain their image and heritage for many years. But if we have to speculate on the scope of gambling, it’s clear as day that most people prefer online betting.
The UK also has a massive network of physical betting shops run by companies with over 50 years of history! These betting shops are also part of history now, as very few people have the time to visit these establishments.
Thankfully, most of the betting shop operators have an online presence too. They’ve figured out how to use the internet to streamline both online and offline gambling under the same umbrella.
Conclusion
Edinburgh is a historical city that draws thousands of tourists every single year. The Old Town has retained its beauty while a more modern New Town has emerged on the other side. The racecourses we discussed are part of the narrative and are here to stay.
In the meantime, online gambling is making steady progress in the UK, including in Edinburgh.
