Hope for UK operators and racecourses as lockdown roadmap is revealed

There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for the UK gambling industry after Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a four-step plan to guide the nation out of coronavirus lockdown.

Betting shops, racecourses and sports stadiums have all been financially bludgeoned by the pandemic, with fresh restrictions implemented in early January still in place.

Non-essential retail, leisure and entertainment facilities remain closed, along with sporting venues, leaving the industry in limbo.

However, the prime minister’s four-step roadmap should provide some positivity in the coming months if all goes according to plan.

Step Two, which will come into effect no earlier than 12 April, will see the reopening of non-essential retail, giving a welcome boost to bookmakers up and down the country.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, talks are set to take place between operators, the British Horseracing Authority and the Jockey Club to push the date of the Grand National back from 10 April to 12 April to coincide with Step Two and provide a timely financial boost for the industry.

Step Three, which will come into effect no earlier than 17 May, will allow for the return of spectators to racecourses and stadia.

Indoor venues will be allowed 1,000 spectators or half capacity, depending on which is lower. Outdoor venues will be allowed 4,000 spectators or half capacity on the same basis.

Larger outdoor venues such as football stadiums and racecourses will have a limit of 10,000 people or a quarter capacity, whichever is lower.

The BHA said it welcomed the government’s announcement and would work with stakeholders to plan the return of spectators.

The BHA said: “On behalf of British racing and all those who work in our industry, we very much welcome the government’s announcement [on 22 February] of a roadmap for the removal of the current Covid restrictions.

“We have further discussions with officials scheduled which will enable us to draw up specific proposals for race meetings, including potential pilot events.

“Whilst the publication of dates is a very positive sign, the absence of spectators from our big events is continuing to put a strain on racing’s revenues. This has been exacerbated by the closure of betting shops. Our financial discussions with government are ongoing,” the BHA concluded.

Finally, Step Four, which will come into effect no earlier than 21 June, will see the repeal of all coronavirus restrictions and the opening of the last remaining sectors, potentially including casinos, although it is unclear at which step the government will permit their reopening.

Last week, Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) CEO Michael Dugher implored the government to bring the land-based gambling industry in line with other sectors when reopening.

Dugher said: “Betting shops must be allowed to reopen alongside other non-essential retail. It is vital that ministers allow them to play their part in stimulating the high street, along with other non-essential retailers.

“Likewise, casinos are eager to help Britain get back on its feet. Ministers must allow casinos to reopen at the same time as other hospitality businesses including pubs and they must scrap the curfew. It didn’t work last summer and it won’t work now,” he added.

Dugher’s wish for the removal of the 10pm curfew on entertainment venues has been granted, with no such restrictions set to be put in place by the government during the roadmap.

Elsewhere, Helen Dickinson, British Retail Consortium CEO, said: “We welcome the additional clarity provided by the prime minister. While we are encouraged by a plan for non-essential stores to reopen, the heavy impact of the pandemic means some may never be able to.

“The cost of lost sales to non-food stores during lockdown is now over £22bn and counting. Every day that a shop remains closed increases the chances that it will never open again, costing jobs and damaging local communities,” she added.