United Kingdom extends aid to the gaming sector until September

BGC has explained that, since the beginning of the year, all betting shops and casinos have been required to close without the ability to generate any revenue. The BGC said that even with partial relaxation of restrictions - not expected until 12 April at the earliest for betting shops and 17 May for casinos - many retail, leisure and hospitality businesses would have struggled without additional longer-term support from the Government. The BGC pressed the Government to safely reopen businesses as quickly as possible, data permitting.

In this regard, BGC recalled that it pressured the government to reopen the companies safely as quickly as possible, if the data allowed.

In addition, BGC has explained that the additional flexibility provided by extending the license until September will help companies get back up and running while maintaining control over their biggest cost, which is staffing.

The decision to extend business rates relief will remove a major financial pressure on businesses that have suffered a significant loss of income during the pandemic.

BGC members in 2020 paid nearly £ 4 billion in taxes, contributed £ 350 million to horse racing and £ 120 million to the UK tourism industry through international visitors and their spend.

Michael Dugher, BGC chief executive said: “The extension of the furlough scheme and new grants for businesses are strongly welcomed by the tens of thousands of people who work in high street betting shops and land-based casinos. Without the continued support from the Chancellor, many of these businesses would have struggled to survive."

On the other hand, it has reiterated the commitment of the industry in the fight against the pandemic, supporting communities and economic recovery.