The lockdown will end on Wednesday, December 2, when the tier system will come into place immediately after. Local areas will be divided into tiers based on their risk, with the highest risk areas falling into Tier 3. Several areas, including Kent, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield and Chesterfield have all fallen into Tier 3 and will face the most stringent measures.
Are betting shops open in Tier 3?
Tier 3 areas will see non-essential shops reopen along with the rest of the country in Tier 3.
This includes gambling shops, which will also be allowed to reopen to customers when the lockdown comes to an end.
The news to enable betting shops to continue operating comes as good news to those in the industry.
Workers all over the country have experienced hard times this year as unemployment has risen and dozens of companies announce their bankruptcy.
READ MORE: Can I go to a restaurant in Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3?
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has welcomed the Government’s decision to let betting shops open.
BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher said: “This is great news for our customers in communities across large parts of England and for the thousands of people employed in high street betting shops.
“I know how hard in particular the DCMS battled for their sectors and ministers deserve our sincere thanks.
“On top of the stringent anti-Covid measures betting shops already adhere to, our members have agreed to further restrictions to limit any chance of Covid being transmitted in their premises.”
Betting shops are a vital aspect to the UK economy, and bring a big boost to Britain’s finances.
The stores bring a total of £3.2billion to Britain’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and support 100,000 jobs in England alone.
In addition, betting shops pay a huge £1billion in taxes to the Government every year and have invested about £2billion in local economies over the last ten years.
The betting industry provides a service to 8million Brits every year, with an estimated 1.5billion bets being placed every year.
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“So it remains extremely disappointing that they are still being ordered to close in Tier 3 areas.
“We do welcome the decision to extend the hospitality curfew by an hour to 11pm, but we will continue to make the case that casinos are uniquely exposed to any curfew and we will press for their fill and safe reopening in all parts of the country.”
The BGC also backed the Government’s plan to let limited numbers of spectators watch live sport in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas.
Mr Dugher added: “It’s great that some crowds will be allowed back to watch live sport in Tiers 1 and 2.
“The ban has been devastating for sports like horse racing and football, so this sensible step comes at just the right time.”
If you are not able to access your regular betting shop, online betting is the way to go. An online handicapper like Doc’s can also help you to make informed betting decisions and maximise your odds of winning.