The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced the government’s Budget for 2021, which includes grants of up to £6000 that can be claimed by non-essential retail businesses – including UK betting shops. This move has been applauded by many, including the Betting and Gaming Council.
The BGC had previously called on Sunak to introduce some measure that would help to protect UK betting shops and other gambling establishments through a five-point plan.
Further grants of up to £18,000 can be claimed for venues that will be opening later. This means that other gaming establishments such as casinos may be able to claim them.
Sunak has also announced extensions to the job retention scheme for furloughed employees, plus an extension to the business rates relief.
Michael Dugher, chief executive of BGC, said of the new measures: “The extension of the furlough scheme and new grants for businesses are strongly welcomed by the tens of thousands of people who work in high street betting and land-based casinos.
“Without the continued support from the Chancellor, many of these businesses would have struggled to survive.
“The decision to extend the business rates relief will be welcomed by many of our member companies who have not been able to open properly for nearly a year now.”
UK casinos and gambling businesses will hopefully be able to use these new measures in the budget to aid themselves as the economy begins to open once more.
