Casino Closures Grossly Unjust, Industry Target
The decision to shut down casinos and other land-based gambling facilities in areas subject to Tier 3 constraints in the UK is grossly unjust and a deliberate attack on the industry, a casino managing director vented his indignation ahead of the proposed sector closures.
Effective Saturday, all betting shops, casinos and adult gambling centres in South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester city had to shutter in an effort to flatten the virus curve, owing to the current collection of limitations placed on the areas.
Senseless Casino Closures
Jonathon Swaine, managing director of Rank Group, Grosvenor, one of the UK's main casino chains, struck out of outrage at the Government's "senseless" attempt to force temporary bans on brick-and-mortar gaming locations.
“At first we thought that the decisions being made were arbitrary but it’s now clear that our casinos are being subjected to an aggressive and needless attack by decision makers who clearly understand nothing of just how safe casinos are and appear determined to damage the land-based betting and gaming industry for the sake of it.”
Jonathon Swaine, Rank Group
Grosvenor Casinos managing director and Mecca Bingo went even further to call the decision an assault on the betting and gaming industry. Gaming outlets tend to be the only one told to close up shop, as pubs are permitted to stay open to sell beer, as long as they still provide food. Swain added:
“It’s a targeted attack on betting and gaming premises, the tens of thousands of employees and customers in this sector and the time has come to call it out for what it is.”
Jonathon Swaine was unable to grasp why the Government forced casinos to close because there was no single shred of proof that casinos would encourage the virus' further dissemination. In comparison, casinos have adopted both health and safety standards for their staff and visitors, and they've pulled the rug under their feet.
Compromise Bid At Casinos Not Enough
Casinos have promised to shutter their bars as alcohol seems like the most possible occurrence to encourage virus spread due to people mingling, but are nevertheless forced to shut down operations altogether. Mecca Bingo at least will remain available, a Rank Group representative has confirmed.
The tougher limitations under Tier 3 were enforced on Saturday and will not be lifted for at least 28 days, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick told the public last week. The casino closures put a large amount of jobs at risk, funded by the sector, which is now paying the Exchequer up to 50% tax rates.
