From 14 October, Merseyside gaming venues such as casinos, adult gaming centres, and betting shops are to shut. This follows new measures from the UK government to slow the spread of COVID-19.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the introduction of a 3-tier system on October 12. These three tiers will split regions into medium, high, and very high-risk categories, each with their own measures. During the announcement in the House of Commons, Johnson said such changes were necessary as positive COVID-19 cases are rising faster in some areas than others.
Merseyside is the first region to be classed as “very high”. All venues such as casinos and betting shops, in addition to bars and pubs are to be closed.
Speaking during his address to the Commons, Johnson said: “This is not how we want to live our lives, but this is the narrow path we must tread between the social and economic trauma of a full lockdown and the massive human and economic cost of an uncontained epidemic.”
He also warned that a high rate of positive cases in other parts of the UK could lead to similar closures in these regions.
English gambling venues are already subject to a 10 PM curfew. Casinos have only been permitted to be open from 15 August, with betting shops and bingo halls opening in months previous.
The BGC has warned against further closures, arguing that they will put jobs at risks. The closure of Merseyside gaming venues might not be the only ones we see if cases continue to rise.
