UK bookmakers to reopen on 15 June as part of phased easing of lockdown

The UK government has said betting shops can reopen from 15 June as part of plans aimed at gradually ending the Covid-19 lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the reopening of non-essential retail businesses during yesterday’s coronavirus daily briefing.

The industry had been expected to reopen on 4 July, under the third phase of the government’s plan, however betting shops and arcades were included in the list of businesses permitted to open their doors again.

It is understood access to these premises will be heavily restricted, with all employees expected to wear face masks and strict social distancing measures in place.

Bookmakers will also be required to install screens to separate staff from customers while staff will frequently clean surfaces.

The reopening will coincide with Royal Ascot, which takes place from 16-20 June, albeit this year behind closed doors.

Betting and Gaming Council CEO Michael Dugher welcomed the move, citing good cooperation with the government’s department for business, energy and industrial strategy (BEIS) during the lockdown period.

Latest guidance published. Thank you in particular to @beisgovuk for consulting with the BGC and with our CEO @MichaelDugher – representing several thousand retail betting shops and nearly 50,000 staff. https://t.co/fq5Pq8pIlF

— Betting and Gaming Council (@BetGameCouncil) May 25, 2020

Elsewhere, the Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) has agreed a deal to reopen 755 of Ireland’s 814 retail betting shops from 29 June, following the relaxation of Irish lockdown restrictions.

Irish horseracing resumes on 8 June behind closed doors, with Naas racecourse to play host to the first racing festival since Ireland’s lockdown began in March.

However, this summer’s biggest racing event for Irish bookies, the Irish Derby, will be run before the retail re-openings come into effect.