Hundreds of bookmakers in Scotland have reopened after a step of easing restrictions authorized by the country’s government. Scottish authorities announced easing measures covering all 11 areas that were at the most restricted level of pandemic containment (Level 4).
According to the government’s announcement, the reduction in restrictive rules took effect last Friday, December 11. This means that non-essential retail establishments, such as bookmakers, have been allowed to reopen in these regions.
The resumption of activities is excellent news for some 400 betting shops – half of Scotland’s total – that were forced to close in November.
Rates of new coronavirus cases in the areas, which include Glasgow City, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, West Lothian and Stirling, have dropped since the stricter measures took effect.
After bookmakers reopen, casinos want to reopen in Scotland
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) praised the reopening of bookmakers in the country, but asked the Scottish government to also allow casinos to return to level 3 areas.
Casinos in Scotland were closed in mid-March until August 24, but most were forced to close again on October 10, due to stricter restrictions in central Scotland. Subsequently, other locations followed suit in early November.
BGC CEO Michael Dugher said: “It is great news for employees and customers that bookmakers can open their doors again. Businesses have introduced a series of anti-COVID measures, including hand sanitizers and social detachment rules, to make it a safe environment for people to work and place a bet. ”
Dugher continued: “But so are casinos. So, these locations should be able to safely open their doors again. The economic contribution that betting shops – and casinos – make in terms of taxes paid to the Treasury, as well as the jobs they provide, will be vital as the UK seeks to recover from the impact of the pandemic ”.
