When will betting shops and bookmakers reopen?
BETTING shops and bookies had to close under the third lockdown because they were classed as non-essential retailers - but they can reopen today.
All retailers are allowed to open again under Boris Johnson's plans to ease England out of lockdown - and that includes betting shops.
🔵 Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates...
Until now, only essential retailers have been allowed to stay open during the third lockdown, which includes supermarkets, newsagents and bike stores.
Other high street retailers including New Look, Primark and TK Maxx will welcome back customers today too.
And punters can head back to pubs and restaurants as long as they sit outside.
Here's everything you need to know as bookies reopen today:
What are the rules for betting shops reopening?
Like when they reopened in June 2020 following the first lockdown, bookies and betting shops must be Covid-secure to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Shops have to complete a risk assessments as well as consult with workers and trade union representatives to ensure they can operate safely.
Bosses need to ensure that branches are cleaned regularly and protective coverings will be placed on items regularly touched by the public.
Timeline for businesses reopening after lockdown
PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has outlined his roadmap for easing England out of lockdown.
Businesses will be allowed to reopen on the following dates, as long as the "four steps to freedom" are met.
April 12
- Retail
- Hospitality outdoors
- Hairdressers
- Zoos
- Self-catered staycations with one household
May 17
- Indoor hospitality
- Indoor exercise gyms
- Bingo halls
- Cinemas
- Sports stadiums to reopen but capped to 10,000 fans
- Saunas
- Spas
June 21
- Nightclubs
Customers will have to keep to social distance rules, so some branches may limit the number of people allowed into the betting shops at any one time.
Markers have also been placed on the floor to help customers stay apart.
Face masks must be worn when inside the shop.
Can I still bet online?
Gamers can still bet online even as shops reopen via their favoured bookies' websites.
Online casino and bingo halls have also been able to continue operating like normal throughout lockdown.
In fact, one lucky salesman won £400,000 on online casinos after getting bored during lockdown.
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.
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 and .
- 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’ for problem gamblers.
- The offers residential courses for men and women who have problems with gambling – email help@gordonmoody.org.uk or call 01384 241292 to find out more. It also runs the website, which offers online support to problem gamblers and their friends and family.
- runs local support groups that use the same 12-step approach to recovery from addiction as Alcoholics Anonymous. There are also support groups for friends and family
Stringent hygiene and social distancing measures were put in place in all casinos to ensure the safety of staff and customers alike.
This included customers using hand sanitisers before entering the casino, as well as when joining and leaving a gaming table.
Entry to casinos was also limited to one person at a time, with two-metre social distancing enforced in any queues outside.
The number of people who were allowed to sit at a table was limited to reduce the risk of infection, and customers needed to wear face coverings.
When will Primark, Argos, H&M and Dunelm reopen after lockdown? We explain all you need to know.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Hairdressers will open from today along with gyms and non-essential retail.
Meanwhile, pubs will reopen for indoor drinking in May after outdoor service returns in April.