大象传媒

A betting shop manager believes high streets would be a lot "bleaker" if betting shops were to move to purely online businesses.

Aidan Connelly, a Gala Coral manager also told 5 live Breakfast problem gambling isn't as widespread as people think.

His comments come after it was announced local authorities are to be given more control over whether to allow new betting shops on their high streets.

Betting companies that want to open new betting shops will have to make a planning application which local councils will be able to refuse if they are worried about the numbers of shops in the area.

The betting industry delivered a petition to 10 Downing Street, signed by over 1 million betting shop staff and customers, warning that further government action on gaming machines risks 10,000 jobs and 2,300 shops.

Broadcast on 5 live Breakfast, 30th April 2014.