Bookmakers will be open for business this Good Friday for the first time as the provisions of the Gambling Act come into force.
Under the bill passed in 2005, effective from 2006, betting shops can open their doors on the religious holiday. They are only prohibited from opening on Christmas Day, under the new legislation.
The BBC reports that the country's major betting outlets, Ladbrokes and Coral, will be open for business while some of William Hill's branches will be operating on the day.
A spokesperson for William Hill told the broadcaster that ten per cent of branches would be open on the day and staff in the offices will be "working voluntarily" on the day.
Punters will be able to gamble on British greyhound races and foreign horse racing today as there are no horse races taking place in the country.
The Methodist Church has voiced opposition to the change in legislation saying that it would harm the special nature of the holiday that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
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