Ministers urged not to discriminate against gambling industry if lockdown eases

The government has been urged to treat bookmakers on a "level playing field" with other businesses in anticipation of prime minister Boris Johnson announcing the timetable for easing Covid restrictions in England and opening up the economy on Monday.

All non-essential retail has been closed since Johnson announced a third lockdown for England in early January, but betting shops were, at times, not treated on the same terms as other non-essential retail last year. Betting shops did reopen in December at the same time as other non-essential retail premises following England's second lockdown.

With the government hitting its target of vaccinating 15 million people by Monday, Johnson is set to announce the government's coronavirus plan next week and proposals are also due from the devolved administrations.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the Betting & Gaming Council, is keen for a "consistent approach". He said: "The past year has been a torrid time for businesses and government support has been a lifeline for many.

Betting shops implemented enhanced restrictions and ant-covid measures when openCredit: Liam McBurney

“As the vaccine rollout continues and the country begins to emerge from lockdown, it is important that businesses are able to plan effectively for reopening. Ministers must be clear from the outset what the next few months will look like and there should be a consistent approach across the sectors.

“Betting shops must be allowed to reopen alongside other non-essential retail. Last summer, when most betting shops were able to open, they showed that they have best-in-class anti-Covid measures compared to any other part of the high street to protect customers and staff. It is vital that ministers allow them to play their part in stimulating the high street, along with other non-essential retailers.

“Likewise, casinos are eager to help Britain get back on its feet. The night-time economy has taken a hammering during the pandemic and draconian restrictions, including the 10pm curfew, have made a difficult situation more desperate for many businesses.

"Ministers must allow casinos to reopen at the same time as other hospitality businesses including pubs and they must scrap the curfew. It didn’t work last summer and it won’t work now."

Around 1,200 betting shops in England remained open before the latest lockdown, representing just under 15 per cent of the total retail estate of 7,630, although they had not been operating normally with limits on how long people spend on site and the absence of live pictures.

Dugher added: “There will be no let-up in our commitment to safety, but we need the economy to open up again. The thousands of people employed in betting shops and casinos deserve nothing less than a level playing field, so that everyone gets the same opportunities to recover.”

The economic blow from the complete closure of betting shops has been estimated to cost racing in the region of £12.5 million per month.

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