For the first time this year, 6,000 bookies will reopen for business, part of the U.K.’s four stage plan to ease lockdown restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Some restrictions will remain in place, limiting the number of people and the time spent in shops for example. Hygiene measures like sanitation centers, barriers between staff and customers, masks and social distancing remain in effect.
“It’s great news that high street betting shops in England and Wales are finally able to reopen safely, along with the rest of non-essential retail,” said Michael Dugher, CEO of the trade group, Betting and Gaming Council. “It’s been a long three months for betting shop staff, as well as their customers, and I know they are all looking forward to safely getting back to business thanks to the best-in-class anti-Covid measures in place.”
Casinos have to wait until May 17 to return to operations, according to SBC News.
Dugher reiterated that a recent Ernst & Young report show the U.K.’s betting shops support 46,000 jobs and paid nearly £1 billion (US$1.4 billion) in tax to the Treasury in 2020, while members contribute £350 million to horseracing through sponsorship, media rights and the betting levy.
The industry also supported various pro teams including £40 million in funding to the English Football League.
In related news, GambleAware continued advocating for a mandatory levy on gambling revenue to fund research, education and treatment related to gambling and gambling-related harm. Currently, British gambling law requires licensed operators to donate to responsible gambling programs, but there is no minimum on how much should be donated.
GambleAware received £15.6 million in voluntary donations in the past 12 months, an increase of £11 million. In June 2020 the Betting and Gaming Council pledged £100 million to GambleAware on behalf of Bet365, GVC Holdings, Flutter Entertainment and William Hill, according to iGaming Business.
“The voluntary nature of the current arrangements results inevitably in uncertainty of funding year to year and to significant variations in cash flow within the year,” GambleAware said. “This unpredictable funding model represents a significant challenge given that a key function of GambleAware is to provide funded services.”
GambleAware said found just 5 percent of accounts represent more than 70 percent of British betting and gaming gross gambling yield. In March, GambleAware reported an increase in problem gamblers who seek treatment.
