'Hammer blow' as Welsh government refuses to give rates relief to betting shops

The Welsh government has confirmed betting shops and casinos will not receive business rates relief to help them cope with the impact of Covid-19, a decision which has been met with dismay by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

BGC chief executive Michael Dugher had written to Welsh finance minister Rebecca Evans warning her more than 2,000 jobs in the country were at risk unless they were handed the same lifeline which does apply in England.

Wales has more than 300 betting shops, plus four casinos, employing more than 2,000 people in total.