Published
Industry

BGC urges UK government to reopen casinos after latest snub

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has urged UK government ministers to reopen casinos in July, reiterating it is now safe to do so.

BGC

Last week, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new coronavirus lockdown easing measures with the reopening of hospitality venues such as pubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres in England from 4 July, but that casinos would remain closed.

Other areas of the gambling industry have started to reopen, with betting shops resuming operations on 15 June, while bingo halls have been given the go ahead to reopen in July.

The BGC has been particularly vocal about casinos remaining closed, and now CEO Michael Dugher has said it is clear venues have “pulled out all the stops,” after visiting London’s Rialto Casino.

The industry standards body said the snub was despite the 120 UK casinos introducing strict health and safety measures ready to reopen its doors, including ensuring sanitisation of seating and table areas.

Also customers would be limited to play at one table, sanitising their hands before and after, with face coverings available to customers on request.

Dugher added: “We were obviously disappointed by the Government’s decision not to let casinos reopen again on 4 July, but I would urge ministers to look at the anti-Covid measures casinos have introduced, reconsider the decision to keep them closed and let casinos open their doors safely later in July.

“In this time of great economic uncertainty, the contribution that casinos make to the nation’s finances cannot be under-estimated.”

Premium+ Connections
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium Connections
Consultancy
Executive Profiles
Chicken Ranch Casino
The Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association (RGAA)
Catena Media
Gambling Commission
Follow Us
The most prestigious Awards in the industry are heading to the Philippines! The Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific will recognise and reward (as the name suggests) the strongest performers from the Asia-Pacific gaming industry across the previous 12 months.
This year's winners will be announced at a luncheon ceremony on Day 2 of SiGMA Asia, 4th June, in Manila.
The eleventh annual Global Gaming Awards Americas will recognize and reward the gaming industry's strongest performers across the previous 12 months. These are the most prestigious and trusted Awards in the industry and have gained respect amongst industry heavyweights, due to the strict rules and procedures put in place.

Facing Facts: Operator Q3s from across the globe

Gambling Insider compares Q3 2023 results from major gamblin...

Taking Stock: Operators and suppliers across the world

Sticking with our theme of gambling across the globe, Gambli...

CEO Special: Jade Entertainment and Gaming CEO Joe Pisano - down to earth

Jade Entertainment and Gaming CEO Joe Pisano speaks to Gambl...

CEO Special: Betfred CEO Joanne Whittaker - saying it as it is

Betfred CEO Joanne Whittaker joins Gambling Insider Editor T...