Overview

Operator Type: Land-based betting shop operator

John Hughes Bookmakers Limited is a land-based betting operator that has been active in the UK for many years. The company was incorporated on 15 December 1998 and first received its gambling licence on 1 January 2009. It operates under several trading names, including etons, selbys, and stretton, which are used for its physical betting shop locations.

The company, registered as JOHN HUGHES (BOOKMAKERS) LIMITED, is directed by John Michael Hughes, a British national who resides in Ireland. Company records show that Breid Hughes serves as the company secretary. Mr John Michael Hughes is also the ultimate beneficial owner, holding between 75% and 100% of the company's shares and voting rights.

John Hughes Bookmakers Limited holds a General Betting Limited licence from the UK Gambling Commission. Despite its long operational history, the operator has faced regulatory action. On 20 June 2025, the UKGC imposed a financial penalty of £500 because the company breached a licence condition related to submitting general and regulatory returns.

Where Is This Operator Based?

Understanding where an operator is based matters for regulatory accountability. UK-based operators are subject to UK courts and consumer protection laws.

Headquarters
Not recorded
Company Registered
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Source: Companies House
Directors Based
Ireland (1) 🇮🇪
Source: Companies House
? Location unverified

We don't yet have verified headquarters data for this operator.

Licence Details

John Hughes Bookmakers Limited holds one active licence: a General Betting Limited licence. This permit allows the operator to provide facilities for betting at physical premises, such as a betting shop.

UKGC licences held by John Hughes Bookmakers Limited — Source: UKGC Public Register
Licence Type Status Granted
General Betting Limited Active

View on UKGC Register

Enforcement & Compliance History

The UK Gambling Commission took regulatory action against John Hughes Bookmakers Limited on 20 June 2025. The operator received a financial penalty of £500 for breaching Licence condition 15.3.1, which relates to the timely submission of regulatory returns.

Financial Penalty

Following an investigation, the Gambling Commission found that John Hughes Bookmakers Limited breached Licence condition 15.3.1 concerning general and regulatory returns. As a result, the Commissio...

Penalty: £500

Corporate Structure

JOHN HUGHES (BOOKMAKERS) LIMITED was incorporated in the UK on 15 December 1998 and remains active. The company is directed by John Michael Hughes, who is also the person with significant control, owning 75-100% of the business.

Company Number
03683430
Incorporated
15 December 1998
Registered Address
Ellenborough House, Wellington Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1YD

Directors & Officers

Current directors and officers — Source: Companies House
Name Role Residence Appointed
HUGHES, Breid secretary 7 January 1999
HUGHES, John Michael director 🇮🇪 Ireland 7 January 1999

Associated Domains

No domains registered.

This operator does not have any registered domains in the UKGC public register. This is typical for land-based operators, B2B suppliers, and lottery operators.