Nearly 200 betting shops to close in Lancashire in 'hugely disappointing' move

The gambling sector suffered another major blow on Friday with news that Lancashire would move into Tier 3 of England's lockdown system, with the closure of nearly 200 betting shops from Monday.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed the news following a sharp increase in coronavirus cases in the region.

William Hill will be forced to close 56 betting shops in Lancashire, more than Betfred (49) and Ladbrokes-Coral (38). Among others, it is estimated 20 independent shops and five run by Paddy Power will also shut down.

The Betting and Gaming Council say the betting shops affected pay £24 million a year in tax plus £6.6m to horseracing through levy and media rights payments. Along with three casinos they employ around 1,100 in Lancashire.

On Monday, the Liverpool City region became the first in the UK to be placed into Tier 3, leading to the closure of 400 betting shops, which was heavily criticised by the Betting and Gaming Council.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of BGC, said: "It is hugely disappointing that as they are starting to get back on their feet again, those venues in Merseyside and Lancashire have had the rug pulled from under them by the prime minister.

"Given the inconsistencies between the approaches in Liverpool and Lancashire when it comes to gyms and leisure centres, it gives the impression that ministers don't care about jobs in betting shops and casinos.

Michael Dugher: BGC chief has strongly criticised government's action against betting shops

"The simple fact is that there is no evidence that closing betting shops and casinos will slow the spread of Covid-19 and any impact from their closure will be negligible. They have followed the public health guidance to the letter, and in many cases have gone above and beyond what is required of them.

"It means that 3,400 hardworking employees in Merseyside and Lancashire will have to stay at home instead of generating the tax revenue that the Treasury so desperately needs.

"Horseracing, which receives millions of pounds every year from betting shops, will also see its revenue fall further at a time when it is already suffering because of the ban on spectators. It is therefore time for the government to rethink the path it is now on."

Defending the move, health secretary Matt Hancock said: "An unrelenting rise in cases in Lancashire means we must act now, and we have worked intensively with local leaders to agree on additional restrictions.

"I know how heavy these additional challenges will weigh on everyday life for the people of Lancashire – but they are critical in bringing this virus under control. Without them, we risk the health of your loved ones, your most vulnerable, and your local NHS services."

The government advisory group Sage describes "non-essential" retail as having a relatively low impact on the spread of the coronavirus.

There are around 400 betting shops in the Greater Manchester area, but plans to escalate the lockdown measures in the region to Tier 3 have not yet come to fruition following pressure from local leaders.

Its betting shops contribute £54 million to the Exchequer in tax and £12.5m to racing in the form of levy and media rights payments.

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