Covid-19 precautions force Racing Post betting shop edition to go digital

Racing Post has launched a new QR code system for betting shop customers to download the daily newspaper for free on mobile.

The new initiative was launched post-lockdown to help high street bookmakers increase footfall to shops and offer customers a chance to read the paper in a Covid-19-safe manner.

The tech has been rolled out across nearly 8,000 betting shops in the UK and Ireland after data gleamed from an extensive trial period proved the popularity of the digital transformation.

Spotlight Sports Group retail director Alan Pepperell said: “Post-lockdown we know bookmakers want to get as many punters in their shops in a controlled and safe environment.

“We also know most visitors enjoy sitting and reading the paper before making their betting decisions for the day.

“We decided to trial the QR codes to help customers who may not want to read the paper in the shop but can now do so on their mobile device.

“In the current climate, we understand if customers are apprehensive about picking up a newspaper and as we’ve seen in other high street shops and restaurants the QR codes are a simple way of getting a digital version to the user.

“We will continue to work with our partners to ensure we deliver the best experience in shops in the safest way possible,” he added.

Spotlight Sports Group this month confirmed chief marketing officer Louise Agran and chief revenue officer Mike Griffin would leave the company after taking voluntary redundancy.