Bingo halls and Casinos in Scotland given a date for re-opening

Plans for reopening bingo halls and casinos in Scotland have been welcomed by the Betting and Gaming Council as the outcome of allowing the betting shops to be allowed to turn back on their gaming machines in the coming month.The BGC had been urging the Welsh government and the Scottish government to follow the lead on Englands’ decision which will allow their casinos to reopen their premises on Saturday the 1^st of August.The Scottish Government has given a provisional date of the 24^th of August which will be on the conditions of them being able to ensure the strict measures that have been put in place to protect their staff and customers alike.This latest move will see 11 casinos in Scotland with around 800 employees, installing perspex screens, hand sanitisers, making use of the track and trace system and ensuring social distancing rules are adhered to.Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister announced the latest relaxation to the Covid lockdown in a statement to the Scottish ParliamentFirst Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the latest measures in a statement to the Scottish Parliament about the easing of the country’s coronavirus lockdown.There is good news for betting shops in Scotland too, as from the 24^th of August, they will be able to turn on their gaming machines again.Chief Executive of the BGC Michael Dugher commented “We are delighted that casinos and bingo halls in Scotland have finally been given a date to re-open.“They have demonstrated their commitment to ensuring the safety of their staff and customers, and it’s great that this has been recognised by the Scottish Government.“We’re already looking forward to casinos in England opening their doors again this weekend, and I hope that their Welsh colleagues will soon be receiving the same good news. “I’m also very pleased that the Scottish Government has listened to our concerns about betting shops having to switch off their gaming machines. It’s great that they will be back on again from 24 August.”