Betting Outlets Welcome Players Again

Thirteen weeks after the UK was forced into the third phase of the coronavirus lockdown, the second phase of the "roadmap out of lockdown" has finally arrived, according to which betting shops, casinos, bingo halls and adult gaming centers will be able to reopen their doors. Notably, the first phase of the reopening of society began March 8, 2021. According to Johnson, the decision to move into any phase of reopening will be based on current data on the spread of coronavirus infection. The situation is likely to improve, as the Prime Minister has big plans to lift most social restrictions by June 21, which will allow British residents to enjoy not only gambling activities, but also to visit gyms, pubs and other places.

Despite the long-awaited opening, land-based gambling venues will be able to operate within many serious limitations. Firstly, betting venues will not be able to accept more than eight players at a time. Secondly, they are forbidden to broadcast sports and cybersports competitions and even display photos of sports teams. Thirdly, gambling venues can only install a few slot machines in their halls, turning them off after 8 p.m. In addition, the same person will be able to visit gambling and betting venues no more than twice a day. Despite all these restrictions, Howard Chisholm, managing director of Chisholm Bookmakers Limited, is very optimistic about the future, dreaming of reopening all of his 35 betting outlets scattered across the North East of England. The reopening of the betting shops will breathe new life into British horseracing. In addition, betting store workers will once again be able to return to their daily business to earn a living.

Recall that all gambling and betting establishments in the UK were closed on January 5, 2021, when the third lockdown was launched due to the strong spread of coronavirus infection. The severe restrictions, along with the curfew, have severely damaged the country's economy and made the situation very dire for most businesses. However, betting establishments that opened last summer during one of the relaxations of the restrictive measures showed that they had first-rate measures against the coronavirus in their arsenal. So, given the volume of vaccinations and the decrease in the spread of the virus, opening betting and gambling establishments now looks like a justified decision.