Numerous casinos in the UK shut down again.
A week ago, the UK government launched a new three-level system that categorizes regions as medium, high, or extremely high risk areas in terms of Covid-19 cases. This has led to the shutdown once more of numerous casinos in Northern England and Scotland, which are already on the verge of collapse. The British Gambling Association BGC (Betting and Gaming Council) is voicing concerns.
Necessary measures by the government
Gambling establishments in the urban areas of Manchester, South Yorkshire, Merseyside, and Lancashire, England, must shut down again due to elevated infection risks. The Scottish Central Belt, comprising cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh, will also remain closed temporarily. The rationale behind this is the adoption of a three-tier virus risk model similar to that of New Zealand, differentiating between regions with medium, high, and extremely high risks.
At the highest level (extremely high risk), all gambling venues must close, and will remain closed until the area is downgraded to at least the second tier. In England, these closures began in Manchester, Merseyside, and Lancashire on October 23rd. South Yorkshire will enforce them today.
In Scotland, the betting shops in the Central Belt have been closed for over 15 days, with the closure period extended by at least a week. A new five-tier warning system will be introduced on November 2, potentially allowing for limited gambling operations.
Due to the sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon (SNP), hinted at new national restrictions arriving in the coming month. Taking these measures now helps prevent more stringent restrictions later on. While they could appear as a step back, they are actually a step forward.
BGC's severe criticism and call for additional support
The British Gambling Association has strongly condemned these measures and demands more assistance from politicians. The closure in Greater Manchester could lead to a tax loss of up to £54 million. This shutdown would also negatively affect horse racing, as bets account for significant tax income for the sport, which is already experiencing a lack of spectators due to Covid-19.
Regarding the South Yorkshire betting shops, employment and taxes are likewise affected. These closed thousands of jobs, while bringing in a tax sum of £24 million annually, and generating additional revenue from media rights and horse racing with £6 million.
Three Covid-safe casinos in the region would also employ 270 people and contribute a tax amount of £11.2 million.
The BGC has been vocal about the casino closures for months, fearing not only considerable tax losses but also large-scale dismissals such as those at Genting UK. In August, casinos were among the last leisure facilities allowed to reopen in the UK. However, they had to do so with major limitations to gaming operations. A 10 pm curfew was introduced in mid-September, making the situation more challenging. Now, these new shutdowns could mean the end of many operators, who were already struggling.
Letter to Alok Sharma, Minister of Economics
To address this, BGC CEO Michael Dugher wrote a letter to UK Business Minister Alok Sharma (Conservative Party) earlier this week. He urged him to refrain from arbitrary and disproportionate closures. Duchar advocated for a rethink: casinos and betting shops must be excluded from the third risk level, as there is limited evidence linking them to Covid spread.
Dugher referred to SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies), the scientific advisory body currently advising the UK government. Analyses demonstrate minimal impact on virus increase from these establishments on main roads. Stables and stores nearby, however, remain open.
Betting shops, which are typically on high streets, are unfairly targeted, according to the BGC boss. Ideally, these establishments should be exempt from third risk level closures. The drastic measures appear uninformed and counterproductive, implying an anti-gambling bias from the government. The closing of these venues will heavily impact the businesses and employees.
Safer gaming environments than ever before
Dugher explained that the gaming settings in casinos, betting shops, and gaming halls have been safer than ever since their initial reopening in August. The security measures go further than those in supermarkets and other stores. Therefore, risk level two managers have been contacted and asked to advocate against enforced closures.
The betting industry employs 6,700 shops with nearly 40,000 employees, mostly women. While the government shares the sentiment about curbing virus spread, these closures won't help. Rather, they imperil an industry needed to revitalize the economy. The government has yet to respond to BGC's statement.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
