The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the Betting and Gaming Council, celebrated the reopening of betting shops in England and Wales.<\/p>\n\n
Last Monday, around 6,000 betting points resumed operations for the first time since December 2020, when the UK government announced the easing of rules in the midst of the pandemic. Swimming pools, gyms, beauty salons, restaurants and bars with open-air service were also allowed to reopen.<\/p>\n\n
However, some restrictions on bookmakers remain, as there is still no live sports exhibition and the time limit of 15 minutes per customer is in effect. All tables and chairs have also been removed, in addition to other strict measures of social distance.<\/p>\n\n
“It is great news that bookmakers in England and Wales can finally reopen safely, along with the rest of the non-essential retailer,” said BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher.<\/p>\n\n
Dugher pointed out: “It has been three long months for the betting shop team, as well as for their players, and I know that everyone is looking forward to getting back to business safely, thanks to the best measures in place.”<\/p>\n\n
Dugher also highlighted the benefits that the betting industry brings to the UK, \u201cAs the recent EY report showed, UK bookmakers keep 46,000 jobs and paid almost \u00a3 1 billion in taxes to the Treasury in 2020. While our members contributed \u00a3 350 million to horse racing through sponsorships, media rights and betting fees \u201d.<\/p>\n\n
As the industry’s only body, BGC works with its members, large and small, to raise standards, create a safer gaming culture and build public and institutional trust in the betting industry.<\/p>\n\n