When the omicron variant hit the UK, officials were well aware that it could account for most new cases but they resisted against ordering another lockdown. The one imposed in November had proved to be ineffective in preventing the spread of the Delta variant, which all too soon was quickly replaced by the highly contagious Omicron. Still, casinos that were allowed to open in May 2021, remain closed even after the lifting of the month-long November shut down.
Why Many Look to Great Britain’s Response
to New Coronavirus Variants
Many look to Britain as the forecaster of what to expect from the Omicron considering that UK health authorities have been less rigid with social distancing restrictions. Moreover, the UK has the lowest vaccine-hesitancy in the world, which stands at only 6%. To date, as many as 75 doses per capita (per 100 people) has been administered. In addition, UK is home to the facility that has the most robust sequencing system that allows for early identification and tracking of viral genome variants
UKGC Closely Monitoring Developments in the Gambling Industry
Meanwhile, the UK Gambling Commission has also been monitoring the efficacy of the mandatory GamStop self-exclusion program that online casinos and betting sites must include in their platform’s terms and conditions, Apparently, there’s a growing number of land-based casino players who couldn’t play in physical casino game rooms .
Analysis of gaming data indicated that while there’s an increase in the number of online casino customers, the additions are regular or casual gamblers who merely play at land-based casinos for recreation. The casino whales or high rollers, on the other hand, make sure they’re playing in Non Gamstop Casinos, since their gambling behaviour could be flagged by GamStop as risky.
The Rank Group, which owns as many as 54 Grosvenor casino properties, now operates its own online gambling website; offering online casino games, sports betting, esports betting and bingo, specifically Mecca Bingo.
According to John Dyson, the Director of National Operations at Mecca Bingo, customers are expecting to derive more from their gambling recreation due to the long pent-up desire to socialise in their favourite local bingo hall. Bingo halls have in fact, been noted as the most patronised offline sites. Mecca Bingo Director Dyson said that as soon as bingo halls were permitted to open in May 2021, they ramped up plans to make the bingo experience happen in fun, safe and spacious halls and with a welcoming ambience that new customers will find appealing.