Final reopening phase

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has announced that England casinos will begin reopening on July 4. The casinos must adhere to strict health and safety standards upon reopening, including social distancing measures and enhanced cleaning.

In May, the UK government announced that hospitality and leisure facilities could resume business operations during the third and final phase of reopening plans as long as they receive approval.

Starting with England casinos

The measures in place will initially apply to England casinos. According to the BGC, customers must use hand sanitizer before they enter the casino as well as when joining or leaving a gaming table. Guests will be required to queue outside before entering a casino, standing two meters (approximately 6.5 feet) apart. Only one person may go in at a time.

Employees must clean gaming machines once a player is done with their session.

Inside, casinos must configure the floor layout for social distancing. It does not appear that customers will be required to wear face coverings, but casinos will furnish one for guests upon request. Employees must clean gaming machines once a player is done with their session. ATMs also need to be cleaned once per hour at minimum.

The BGC requires plexiglass barriers when necessary to help protect staff members and customers. Trained staff members will be available to help customers as they return to the casinos to promote safe gambling.

Working to reopen

BGC chief executive Michael Dugher said that casino operators have been working tirelessly to have every measure in place to ensure the health and safety of everyone on-site when gaming facilities reopen.

the message to government now is that they are ready, willing and able to open safely”

The CEO pointed out that casinos in England have a significant impact on the economy via tax revenues and employment. They have played an important role in the national effort to fight COVID-19 by staying closed since March 20 – three days before the UK’s lockdown began – and by supporting the community with food from their kitchens.

“It is welcome that they are in line to reopen from 4 July,” Dugher said, “but the message to government now is that they are ready, willing and able to open safely.”

The BGC is urging the government to remain flexible in its approach to reopening the hospitality and leisure industry. Though casinos will reopen in a month, they will operate at reduced capacity and will do so for quite some time to help make social distancing easier.