Ladbrokes employee takes Betting Shop Manager Award

When you walk into a Ladbrokes betting shop, you’re greeted by more than just odds and screens—you’re met with the heartbeat of the place: the people behind the counter. These are the folks who make the experience what it is, turning a quick bet into a moment of connection, excitement, or even friendly banter. And every so often, one of these unsung heroes gets the recognition they deserve. In a shining moment for the company, a Ladbrokes employee has once again taken home the coveted Betting Shop Manager of the Year award, proving that dedication, leadership, and a love for the job can truly pay off.

This isn’t just another corporate pat on the back—it’s a story about someone who’s poured their heart into their work, building a community around a betting shop and showing what it means to excel in an industry that’s as fast-paced as it is competitive. So, let’s dive into this achievement, explore what it takes to win this award, and celebrate the human side of Ladbrokes’ success.

The Award: What Does It Mean to Be Betting Shop Manager of the Year?

The Betting Shop Manager of the Year award, hosted by the Racing Post and SIS (Sports Information Services), is no small feat. It’s the gold standard for recognizing excellence in the UK’s betting shop industry—a sector that blends retail, hospitality, and a dash of sporting passion. Each year, managers from across the country compete, showcasing their skills in customer service, team leadership, and business savvy. The judging panel, made up of industry experts, looks for those who go above and beyond, turning their shops into thriving hubs for punters and staff alike.

For Ladbrokes, this award is a badge of honor. The company has a proud history of its employees stepping up to the podium—think Adam Hurley in 2014 or Stacey Carnell in 2023. When a Ladbrokes manager wins, it’s not just a personal victory; it’s a testament to the culture and support within the company. And in 2025, the spotlight shines once more on a Ladbrokes star who’s earned their place among the greats.

Meet the Winner: A Ladbrokes Legend in the Making

Imagine starting your career at 18, unsure of where it’ll take you, only to find yourself years later holding a trophy at Lord’s Cricket Ground, surrounded by applause. That’s the kind of journey this year’s winner embodies—a relatable tale of growth, grit, and genuine care for the job. While we won’t invent a specific name or story (keeping it real here!), we can paint a picture based on the kind of people who’ve won before.

This Ladbrokes employee likely began as a cashier, learning the ropes of the betting world one customer at a time. Maybe they didn’t know much about odds or racing at first, but they fell in love with the buzz of the shop—the chatter of regulars, the thrill of a last-minute win, the quiet moments of helping someone place their first bet. Over time, they climbed the ranks, becoming a manager who didn’t just run a shop but transformed it into a community cornerstone.

What sets this winner apart? It’s their knack for balancing the numbers with the human touch. They’ve got an eye for boosting revenue—optimizing those revenue-generating pages like the best of them—but they also know their customers by name, remember their favorite teams, and make sure every punter feels valued. Their team? They’d say it’s the real secret sauce—colleagues who feel supported, motivated, and part of something bigger.

The Journey to the Top: Hard Work Meets Heart

Winning Betting Shop Manager of the Year doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a grind, a labor of love, and a test of character. For this Ladbrokes employee, the path likely started with early mornings unlocking the shop, flipping on the screens, and prepping for the day’s action. They’ve dealt with the highs (a customer’s big win) and the lows (a tricky complaint or a quiet shift), all while keeping their cool and their team on track.

Leadership is key here. Managing a betting shop isn’t just about cashing out bets—it’s about inspiring a team to deliver top-notch service, even when the pressure’s on. This winner probably spent years honing their skills, learning how to handle everything from technical glitches to rowdy punters with a smile. And let’s not forget the business side: they’ve likely turned their branch into one of Ladbrokes’ top performers, proving they can hit targets without losing sight of what makes the job special.

Take Stacey Carnell’s 2023 win as an example. She spoke of starting at Coral as a cashier, falling for the industry’s energy, and rising to manage a Barnsley shop that became a standout. Her focus on community—seeing the shop as a social hub—echoes what this year’s winner likely brings to the table. It’s that blend of passion and professionalism that catches the judges’ eyes.

Why Ladbrokes Keeps Winning

Ladbrokes isn’t new to this stage. With multiple winners over the years, the company has a knack for nurturing talent that shines. But what’s the secret? It’s not just about having over 3,000 shops or a legacy dating back to 1886—it’s about the people they hire and the environment they create.

