The British gambling industry is pleased with the proposed removal of many of the remaining coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions in England later this month.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) have expressed their support for the plan to lift many remaining coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions in England later this month.
The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, declared yesterday (July 5) that nearly all Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines will be lifted on July 19, as the UK enters the fourth phase of its roadmap out of lockdown.
In England, measures such as the requirement to wear face coverings in certain settings and those related to social distancing will be eliminated, but will remain in effect in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Scottish government has stated that it intends to maintain current regulations until at least August 9, while Wales and Northern Ireland will review restrictions on July 8 and July 15 respectively.
“We are moving forward with our roadmap cautiously, thanks to the successful implementation of our vaccination program,” Johnson said. “However, it is important to emphasize that the pandemic is not over, and cases will continue to increase in the coming weeks.
“As we begin to learn to live with this virus, we must continue to manage the risks posed by Covid-19 carefully and make informed decisions in our lives.”
The United Kingdom is relaxing its COVID-19 limitations, and racetracks will be allowed to admit full crowds for the first time since March 2020. Spectators will no longer be required to wear face coverings or keep a safe distance from others.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) expressed delight at the announcement, with Chair Annamarie Phelps calling it a “major boost” for the racing business, which draws in nearly 6 million enthusiasts to races annually.
Phelps remarked: “Everyone in our sector has been eagerly anticipating this news for the past 13 months and has demonstrated remarkable patience and effort in keeping racing operational securely during this period.”
“Monday, July 19th will be a significant day for all athletic events, and particularly for British racing.”
However, Phelps also recognized that some limitations and safeguards may need to remain in place to ensure the safety of viewers and personnel during events.
Phelps stated: “We are presently collaborating with our industry partners to consider how this will apply to horseracing and how our race days will function from July 19th onwards, and we anticipate further clarification from the government.”
“We also look forward to spectators being able to return to sporting events in Scotland and Wales in larger numbers in the near future and will continue to actively engage with local governments on this matter.”
Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, also welcomed the announcement, stating that the easing of regulations would provide a much-needed boost to the economy.
This is fantastic news for hotels and gambling establishments, as they’ve been shut down for an extended period and have had to adhere to stringent regulations. The casinos have invested heavily in safety precautions during the health crisis and will continue to prioritize the well-being of their patrons and staff.
The government ought to streamline travel procedures to bolster the tourism sector. This would aid in the recovery of UK casinos. London’s gambling venues alone contribute a substantial £120 million to the city’s tourism economy.