Michael Dugher, chief executive for the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has said the reopening of Scottish Betting Shops is ‘another step towards normality.’
Open Again
After the latest lockdown restrictions lifted in the UK, 750 Scottish Betting shops have only now re-opened their doors two weeks after the UK restrictions lifted.Betting shops followed strict guidelines after the previous lockdowns, with betting shop operators implementing a number of safety measures to ensure returning customers were safe while using the facilities including perspex screens and hand sanitisers. Customers will not be permitted to play on gaming machines inside the premises and the volume of TV screens turned down. Customers will also be asked to supply contact details for the track and trace system.The betting industry in Scotland currently employs more than 4,000 staff members and contributes £80 million per year in tax to the Treasury and £6 million in business rates.Mr. Dugher said, “Following the safe reopening of betting shops in England and Wales 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.”
No Betting Machines
Although betting shops are now open the restrictions between Scotland and England and Wales do differ slightly. Betting machines inside the shops will be switched off, whereas in England and Wales they are permitted to only two customers operating the machines.John Heaton Chairman of Scotbet, the independent betting chain is not happy regarding the new rules implemented on Scottish betting shops. At the moment they have no machines which mean a loss as they reopen. He also disclosed his views on the lack of support bookmakers in Scotland had received. High street shops and arcades had two years free rates where Mr. Heaton’s chain of betting shops had to pay full rates even though they have been closed for the best part of a year. “I just don’t understand how this can be fair.”