England enters third nationwide lockdown

Added: January 7, 2021

England has officially entered its third nationwide lockdown which sees all types of gambling venues forced to close including casinos, bingo halls and betting shops. This decision aims to lessen the spread of COVID-19 and both of the new UK COVID strains that were discovered not long ago.

Aside from the shutting down of the land-based industry, all non-essential retail, restaurants, pubs and indoor venues will be closed as of the 5th of January. Moreover, nurseries, schools, and colleges are set to shut down and switch to online learning. Gyms and both outdoor and indoor sport facilities are also forced to close. Although, unlike the first lockdown, elite sports are allowed to continue this time around only if they follow and implement strict COVID-19 safety measures. Attending sport events is also banned.

England entered its second national lockdown last November, which lasted until the 2nd of December. The move was criticized by both the casino industry and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), who deemed it unnecessarily damaging to the gaming industry.

After the second lockdown ended, a tighter Tier system followed, forcing more gambling venues to close in Tier 4 areas and Tier 3 areas. Such measures were increased during the holidays as the UK government attempted to slow the spread of COVID-19.

UK members Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have all also implemented lockdown rules as of late.

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