The industry has confirmed that casinos will abide by “strict anti-COVID standards” to limit any danger to customers and employees.

All casinos in England have been closed since 23 March, but last month the Government confirmed hospitality and leisure facilities could open from 4 July as part of its final phase of easing COVID-19 restrictions.  

The casinos will open with strict hygiene and social distancing measures in place, including hand sanitizer stations and a one person limit to casino entry with two-metre social distancing enforced in queues outside.

The BGC argues that because of a reliance on overseas tourists, the relaxation of social distancing measures will not be enough for some high-end casino operators to return to business.

Travel restrictions still remain in place in the UK, including a 14 day quarantine period for all those entering the region.

Michal Dugher, BGC CEO, commented: “Casinos make a significant contribution to the economy, including through taxation and employment, as part of the leisure, hospitality, entertainment and tourism sectors.

“It is welcome that they are in line to reopen again from 4 July, but the message to government now is that they are ready, willing and able to open safely.”