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21/03/2008
Good Friday Flutter As Betting Shops Open
Betting shops are open today on what is considered to be the most sacred date of the Christian calendar.
The Government has lifted the ban for the first time since they were legalised in 1961 in the controversial move.
At least 4,000 bookmakers' shops will open, including most branches of Ladbrokes and Coral, William Hill will open one in 10 of its shops staffed by those who have volunteered to come in.
Large numbers are expected to gamble today although there will be no British horse racing.
A spokeswoman for William Hill said: "I remember Sunday opening was seen as sacrilegious when that first happened, but people have got used to it.
"At the end of the day you can talk with your feet. You can choose to come here or not and I am sure there will be plenty that want to come."
However some Christian groups are unhappy with the opening.
The Rev Jonathan Carey from the Methodist Church said: "We are a little disappointed to see what is effectively the erosion of yet another special day.
"It just seems that more and more, every day is becoming yet another working day, 24/7 society, no time to relax and reflect and maybe have a day that's a bit special."
Those wanting a flutter will be able to bet on dog racing, as greyhound tracks across the UK will be holding races for the first time.
(DS/JM)
The Government has lifted the ban for the first time since they were legalised in 1961 in the controversial move.
At least 4,000 bookmakers' shops will open, including most branches of Ladbrokes and Coral, William Hill will open one in 10 of its shops staffed by those who have volunteered to come in.
Large numbers are expected to gamble today although there will be no British horse racing.
A spokeswoman for William Hill said: "I remember Sunday opening was seen as sacrilegious when that first happened, but people have got used to it.
"At the end of the day you can talk with your feet. You can choose to come here or not and I am sure there will be plenty that want to come."
However some Christian groups are unhappy with the opening.
The Rev Jonathan Carey from the Methodist Church said: "We are a little disappointed to see what is effectively the erosion of yet another special day.
"It just seems that more and more, every day is becoming yet another working day, 24/7 society, no time to relax and reflect and maybe have a day that's a bit special."
Those wanting a flutter will be able to bet on dog racing, as greyhound tracks across the UK will be holding races for the first time.
(DS/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Some low cloud lingering in the north and west through the day, although cloud should burn back to the coast as the day goes on. Elsewhere some good sunny spells with very little cloud. Warm with light winds. Maximum temperature 22 °C.Tonight:A sunny evening for most except where cloud lingers along the north coast. Cloud will increase for a lot of areas overnight with mist and fog patches developing. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
