Are Casinos Open in the UK? All You Need To Know
- Written by David Bet
While people look to the likes of bars and cinemas, many more are looking to take a spin of the reels and But are casinos currently open in the UK? Below you’ll find all you need to know about casinos in the UK currently and the latest information on their opening.
Are Casinos in the UK Open?
When the government relaxed the laws to one metre social distancing on July 4, alongside the reopening of bars and restaurants, there was no indication that casinos could also at open, and at present they remain closed.They had been given the go-ahead, with August 1 the date set for re-opening with social distancing measures in place. However, due to a rise in Coronavirus cases across the UK, and lockdown measures returning in some parts of the country, the government have postponed the reopening of casinos for at least two weeks.
This decision cames just days before the planned reopening and means it will be at least the middle of August before casinos are now reopen.
What Will Be Different?
It’s expected that there will be many differences and changes in place once casinos do reopen.Social distancing will of course be in operation should they open during a period when such measures are still in place.
You will also see many other measures in place including:
- Hand sanitising on entry, and stations available across the casino.
- Table capacity limits and table closures in line with distancing measures.
- Face coverings offered to players and staff at tables.
- Slot machine closures to adhere to social distancing, with machines cleaned after every play.
- Plastic sheeting in place to protect croupiers.
- One way systems around the casino floor.
- Sanitised chips and regular cleaning of them.
When Will UK Casinos Be Fully Open?
With casinos yet to be given the go-ahead to even open with social distancing measures in place, it’s uncertain as to when they will have a full service operating.That will depend on government policies and legislation in place at the time of opening. The government are closely monitoring the situation, and the success of bingo halls and bars and restaurants will largely dictate the return of casino openings on a social distancing level, and then a full opening with all slot games and table games available.
Playing Online Casino
During the lockdown, there has been a boom in online casino players and many will still enjoy a game of online poker or blackjack as we begin to ease out of it.
Players should only visit brick-and-mortar casinos if they are feeling well, showing no symptoms and feel safe to do so.
If that is not the case, players can still play some of the best online casino brands online, with dozens of different variants and tons of offers too.
Of you’d still prefer a spin online, our Casino page is jam-packed with great sites and you’ll find tons of excellent casino bonuses to enjoy too.