SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Now in its 57th year of operations Joe Jennings bookmakers, established in 1961 in Harlow, Essex, currently in its third generation, has grown to see its operations located across 15 betting offices.
Operating in a smattering of locations across its home territory, its retail estate also stretches offshore to both Jersey and the Isle of Man, the latter of which sees five retail stores in operation across the island.
Managing Director of Joe Jennings Bookmakers Richard Peett has been speaking to SBC News, addressing the retail sector in what is largely an online jurisdiction: “It has always been a very successful operation and trades pretty much in isolation from the online industry. Obviously the shops have come under threat, as all retail LBO’s have, from the wider online sportsbooks, and in particular from the development of the mobile apps.
“As a result business has slowed, and our task is to provide as many reasons as possible for our customers to continue to bet with us, and in particular to ensure that we continue to provide a first class customer experience.
“We believe our flexibility as an independent allows us to provide a bespoke service to our customers.”
“There are no especial issues posed by the existence of such a widespread online industry. The local regulator operates separate regimes for online and terrestrial businesses, and we have a very good relationship with the Isle of Man Gambling Commission,” added Peett.
One such example of the flexibility offered by Joe Jennings is the introduction of WhatsApp betting, which the firm stresses is “the easiest and quickest way to get your bets on”.
Addressing the appeal this holds to customers, in addition to how it affords the firm a competitive edge, Peett stated: “WhatsApp was an innovation for our telebet operation and has proven to be very popular amongst both old and new customers.
“Similar to our shop operation we aim for our telebet business to provide a bespoke service to our customers on an individual basis, giving each what is important to them, what appears to be important to all of our telebet customers is to be treated as an individual.”
As previously addressed though, Joe Jennings’ island operations aren’t just restricted to the Isle of Man, and Peett moved on to discussing possible expansions within this area: “We have 4 shops in Jersey all in the capital of St Helier, similar to the Isle of Man shops, Joe Jennings have had a presence on the Island for some 20 years, and the business has proven to be very successful in that time. We don’t currently have any other target locations, although we are always open to offers or interesting ideas.”
Across all areas of a bookmakers operations the issue of social responsibility has never played a more integral role, with its importance emphasised like never before: “Joe Jennings Bookmakers takes socially responsible gambling seriously. There is a responsibility on Joe Jennings as a provider of gambling services to be aware of the social consequences of gambling,” said Peett.
“We want all of our customers to gamble responsibly and within their means and to enjoy the entertainment experience across all of our products. Therefore we will endeavour to put in place appropriate measures to protect customers and promote a responsible gambling culture.”
