The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has welcomed official confirmation that casino venues in Scotland will be allowed to resume operations on August 24th. The announcement was made by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the time she revealed further relaxation of coronavirus lockdown measures in the country.
Scottish casinos have been shut since March as part of the UK Government’s effort to tackle the further spread of the Covid-19 infection. The reopening of casinos in Scotland follows several pleas for more clarity on the issue for the 11 casinos’ workers. Currently, approximately 800 people are employed in the venues.
The country’s Government and local gambling operators have joined efforts to make sure casino premises are now safe to reopen for both staff and customers. Measures that are required to be implemented by the gambling establishments include strict social distancing rules, track and trace regimes, Perspex screens, and hand sanitisation stations around the casinos.
Michael Dugher, Chief Executive Officer of the BGC, praised the Scottish Government for listening to business and providing them with the chance to resume operations. He further noted that Ministers should remain engaged with the local gambling sector in order to make sure that existing restrictions are practical and necessary.
While Scotland Makes a Move on Casino Reopening, Welsh Government Remains Silent
The announcement follows the reopening of casino venues in England, with them resuming operation on August 15th. As BGC’s CEO shared, Scottish casino workers could now return to their jobs and support the recovery of the UK economy following the major hit it took during the coronavirus crisis.
Mr Dugher also called on the Welsh Government to follow suit and take England and Scotland’s example by giving the green light to its casino venues to open their doors. Previously, the Governments of both Scotland and Wales have faced criticism for not making a move to ease the lockdown measures on some entertainment venues, including casino establishments.
As announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, casinos, bingo halls and amusement arcades will be allowed to reopen as of August 24th. Apart from that, the Welsh Government is to also allow some outdoor live events to take place, and people will be able to resume organised outdoor contact sports. Indoor sports courts, gyms and swimming pools across Wales would be able to resume operation on August 31st after the Government brought the original reopening date forward by two weeks.
Of course, all of the aforementioned establishments would be required to implement strict anti-Covid-19 measures to make sure that both staff members and visitors are well protected against the coronavirus infection.
Currently, about 14,000 people are employed in the 125 casinos across the country. The UK Treasury receives casino tax revenue of £300 million on an annual basis.
- Author
Olivia Cole
