Bookmakers have said it’s unlikely they’ll be open for business this Sunday, despite being legally allowed to do so for the first time.

In the first shake up of Northern Ireland’s gambling laws since 1985, legislation was given royal assent on Tuesday. The change will apply to an estimated 295 betting shops trading in Northern Ireland as well as bingo halls.

Opening will also be allowed on Good Friday from next year, but will remain closed on Christmas days including those that fall on a Sunday,

The Irish News report that an update from the Department for Communities caught affected businesses by surprise as they hadn’t expected the progress to be made until later this year.