Operator News
UK – GVC sets out plan to safely welcome customers back to betting shops
By Phil - 10 June 2020
GVC Holdings , the global sports-betting and gaming group, has set out the comprehensive plan it is implementing to safely re-open its Ladbrokes and Coral betting shops. From 15 June, all 2,445 shops in England will open their doors, followed by the remainder of the group’s almost 3,000 shop estate, as the devolved administrations in the UK ease their own lockdowns.
The guiding principle behind the plan is to ensure the health and wellbeing of all colleagues and customers. The plan details the social distancing and safety procedures put in place alongside the provision of new protective equipment installed in store and provided to the shop personnel. The new measures have been designed to meet or exceed guidelines laid down by the UK government and World Health Organisation.
The key elements are summarised below, with each element supported by detailed guidance and the provision of additional equipment and training where required. The reopening will see the installation of additional equipment including ‘sneeze screens’, protective barriers between gaming machines and bet stations to act as a physical barrier between colleagues and customers to ensure social distancing. Customer signage and floor markings to provide direction on social distancing whilst in shop. The bookie will supply stylus pens for customers using bet stations and gaming machines, to avoid customers physically touching screens as well as providing additional hand sanitiser stations, hand wash and cleaning products to promote and maintain good hygiene standards. There will be clear guidance on maximum customer occupancy levels, based on size and layout of each shop, to support social distancing.
GVC CEO Kenny 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, added: “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”.
