In the UK, betting shops also boost spending in the neighbourhood

According to a YouGov survey of 1,475 British adults, 90 percent of betting shop users combine a trip to the shop with shopping, spending or other local activities on at least some of their visits. 54 percent of respondents said they do this on most or almost every visit.

The results were shared on Entain's website less than a week before the autumn budget was announced. The company has a large retail network in the UK through its Ladbrokes and Coral brands.

Bejay Patel, Managing Director for UK and Ireland at Entain Group, said the research confirmed what employees already knew. Patel said betting shops are one of the cornerstones of high streets and support local businesses.

The survey also has findings on the social side. 68 percent of respondents see betting shops as an established part of high streets, while 60 percent think they support local employment.

76 percent of shop users found these venues positive for meeting and chatting with people. For cafes, the figure was 77 percent. Entain is running the What's at Stake campaign to draw attention to the positive effects of betting shops.