Scotland is Not So Flexible, Learns the BGC
Published August 2, 2020 by Lee R
What is really going on in Scotland, and which post-Covid policy will win?
The Scotland government was lauded by the Betting Gaming Council for adaptability in reversing recent anti-Covid measures that appeared far too rigid for the UK, but an apparent about face is stirring the pot again.
The Initial Controversy
The controversy stems from the Scottish Government's concession to lift post-Covid restrictions they had initially placed on the jurisdiction's betting shops since reopening on 29 June.
Restrictions
The restrictions that BGC sent so far as to call “Draconian” included the removal of chairs from betting shops along with bans on showing live racing on TV and the use of gaming machines.
The Pacifying Reversal Reversed
To the BGC's delight, the Scottish government agreed to lift the restrictions on July 22. Now in what BGC calls an “apparent U-turn,” the Scottish Government has ordered betting shops to shut down their gaming machines once again.
The Bottom Line
Whatever the optics, it adds to up to a 95% drop for some betting shops.
The Formal Explanation
The BGC explained the decision in a letter to a chagrined BGC CEO Michael Dugher as a desire to “have a consistent approach regarding the use of gaming machines while always keeping people safe.”
BGC Chairman Reacts
BGC chairman Brigid Simmonds expressed her organisation's “extreme disappointment” in the decision, “which directly contradicts what they told us previously.”
Calling For Another Reversal
In a perfect rinse repeat cycle, Simmonds urged ministers in Scotland to once again “reconsider this baffling decision and revert to the position they had less than a week ago.”
Interpretation
There are certainly some added forces at work inside Scotland's decision-making process. A see-saw battle on restrictions would not be a first occurrence in this Covid-centric world, where some countries see opening policies and permits changed daily as a result of Covid.
Outlook
However, this rebellion against the greater trade body representing the British jurisdiction reminds of the new element of coronapoliticshat goes into legislation of most things today, and in this case has crept up into the gambling arena as well. How this plays out looks like something to watch, with more unpredictable and telling developments.
