The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has welcomed the UK Government’s move to cut VAT in the hospitality and tourism sector.

Businesses in the sector, including casinos, will benefit from chancellor Rishi Sunak’s decision to cut VAT from 20% to 5%, from 15 July until 12 January 2021.

Firms will also earn £1,000 ($1,259) for every staff member kept on for three months, when the furlough scheme ends in October.

While the BGC was pleased with the announcements, it added casinos are “standing by” to aid the UK’s economic recovery, provided they can reopen their doors later in July. In late June, casinos were left off the list of businesses that could open from 4 July.

But BGC CEO Michael Dugher has reiterated that casinos are ready and waiting, with COVID-19 prevention measures having already been implemented in venues.

Dugher said: “The Chancellor’s decision to cut VAT for the hospitality and tourism sectors for the next six months will potentially be an enormous boost for bingo halls and casinos.

“However, to take advantage of this new policy, casinos must be given the green light to reopen as quickly as possible in July. They can reopen safely and it’s time now to let them do so.”