Operator News

UK – British casino sector prepares for May 17 reopenings

By Phil - 12 May 2021

The thrill and excitement of casinos will return to towns and cities across the UK next week with Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirming England will kick-start the next phase of reopening on May 17, including casinos.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also confirmed that most of Scotland will go to Level 2 of Covid-19 restrictions, a move which will also see casino and bingo halls reopening.

UK operator Grosvenor Casinos has confirmed it will reopen all 52 of its venues.

The operator said: “After more than four months of temporary closure due to lockdown, friends and family will once again be able to meet up indoors from Monday May 17 to play their favourite games, such as blackjack, poker and roulette, whilst raising a glass to the easing of restrictions. As well as gaming, guests can savour the delicious food and drink options with a range of dishes available that will cater to every taste. Fans of sport will also be pleased to hear that live sporting events will be available to watch when they visit the casino – just in time for the Euros.”

Jonathon Swaine, Managing Director at Grosvenor Casinos, said: “We’ve been counting down the days to reopening and every passing day has brought increased excitement. It has been a challenging time for all our team members, but we can finally look forward to reuniting again and getting back to doing what we love – creating a unique atmosphere for guests to have fun, play their favourite casino games and enjoy quality time together.

“Our venues’ teams have been working hard to put in place robust health and safety measures, and when we reopen in line with government guidance, we will deliver a fun yet safe experience all of our guests and team members to enjoy.”

Arriving at the casino, all customers will be registered at reception before using the hand sanitiser which will be readily available, whilst regular cleaning will take place each day, including tables, chips and machines.

Every casino will make screens available for customers to use on gaming tables and electronic machines, should they wish. There will also be restrictions on the number of people who can play games at any one time to ensure social distancing guidelines are adhered to.

Grosvenor Casinos will continue to accept cash and will encourage customers to use contactless payment, where possible. There will be safety shields at all tills to protect both team members and customers, and face masks will be worn throughout.

Guests will be able to enjoy food and drink with dining seating appropriately spaced. Pre-orders can be made at their table or from their machine, either using the online app, or by placing an order with the valet service.

Mr. Swaine added: “We’re determined to combine the fun of a casino visit with the highest levels of safety. We’re confident our customers will love what they find when we reopen our doors.”

Simon Thomas, CEO of the Hippodrome Casino in London, said: “The locks are coming off and we can’t wait to welcome you back. The Hippodrome will be open at one second past midnight on Monday May 17, with six floors of entertainment.You can imagine how delighted we all are. Of course being the Hippodrome, we’ve been busy during lock down and we’ve not just rested. We have a brand new casino floor her up in the gods high up on the fifth floor called The God’s Casino. We have the Poker Stars poker rooms which we have totally reimagined and redone with a spectacular 17 poker tables a new poker deck with many more tables, and other improvements to make us bigger, better and busier for the best night (and day) out in London’s West End.”