Betting and Gaming Council Forces Welsh Government to Rethink Business Rate Relief

Betting and Gaming Council chief executive Michael Dugher sent a letter to Welsh finance minister Rebecca Evans, urging the Government to rethink its business rate relief. This measure means that certain sectors will have 100 percent business rate relief in recognition of the fact that they have had to close their doors as part of the national effort to deal with the global health problem.

As stated in the letter, the expansion should be reconsidered to include high street betting shops, bingo halls, and casinos to help them cope with the impact of the current crisis. Unless urgent action is taken, more than 2,000 jobs in the country are at risk.

The expansion of the Business Rates Retail Discount was announced last month, and the UK Government announced that it covered betting shops, bingo halls, and casinos. However, unlike in England, the Welsh Government’s version of the policy determines that the expansion does not apply to betting facilities.

Direct Loss of Over 2000 Jobs

Unless the Welsh Government steps in, more than 300 betting shops, plus four casinos, could face financial ruin.

Just to point out…

…other parts of the hospitality, leisure, and entertainment industries have received help, including pubs, restaurants, cinemas, and nightclubs.

In his letter, Mr. Dugher stressed out:

“Without assistance with business rates relief, similar to that offered to other sectors in Wales, including other parts of the hospitality, leisure and entertainment industries, there is a real danger that betting shops and casinos will permanently close leading to the direct loss of over 2000 jobs in Wales.”

Across the whole of the UK…

…the regulated betting industry contributes £3.2bn a year to the Treasury and also contributes £350 million to horse racing and between £120 million and £200 million to UK tourism.

Committed to Driving up Standards

Representing the regulated betting and gaming industry, BGC is committed to improving standards across the entire sector. That’s why the Council urges the Government in Cardiff to act, otherwise, the industry is at risk of suffering a dramatic loss from which it may never recover.

Mr. Dugher added:

“Betting shops, bingo halls and casinos in England were thrown a lifeline when the UK Government announced it was extending its business rates relief scheme to cover their premises as well, recognizing the contribution they make to the economy, to sport and the vital part they are playing in the national effort and in communities to cope with the virus.”

In March…

… when the entire situation already became critical in all parts of the world, BGC urged the UK Government to come up with an emergency plan and provide help to save thousands of jobs in the gambling industry sector.

Source:

“Betting and Gaming Council urges the Welsh Government to protect more than 2,000 jobs”, bettingandgamingcouncil.com, May 6, 2020.