The U.K. Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has urged the Welsh government to reconsider the terms of its coronavirus relief program, which currently excludes bookmakers and gambling enterprises.
Council CEO Michael Dugher wrote to Welsh First Minister Rebecca Evans saying 2,000 jobs could be at risk without relief. “There is a real danger that betting shops and casinos will permanently close leading to the direct loss of jobs in Wales,” Dugher said.
According to the BGC, 300 betting shops and four casinos operating across Wales face financial ruin unless the government steps in. The agency also reminded officials of the impact closures would have on the country’s hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors.
Betting shops, bingo halls and casinos in England were thrown a lifeline when the U.K. government announced it was extending its business-rates relief scheme to cover their premises as well, Dugher said.
The council supported the extension of the U.K. furlough system until October, seeing it as a lifeline for the industry’s 64,000-person workforce.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the government would continue giving laid-off workers 80 percent of wages up to £2,500 (US$3,055), according to SBCNews.
Sunak said the current plan is good to the end of July. From August to October, employers will be required to contribute to the 80 percent, with furloughed workers encouraged to return on a part-time basis.
The government expects to relax business lockdown measures as early as July 4, but those in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors would not survive without additional support, Dugher said.
