After four months of Covid-19 closures, Scotland welcomed sportsbooks back on April 26. The reopening impacted 750 retail shops that employ more than 4,000 people and contribute about £80 million(US$111.6 million) in taxes and £6 million in business rates.
“Following the safe re-opening of betting shops in England and Wales earlier this month, Scottish shops getting back to business is another step towards normality and a welcome boost for jobs on the high street in Scotland,” said Michael Dugher, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council.
Bookmakers have installed prevention measures, including hand sanitization stations and Perspex screens, among other steps, according to SBCNews.
A study by Ernest & Young showed that the U.K. economy received £7.7 billion in gross added value from the betting sector in 2019. The industry employs 61,000.
In other reopening news, Flutter Entertainment’s Paddy Power reopened its English and Welsh betting shops, but not the Irish ones.
Along with the usual safety measures, only two gaming machines will be operational in each outlet, and with an eight person capacity. Bettors visit for a maximum of 15 minutes at a time and only two times a day. Shops close at 8 p.m.
No furniture will be permitted and no live sports or events will play on the television.
“Our number one priority is keeping our customers and team members safe,” Paddy Power said in a statement on the firm’s official website. “So, all our shops will follow the latest government guidelines on social distancing and ensure other public health requirements are met in full, in the interests of colleagues and customers.”
Customers must wear masks when betting. Staff can order a mask be removed for identification purposes.
