Casinos and bingo halls, along with adult gaming entertainment centers, have been closed throughout the UK due to the third national lockdown. This lockdown was announced in January in England, with Scotland and Wales following suit.
Despite concerns over a new Indian variant of Covid-19 causing an increase in cases, the government has decided to proceed with its phased reopening plan. Restaurants, bars, cinemas, hotels, theaters, museums, and sports stadiums will also reopen alongside casinos and bingo halls.
While casinos will need to follow certain regulations, such as mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing, capacity limits will remain in effect. In Scotland, casinos will have to close at 10:30 pm every day and can’t serve alcohol. Casinos in Glasgow will stay closed due to a recent spike in Covid-19 cases.
This move to phase three of the reopening roadmap follows the reopening of betting shops in England and other non-essential retail last month. Shops in Scotland and Wales also reopened soon after.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), a British industry group, has welcomed the reopening of all remaining gambling venues. BGC’s chief executive, Michael Dugher, sees it as a positive boost for customers, staff, and the UK economy. Betting shop restrictions, such as banning live sport on televisions, will also be lifted, although customers will still need to wear masks and social distance.
“I am also delighted that the restrictions imposed on betting shops are being lifted,” said Dugher, commending their safe reopening in April as a success.