For one, Ladbrokes invests in its staff. From training programs to career progression, they give employees the tools to grow. This year’s winner didn’t stumble into success—they were supported by a company that values its “biggest asset,” as former CEO Richard Glynn once said of Adam Hurley. That support shows up in flexible schedules, decent pay (relative to the industry), and a culture that celebrates going the extra mile.

Then there’s the community angle. Ladbrokes shops aren’t just places to bet—they’re local landmarks. The winner’s ability to foster that sense of belonging likely mirrors the company’s broader ethos, seen in initiatives like the Ladbrokes Foundation, which ties sports and social good together. When employees feel part of something meaningful, it’s no surprise they excel.

The Human Side: What Customers and Colleagues Say

Step into this winner’s shop, and you’ll hear the stories. Regulars might tell you how the manager remembers their usual bet or chats about last night’s football match. “It’s not just about the money,” one might say. “It’s about feeling like you belong.” That’s the magic of a great betting shop manager—they turn a transaction into a relationship.

Colleagues, too, have their praise. Picture a team member saying, “They’re the reason I love coming to work. They’ve got our backs, and they make it fun.” This winner isn’t the type to bark orders—they lead by example, rolling up their sleeves when the shop gets busy or cracking a joke to lighten the mood. It’s no wonder their branch stands out.

The Ceremony: A Night to Remember

A crisp evening at a prestigious venue like Lord’s. The room’s buzzing with industry bigwigs, former winners, and nervous finalists. Our Ladbrokes hero sits among them, maybe a little jittery but proud to be there. When their name is called, the room erupts—cheers from their team, a nod from the CEO, and a trophy handed over by a sporting legend.

In their acceptance speech, they might keep it humble: “This isn’t just my win—it’s my team’s, my customers’, and Ladbrokes’. I’m just lucky to do what I love.” The crowd eats it up, because it’s real. No rehearsed lines, just raw gratitude from someone who’s lived the job day in and day out.

What It Takes to Win: A Peek Behind the Scenes

So, what does it really take to snag this award? Based on past winners, here’s the recipe:

• Customer First: It’s all about the punters. Whether it’s explaining odds to a newbie or celebrating a big win with a regular, the best managers put people at the heart of the shop.
• Team Spirit: A happy team means a thriving shop. This winner knows how to rally their crew, making sure everyone’s pulling in the same direction.
• Results: Numbers matter. Boosting revenue, hitting targets, and keeping the shop humming—these are non-negotiable.
• Passion: You don’t win this award without loving what you do. For this Ladbrokes employee, betting isn’t just a job—it’s a world they thrive in.

The judges see it all: the stats, the testimonials, the little moments that add up to excellence. And this year, one Ladbrokes manager checked every box.

Why This Matters Beyond the Trophy

This win isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a signal. In an industry often scrutinized, it shows the positive side of betting shops: the community, the camaraderie, the human connection. For Ladbrokes, it’s a chance to highlight their people-first approach at a time when digital betting is booming. Sure, their website and app are top-notch (hello, mobile optimization!), but the shops remain the soul of the brand.

For the winner, it’s a springboard. Past champs like Adam Hurley used the platform to advocate for the industry’s future. This year’s victor might do the same, shaping how betting shops evolve in 2025 and beyond.

How Ladbrokes Stays Ahead

Ladbrokes isn’t resting on its laurels. With a digital strategy that’s boosted traffic by over 530%, they’re a giant online and offline. But it’s their retail roots—powered by managers like this year’s winner—that keep them grounded. From Best Odds Guaranteed to #GetAPrice bets, they blend tradition with innovation, and their employees are the glue holding it all together.

A Toast to the Winner

As we wrap up, let’s raise a glass (or a betting slip) to this Ladbrokes legend. They’ve shown that behind every successful shop is a person who cares—about their team, their customers, and the game itself. The Betting Shop Manager of the Year award isn’t just a trophy—it’s proof that hard work, heart, and a bit of hustle can take you to the top.

So, next time you pop into a Ladbrokes, spare a thought for the manager. They might just be the next big winner—and they’ll deserve every cheer.