The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) believes it would be a “big boost” for the racing and betting industries if the Grand National were postponed until bookmakers reopened.
The very traditional event on the UK horse racing calendar is scheduled to take place on April 10, a Saturday, at Aintree Racecourse, two days before bookmakers are allowed to resume their activities in England.
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, presented a four-step plan to ease the restrictions on blocking due to the coronavirus in England. Which would allow the reopening of non-essential retail trade, such as betting shops, on April 12, if conditions are met.
BGC advocates changing the date of the dispute to benefit resumption of bookmakers
The gambling and gambling industry body, BGC, has requested that the Grand National be postponed so that the horse racing and sports betting sectors can take advantage of the benefits of a race that results in £ 125 million played annually, with almost half of the guesses made in street betting shops.
The organization also stressed that, in addition to being the busiest day of the year for bookmakers, having the race aligned with customers returning to stores “would give a great boost to the country’s morale”.
Betting and Gaming Council CEO Michael Dugher commented: “Postponing the Grand National until bookmakers are open is definitely an idea worth considering.”
According to Dugher, “ensuring that bettors once a year can visit their favorite spots to enjoy the most famous horse race in the world, would also help make the Grand National a truly national celebration, as we would start reopening the economy”.
The CEO of BGC further quoted that: “this would also provide a timely boost for the racing industry and bookmakers after such a difficult year.”
