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Betting shops in Scotland reopen after four months
Scotland’s betting shops have all reopened after spending 4 months being forced to shut down in order to lessen the spread of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Approximately 750 licenced betting shops will be opening with some other non-essential retail venues after they have all been shut down since the 26th of December. The BGC has stated that these shops employ 4,000 individuals and pay £80 million in tax.
The restrictions do mention however that all gaming machines at the shops will have to stay out of order for the time being. Aside from that, all televisions on these lots will have to be set at lower volumes with all clients supplying their details for the government’s test and trace programme.
Scotland’s betting shop reopening follows on from England and Wales, who reopened two weeks ago.
Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, stated:
“Following the safe re-opening of betting shops in England and Wales earlier this month, Scottish shops getting back to business is another step towards normality and a welcome boost for jobs on the high street in Scotland. It’s great news for their staff and customers, and of course it is an important source of funding for horseracing. As we look forward to a great summer of sport, Scottish punters will once again be able to safely enjoy a flutter on the high street.”
Even though betting shops are now allowed to open again, casinos are still waiting to be able to open. Scotland’s casinos have been permitted to reopen in June, as mentioned by the government, since they can open once the United Kingdom’s virus situation enters into ‘level two’.
Back in March, the BGC stated that the decision to have casinos open later than restaurants and pubs (which will be opening at level three) is “absurd”, when a report emerged from hygiene expert Dr Lisa Acklerley who said there was no scientific reason to delay the reopening.
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