The Betting and Gaming Council have urged the UK Government to do more to help the gambling sector after taking a hard hit during the coronavirus pandemic.
Footfall Down
Brigid Simmons head of the BGC insists high street outlets, bricks and mortar venues and bookmakers need more help in the recovery process. Despite the fact land based venues and betting shops are now open, Ms Simmonds explained the gambling sector needs help as the footfall in these retail gambling venues is at a quarter to what it was before the pandemic.With a UK recession imminent it’s more important than ever to have the backing of the government, insisting they do everything they can to protect high-street gambling which are important to local communities and pay a huge contribution to the treasury in taxes. Communities and local government select committees have been looking at providing support to high street operators.
Vital Contributions To The UK Treasury
The doors were closed for three months during lockdown to steady the spread of the coronavirus, which had a huge impact on operators. The industry currently employs around 40,000 people, and before the pandemic, customers visiting retail outlets did so at least once a week. It’s imperative the government support these outlets within the gambling industry as they contribute such a huge amount of revenue to the Treasury.Although gambling outlets re-opened in the UK on the 15th August they have not seen a full capacity, and are solely relying on domestic customers as entertaining international customers is not an option right now with travel restrictions imposed. Betting Shops and Casinos makes vital contributions to the UK economy, and their needs must be at the forefront of the economic recovery.