BETTING shops and bookies will be reopening from Monday.
But they will be able to open again from June 15, just as long as they're "COVID secure".
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It is great news for those who like a flutter as Royal Ascot is due to go ahead the following day, June 16 – albeit behind closed doors.
After more than two months of no sporting events to bet on, horse racing returned on Monday with the first races being held in Newcastle.
Premier League clubs have also agreed to return to the pitch on June 17, kicking off with Man City vs Arsenal.
Boris Johnson has said that the country "will bounce back" as he announced the revival of the High Street following almost three months of lockdown.
Here's everything you need to know about betting shops when they're allowed to reopen again:
Will I have to social distance at the betting shop?
After three months of being closed, bookies will be able to reopen from mid-June as long as they are following Government guidelines to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Before being allowed to welcome back customers, shops will have to complete a risk assessment as well as consult with workers and trade union representatives to ensure the business can operate safely.
Bosses will need to make sure that branches are cleaned regularly and are encouraged to place protective coverings on items that are regularly touched by the public.
What are the signs of a gambling addiction?
THE signs of a gambling problem are often the same as the signs of other addictions. Common signs of addiction include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Feeling the need to be secretive about gambling,
- Having trouble controlling gambling habits,
- Gambling when you cannot afford to,
- Your friends and family express concern about your gambling.
As with any other addiction, the hallmark sign of a gambling problem is that you feel you cannot stop.
If you feel like you need to try just one more time, or if you feel anxious when you think about quitting, it is highly likely you are suffering from a gambling addiction.
Excessive gambling often causes a multitude of emotional symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
Customers will have to social distance in branches.
Stores may mange this by limiting the number of people allowed into the betting shops at any one time and place markers on the floor to help customers stay two metres apart.
We've asked Ladbrokes Coral, William Hill, Paddy Power and Betfred how they're planning to change the stores to make them safe for customers to use.
This is what Ladbrokes Coral will look like.
Can I still bet online?
Gamers can still bet online during the coronavirus lockdown via their favoured bookies' websites.
Online casino and bingo halls have also been able to continue operating like normal.
In fact, one lucky salesman won £400,000 on online casinos after getting bored during lockdown.
But remember gambling isn't without its risks – there's no guarantee you'll win and a high chance that you'll lose cash.
If you think you have a gambling problem there are plenty of places you can turn to for help, including GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous UK.
When will casinos reopen?
Reopening casinos is part of phase three of the Government's three-step roadmap to easing lockdown.
This isn't set to start until July 4, although it could be pushed back if there is a sign that the virus is approaching a second peak.
Stringent hygiene and social distancing measures will be put in place at all casinos to ensure the safety of staff and customers alike.
What help is available for gambling addictions?
THERE'S evidence that gambling can be successfully treated in the same way as other addictions.
Cognitive behavioural therapy usually has the best results, but there are a number of treatment and support groups available for people who want to stop gambling:
- GamCare offers free information, support and counselling for problem gamblers in the UK. It runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and also offers face-to-face counselling.
- If you live in England or Wales, are aged 16 or over and have complex problems related to gambling, you can refer yourself to the NHS’ National Problem Gambling Clinic for problem gamblers.
- The Gordon Moody Association offers residential courses for men and women who have problems with gambling – email [email protected] or call 01384 241292 to find out more. It also runs the Gambling Therapy website, which offers online support to problem gamblers and their friends and family.
- Gamblers Anonymous UK runs local support groups that use the same 12-step approach to recovery from addiction as Alcoholics Anonymous. There are also GamAnon support groups for friends and family
This will include customers using hand sanitisers before entering the casino, as well as when joining and leaving a gaming table.
Entry to casinos will also be limited to one person at a time, with two-metre social distancing enforced in any queues outside.
The number of people allowed to sit at a table will be limited to reduce the risk of infection, while face coverings will be made available to customers on request.
Floor layouts will also be redesigned to ensure social distancing at all times, gaming machines will be cleaned after each play session and ATMs will be sanitised at least once an hour.
Michael Dugher, the Betting and Gambling Council's chief executive, said: "Even though they will be ready to open their doors on 4 July, casinos will still be forced to operate at a reduced capacity for some time to come because of the need to maintain social distancing.
"We would urge the Chancellor to keep being flexible and continue providing support as the country emerges from the pandemic."
A ban on using credit cards to place bets came into force in April to help stop players getting into debt.
The ban is part of the watchdog's "ongoing work" to reduce gambling harm, following a concerns raised by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Shops also suspend sale of scratch cards to protect staff during the coronavirus pandemic.
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