Under a plan announced by U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, betting shops in England will reopen April 12 as part of the second stage of recovery from Covid-19, with adult gaming centers, bingo halls and casinos back in business May 17.
The industry employs 44,000 people and is important to the economy, said the U.K. Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).
“As the vaccine roll-out continues and the country begins to emerge from lockdown, it is important that businesses are able to plan effectively for reopening,” said BGC head Michael Dugher. “Ministers must be clear from the outset what the next few months will look like, and there should be a consistent approach across the sectors.”
Johnson said all phases of the gradual reopening will depend on data about the spread of the coronavirus; there will be at least five weeks between each step. All gambling venues were shuttered on January 5.
Casinos are eager to help Britain get back on its feet, with best-in-class anti-Covid measures to protect customers and staff, Dugher said.
“The night-time economy has taken a hammering during the pandemic and draconian restrictions made a difficult situation more desperate for many businesses. The curfew didn’t work last summer, and it won’t work now,” he said.
In related news, the trade group supports a move to hold off on running the Grand National until after betting shops reopen. The race is set for April 10, and proponents want to move it back a week.
“Delaying the Grand National until betting shops are open is definitely an idea worth exploring,” Dugher said. “I appreciate that this is not without its challenges, but we are willing to do all we can to help iron out any difficulties. This would also provide a much-needed and timely boost for racing and the high street after such a torrid year for both.”
The Grand National, perhaps the busiest day for bookies, could bring in an estimated £125 million (US$175 million) in bets. Wagering on the Grand National through betting shops results in about £1 million in levy payments for the horse racing industry.
English Premier League fans will be able to see the sport up close as the lockdown continues to ease. Capacity for the final weekend, set for May 23, will be 25 percent, of 10,000 for a 40,000-seat stadium.
The U.K. Football Association cheered the news. “The FA is absolutely delighted that fans will be allowed back soon. The game is simply not the same without them, and we look forward to the return of full stadia as soon as it is safe and possible.”
