BGC warns against new UK immigration system

Betting and Gaming Council says points-based immigration system could cause headaches for casino operators employing croupiers from overseas.

UK.- The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has fired a warning shot to the UK government over plans to introduce a new points-based immigration system from next January, saying it could harm the industry.

The BGC said that gambling in the UK needs to be exempt from the measure because more than 70% of casino croupiers working in the country are from overseas.

“Casinos are a hugely important part of our country’s leisure industry. They attract thousands of wealthy tourists to the UK from around the world,” BGC chief executive Michael Dugher explained.

“In order to remain competitive our casinos need the best croupiers with great arithmetic agility.

“While we are determined to grow the number of UK croupiers through the NVQ in Gaming Operations available at many colleges and through the world class Nottingham Casino Academy, we need the ability to employ the best from around the world.”