GVC to reopen betting shops from Monday

GVC will reopen 2,450 Ladbrokes and Coral betting shops in England and the Channel Islands from June 15. 

UK.- Betting giant GVC has said it is ready to reopen all of its betting shops in England and the Channel Islands from next Monday, June 15.

Its 2,445 betting shops in England and five on the Channel Islands are now being equipped to meet social distancing and hygiene requirements, the company has said. 

Its more than 500 betting shops in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will remain closed pending permission from the respective governments. 

GVC said that it aimed to “exceed government guidelines” with the measures put in place across betting shops and that additional equipment was being installed, including signs, ‘sneeze-screens’ and protective barriers between gaming machines.

Stylus pens will be provided for customers to use at betting stations to avoid players touching screens, and hand sanitisers will be made available. Face masks, gloves and shields will be provided for staff. 

Maximum capacities will be enforced with guidance on customer entry and exit, and contactless payment will be encouraged. The company said it would also monitor bettor behaviour to ensure that customers spend within their means.

The company has also launched an employee assistance programme aimed to assist staff and their families, and staff will also have access to the third-party mental health and wellbeing app ‘Unmind’

Group CEO, Kenneth Alexander, said: “We are very pleased to be re-opening our shops in England as the UK begins the first steps in returning to some form of normality.

“Ever since the lockdown was introduced, we have been working tirelessly on a plan which will deliver the safest possible environment for both our customers and our people. I am confident we have achieved that and look forward to welcoming our customers back in the near future.”

Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “I’m delighted that GVC, home of some of the world-class brands in betting, will be able to re-open their English betting shops safely from 15 June. 

“GVC make a significant contribution to the economy, supporting good jobs in communities across the country, and it’s great to see at first hand their commitment to ensuring that their reopened shops will provide a safe and enjoyable environment for staff and customers alike.”

GVC this month regained its FTSE 100 status on the London Stock Exchange.