Scottish government lifts restrictions on betting shops from July 22

High street bookmakers in Scotland have received good news from the Scottish government after an agreement was reached to lift a number of restrictions on betting shops.

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) welcomed the move, having warned that the future of 900 betting shops and 4,500 staff was in jeopardy due to the measures.

Betting shops in Scotland had been allowed to reopen their doors on June 29 for the first time since the Covid-19 lockdown.

However, unlike the rest of the United Kingdom, the shops were ordered to remove all their chairs, switch off their gaming machines and not show any live racing on television.

As a result turnover in some Scottish betting shops slumped by 95 per cent as customers either stayed away or even crossed the border to England to place bets, the BGC claimed.

The BGC said the Scottish government restrictions would no longer apply from July 22, although betting shops will still have to follow strict anti-Covid measures such as hand sanitisers, screens and social distancing rules.

BGC chief executive Michael Dugher said: "This is great news for Scotland's 900 betting shops and the 4,500 hardworking staff that they employ.

"We have always said that the extra restrictions imposed on Scottish betting shops were unnecessary. We are delighted that the Scottish government has listened and responded.

"Betting shops in Scotland can now look forward to playing their part in helping to kick-start the economy, supporting Scottish racing and providing a safe environment for customers who enjoy a flutter."

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