We are delighted to announce that the Racing Post/SIS Betting Shop Manager of the Year competition for 2023 is back.

First held in 1988, the Betting Shop Manager of the Year prize champions showcase the hard work and dedication of leading lights within the retail industry and we will be awarding another, who will succeed James Maloney, our worthy 2022 winner.

We recently spoke to James, and found out what the last 6 months have been like for him, since he was crowned Betting Shop Manager of the Year 2022.

How does it feel to be Betting Shop Manager of the Year?

Both an honour and a privilege. Entering and winning such a longstanding award was something I’d never really considered.

Joining the list of previous winners is a great personal achievement and something I will always give me a great sense of pride. The Judges and SIS team have been brilliantly supportive towards me from day one.

Any notable highlights from the last six months?

It took a few days for the shock of  winning to wear off but almost immediately I was asked to appear on Luck On Sunday and subsequently The Opening Show on ITV. It was a huge honour to represent the industry on national television and the feedback I received was very positive. Both appearances will live long in the memory.

What do you believe made you and your team stand out to the judges?

Having been working in betting shops since 1996 and being able to comment first hand on the many changes the industry has gone through gave me confidence that the judges could see me as a genuine manager, committed to wherever I was working which ultimately has ended up here with Star Sports.

With a vastly experienced team, all managers in their own right, I believe it was clear to see we are a dedicated team, all looking to push the business forward and in a correct light.

What is coming up for you for the rest of your reign?

I am about to embark on the holiday of a lifetime to Hong Kong and to visit Sha-Tin races for Champions Day, something which I’d never dreamed of being able to do. I’ll also be at the Greyhound Derby, sponsored by Star Sports, and presenting a trophy on the night on the behalf of RPGTV

What words of advice would you give to someone considering applying for BSMOTY 2023?

I’d say to go for it. I had always thought it wasn’t for me but having taken the plunge and entering I can confidently say the whole experience has been fantastic from the start. It is up to managers to stand up for the industry, which at times seems to be under constant attack.

Be proud of yourself, your achievements and believe in what you can bring to the role.

How the competition works

To enter the competition, please email the managers full name and shop address to bsmoty@sis.tv by Wednesday, May 31.

Each manager will then receive a written question paper and six per region will be chosen to go through to the next round by a judging panel.

The 48 managers through to this stage will each receive a mystery shopper visit, after which the panel will select the final 24 (three per region).

Those 24 will meet the judges for the first time before the eight regional champions are chosen.

Each regional champion, along with a key member of their shop staff, will attend the final selection in London, which involves a question-and-answer session with the judges on the day before the final.

The final awards lunch takes place in November and the winner will be invited to several key racing and betting events during their year as champion.