PM Boris Johnson announced on 4 January that England will enter its third and toughest lockdown since March 2020, forcing the land-based industry to close again

England has entered into its third nationwide lockdown, causing all forms of gambling venue to close such as casinos, bingo halls and betting shops. The move aims to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and the concerning UK COVID variant.

Along with the closure of the land-based industry, all non-essential retail, restaurants and indoor entertainment venues will remain closed as of the 5th January. In addition, nurseries, schools, and colleges are to close and implement virtual learning.

With regard to sports, gyms, outdoor and indoor sport facilities are also forced to shut down. However, unlike the first lockdown, elite sports are allowed to continue given they abide strict COVID-19 safety measures. Attending sport events is also banned.

England had entered its? second national lockdown back in November lasting until 2 December. The move was condemned by both the casino industry and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), deeming it unnecessary and harmful to the gaming industry.

As the second lockdown ended, a tighter Tier system resumed; forcing more gambling venues to close in? Tier 4 areas and Tier 3 areas. Such measure was heightened during the festive period and the UK government tried to halt to spread of COVID-19.?

Aside from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have introduced lockdown rules recently.

With a third nationwide lockdown announced, the question still remains, will the land-based casinos in the UK ever recover? ?

Source: iGaming Business

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