Gaming and betting shops included in UK Covid-19 rates holiday

Gambling industry group the Betting and Gaming Council, which represents 90 per cent of the UK’s gaming companies, praised the Johnson administration after it said gambling premises would receive a business rates holiday amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The BGC had previously called for the inclusion of gaming premises in the scheme following the government’s announcement of the rate holiday to support businesses in the difficult period.

Without the ability to generate revenue, the BGC had said that the majority of employment in the betting and gaming industry – around 64,000 jobs – was at risk.

Michael Dugher, BGC chief executive, said: “The government is clearly working night and day to beat the virus and to ensure that jobs and businesses throughout our country are protected.

On top of the help on employment, extending help on business rates to all businesses that have had to shut down is another much-needed shot in the arm that will help to protect tens of thousands of jobs.

“On behalf of those workers in our companies, I’d like to thank the Treasury and cross-party MPs for this and to pay tribute in particular to the DCMS, including our outstanding Minister, Nigel Huddleston, for all their support.

“Our industry will in turn do its absolute upmost to help with the fight against the virus and play our part in this historic national effort, including offering up staff and premises to help.

“Although gambling has fallen markedly with betting shops and casinos closing, and with the lack of sport which accounts for a big chunk of online betting too, we are also stepping up our safer gambling measures at this time.”