Profits jump at Betfred as UK gamblers’ losses mount

Gambling shops were among the last to reopen in the UK during the pandemic, but since then their sales have risen sharply. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

The bookmaker Betfred has reported a jump in profits as gamblers’ losses mounted after the end of coronavirus restrictions.

The gambling company made profits after tax of nearly £20m in the year ending on 25 September 2022, up from just over £5m the year before, according to newly published accounts at Companies House.