Bismarck Street

No 26 Bismarck Street in 1968.

Yes, remember them well. My dad was one of those who used these back entry bookies. It's gone right the other way now with exploitative advertising encouraging people to lose money with the big companies while claiming to care with their little slogan: When the fun stops, you stop. It was only the odd shilling here and there my dad used to put on and just watching the racing gave him great enjoyment.

Does anyone remember the illicit bookmakers that used to frequent the entry near Bismarck Street? I recall going with a mate to place his Dad's bet with one of these people. It seems amazing now when every High Street has betting shops in abundance with opportunity to gamble online, but these bookmakers were everywhere and must have made a decent living from people who could ill afford to lose money in this way. Interesting times.