Scotland Plays Second Fiddle To The Newly Opened UK Betting Sector

In a Press Release shared by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) John Heaton, chairman of Scotbet, Scotland’s largest chain of independent bookmaker, bemoaned what he feels is the ill-treatment of their betting sector.

Heaton is upfront about his initial support of the temporary betting shops closure, as it was the most practical way to ensure the health and safety of both their staff and customers.

However, since the UK received the green light to reopen two weeks ago, he has noticed a clear bias in their favour, especially when you consider the requirements placed on Scottish shops.

“Nearly two weeks ago, betting shops in England opened their doors for the first time since March. Rightly, they did so with strict measures in place to ensure the safety of their staff and customers. These included sneeze screens at the till, hand sanitisers and clear markings reinforcing the need for social distancing. Gaming machines less than two metres apart are separated by dividing screens, thereby preventing any customers from coming into contact.”

He praised the UK implementation of these safety measures noting that they did not seem to detract from the punter enjoyment of having a flutter, whereas he feels the Scottish requirements show nothing but deep-seated contempt.

✓ Not So Quick Scotland

The initial expectation was that the same requirements would be placed on Scotlands betting shops allowing them to protect all parties concerned while reopening a business sector that employees more than 4500 people across 900 locations.

Sadly, this was not the case, for reasons which have not been clarified Scottish betting shops need to meet all the standard health requirements of sneeze screens, limited occupancy and increased sanitisation while also:

• Removing all seating to discourage relaxation and form checking
• Removing all televisions to discourage gathering to watch sporting events
• Switch off all gaming machines, which accept bets thereby encouraging social distancing

Rather than taking a break to place a bet and regain a sense of normalcy Scottish punters will be told to place their bets and go.

BGC Chief executive Michael Dugher commented on this scenario saying:

“It’s ludicrous that a punter can watch live coverage of a Scottish horse race in a betting shop in Carlisle, but not a few miles over the border in Gretna.”

It’s not just the betting sector that is being treated as less important by the UK everything from retail to tourism has been deprioritised in favour of opening the equivalent UK market sector first.