If the coronavirus pandemic was not enough to rattle the U.K., along comes a mutant strain considered even more infectious. To deal with the latest surge, casinos in London will once more close their doors.
The closure comes just weeks after the end of a month long shut down ended December 2. And that came after the casinos operated with an 11 p.m. curfew since opening again in August.
Unlike other restrictions which drew industry objections, the current situation had few opponents as the numbers of cases dramatically rose, according to Casino.org.
U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said December 14 that the new strain of virus spreads more quickly. The U.K. upgraded London to tier 3, the highest level of restrictions, prohibiting indoor mixing between people not of the same household. Pubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues also had to close. It means no fans for soccer matches.
But bookies were allowed to operate under certain restrictions, like no seating and no sports broadcasts.
The industry trade group, the Betting and Gaming Council said in October that the Covid-19 closures and restrictions were responsible for a 70 percent drop in land-based casino revenue. Casinos throughout the U.K. shut their doors for good in London, Margate and Bristol.
