The UKs Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has requested the new Prime Minister’s assistance in addressing the escalating energy expenses. They assert that these costs could severely impact the gambling sector.
Energy prices in the UK have experienced a significant surge in recent times. They are projected to rise further in the autumn and again in January. Businesses are being informed that they will be required to pay approximately triple their current energy expenditures.
Michael Dugher, the BGC’s chief executive, stated that if these prices escalate as anticipated, it could severely harm gambling enterprises across the UK, potentially leading to job losses.
There are approximately 6,500 betting shops and 121 casinos in the UK, employing around 44,000 individuals. However, over 200 betting shops have closed in the past five years. Dugher indicated that additional closures could occur if the government fails to address the rising energy costs.
Dugher remarked, “The operational expenses of running a business are becoming increasingly burdensome. Without prompt intervention, the escalating energy costs could severely impact the hospitality and leisure industry, including our members.”
Gaming establishments are a key component of the hospitality and travel sectors in towns and cities throughout the United Kingdom. Similar to other parts of the hospitality industry, they are having difficulty recovering from the worldwide health crisis and are now facing a new difficulty.
Meanwhile, gaming businesses, which play a significant role on the United Kingdom’s struggling main street, are facing similar difficulties. In simple terms, any business that welcomes customers into its buildings must deal with this energy crisis.
The energy crisis comes as the United Kingdom’s gambling law white paper continues to be delayed. The white paper, which has been under review since 2020 to align rules and regulations with the modern market, has faced a series of delays since it began its review of the 2005 Gambling Act.
The recent departure of the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister has further disrupted this process, with the Conservative Party now in the midst of a leadership competition to appoint a successor. The white paper is reportedly not expected to be released until after a new Prime Minister is appointed.
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