The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the gambling industry trade body, has once again issued a warning that jobs will be put at risk if new casino closures are brought in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. There are also concerns that such closures would not have the effect desired by lawmakers.
This comes after an announcement from UK Chancellor of Exchequer Rishi Sunak. Workers at businesses that are required to close due to the pandemic can claim 67% of their wages for sixth months from 1 November.
Changes on Their Way
While this might be a move that many businesses will celebrate, the BGC is concerned that it will provide little comfort to the thousands currently employed in UK casinos. Though the casino industry has not been a major source of spread of the virus, the BGC feels that these venues will be included in new lockdowns.
The trade body has announced a series of changes to help ensure that that casino venues can stay open. This includes a ban on the sale of alcohol to help show that they do not belong in the same category as pubs or clubs.
Closes have already been implemented north of the border. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that all licensed premises and casinos in several areas across Scotland – including Glasgow and Edinburgh – would be required to close. With this causing a huge blow to the Scottish casino industry, the BGC is keen to not see a repeat of these measures and the introduction of casino closures in England.
