When will casinos reopen?
CASINOS will open in May as part of Boris Johnson's plan to unlock country.
Many were forced to close on March 23 last year due to coronavirus restrictions - able to open briefly during the summer but again forced to close as cases spiked again.
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When will casinos reopen in the UK?
Casinos will be able to reopen on May 17 of Boris Johnson's four stage plan to unlock Britain.
While the PM's roadmap did not include a specific mention of casinos, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed to iGB that the venues can expect to open their doors in three months.
Meanwhile betting shops will open in the second stage – starting on 12 April.
It comes after the gambling venues were forced to close their doors at the start of the national lockdown.
Last week, gambling industry body the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) called for the betting venues to be allowed to open alongside other non-essential retail.
A spokesperson said: "Last summer, when most betting shops were able to open, they showed that they have best-in-class anti-Covid measures compared to any other part of the high street to protect customers and staff.
“Likewise, casinos are eager to help Britain get back on its feet. The night-time economy has taken a hammering during the pandemic and draconian restrictions, including the 10pm curfew, have made a difficult situation more desperate for many businesses.”
What has the reaction been?
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association trade body, said: "We are pleased to hear within the Prime Minister's statement the inclusion of a timeline for night-time economy businesses, in particular some of the hardest-hit businesses, many of which have been closed since March 2020, like nightclubs, bars and casinos.
"Despite this, our evidence suggests that 85% of those who work in the night-time economy are considering leaving the sector.
"The sector urgently needs additional clarity on reopening and critical financial support from the Chancellor if we are to avoid economic and social damage that will last a generation."
And Greg Parmley, chief executive of Live - a trade body for the live music industry - said live music industry has found itself "at the back of the queue to reopen", the chief executive of a trade body for the sector has said.
He added: "The Chancellor must acknowledge our extended closure in the Budget and provide the economic support needed to ensure the jobs and livelihoods of the hundreds of thousands of people that work in our industry exist as we come through this pandemic."
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And the chief executive of the UK Music trade body has said it is "hugely welcome" that the Government has "set out a clear route to reopen the live music industry".
Jamie Njoku-Goodwin added: "While the astounding success of the vaccine rollout means the end of the health emergency is in sight, the economic toll of this pandemic will be with us for a long time to come - making dynamic growth industries like the UK music industry more important than ever.
"The music industry can play a key role in the post-pandemic economic and social recovery, and live music events could be the shot in the arm that Britain needs as we look to bounce back from this pandemic."