Gambling operators across the UK will be impacted by the new tier 4 measures that were introduced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the weekend. This decision comes as a devastating blow to the industry, but all is not lost.
Betting shops to close indefinitely
As a result of the new tier 4 measures, all non-essential retail (including betting shops) have closed for an indefinite amount of time in England and Wales. Meanwhile, in Scotland and Northern Ireland, betting shops will shut down on December 26th.
The CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, Michael Dugher, said this of the announcement: “We fully support the determination of the UK Government and the devolved administrations to fight the spread of Covid-19 and protect our NHS… we hope to be able to reopen safely once again as soon as possible.”
Despite the bad news for betting shops, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed that horse racing will continue behind closed doors – even in tier 4 areas. The association is currently working with Public Health England and the government to “keep the situation under review.”
Sports betting still a possibility
In their official statement, the BHA said this: “A Government official has confirmed to the BHA that tier 4 is equivalent to the restrictions that applied to elite sports in the second national lockdown in November.”
“Racing will continue behind closed doors in tier four in England – with no spectators and owners subjected to the same restrictions as in November, which limit attendance to a maximum of 45 on the course at any point.”
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) stated they will also continue to operate behind closed doors. As such, consumers will still be able to watch events and participate in sports betting by going online, even in tier 4 areas.
