The Gambling and Gambling Council (BGC) has called on the British government to offer assurances that casinos will receive support if they are subject to other restrictions related to Covid.
BGC Head Michael Dugher called casinos an “integral part” of the British hospitality industry as he sought reassurance from Westminster that any further steps will be accompanied by an appropriate support package.
“Casinos are an important economic contributor to the UK as well as an integral part of the hospitality industry,” said Dugher.
“After a grueling 18 months, they have started to recover from various impositions, including extended closures and travel bans, but are now understandably concerned that new restrictions during Christmas and the New Year will have a significant impact on their recovery. “.
A big concern with casinos
While a return to closure style restrictions has yet to be mandated, public health experts are advising people to avoid unnecessary contacts and there are fears that hospitality venues could be affected yet again.
This has led to demands for Chancellor Rishi Sunak to implement an economic support package for companies, as he did earlier in the pandemic.
In a statement, the BGC highlighted the contribution of casinos to the British economy, saying that around 11,600 people are employed at the country’s 120 facilities, which pay £600m (US$799m) in taxes and generate £1.2 billion in value gross aggregate.
Dugher concluded: “Casinos, like many others in the hospitality industry, are simply seeking assurances that if the pandemic calls for even stricter restrictions, they will be adequately supported by the government.”
This came after the BGC published a report outlining the gaming industry’s contributions to communities, the economy and sport.
