Sports betting and gaming group Entain is moving forward with the digital transformation of its flagship Ladbrokes and Coral shops in the UK, as it celebrates the opening of its 100th “Digi-Hub” in Muirhouse, Scotland.
According to the company, Entain’s Digi-Hubs “reinvent the traditional betting shop, with the contemporary, digital-first spaces dubbed the shops of the future.” Digi-Hubs have transformed look-and-feel, and are fitted with more digital touchpoints, sports betting and gaming terminals, and interactive displays, “providing more dynamic content and experiences for customers.”
We’re changing the game when it comes to our UK retail shops…
This month, we celebrated the opening of our 100th Digi-Hub, a contemporary digital-first approach to a betting shop, in Scotland. 🎊 https://t.co/4ldvb0em7N#ItsYourGame pic.twitter.com/EiVoBtj6Xg
— Entain (@EntainGroup) March 30, 2023
Since 2019, when the first trial Digi-Hub opened, the roll-out of these digital-first shops has been integral in welcoming customers back to the high street, says the group. Entain has already seen over 1 million gaming sessions and over 10 million sports bets take place in Digi-Hubs. With this achievement, Entain has moved closer to its ambition to open 200 Digi-Hubs by the end of 2024.
Will Thorp, Strategy Director – UK Retail at Entain, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our 100th Digi-Hub. We’re passionate about creating connected, digital experiences in our shops to continue distinguishing ourselves as the market leader.”
“Entain sits at the very heart of a fast-paced, ever-evolving world of entertainment, and to continue providing positive player experiences, it’s crucial that we continue to innovate and excite our customers. Digi-Hubs help us do just that and have been a huge hit,” he added.
The Digi-Hubs’ relaxed atmosphere has been key in attracting a new generation of customers, according to the firm. The group highlights that more online-first customers, who are typically more diverse than traditional betting customers, are coming into betting shops for the first time.
The milestone moment for Digi-Hubs comes as UK retail continues its resurgence after the lockdowns of the pandemic. In 2022, Entain reported UK retail NGR up 56%, which is supported by an improved customer offer through more digital touch points in shops and sports betting and gaming terminals.
The news also comes as the company seeks to expand its footprint not only in the UK but elsewhere. Earlier this week, Entain confirmed it has been selected by TAB New Zealand as its preferred partner for a 25-year strategic arrangement. The company beat Tabcorp to become the preferred partner to acquire the management rights to New Zealand’s sports betting monopoly.
The proposed strategic arrangement, and timing of completion, remain subject to approval from the New Zealand Minister for Racing. Further information, as appropriate, will be provided after the completion of the Ministerial approval process, said Entain.
