Hello and welcome to the SBC News 90, here’s the top stories of the day:
Operator group Betsson has unveiled plans to consolidate its UK business to ‘focus on growing one single brand’.
From today, the operator’s eight UK-facing brands will be closed with no further deposits or bets to be accepted, citing significant changes to the UK’s regulatory frameworks.
Three of the group’s four licences will be handed to the UK Gambling Commission as the operator focuses on its Rizk online casino and sports betting brand.
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Irish bookmakers are to close their doors under new lockdown rules, although horse racing and greyhound racing will continue.
The six-week lockdown will affect more than 800 betting shops across Ireland.
Under the new restrictions, racing is permitted to continue behind closed doors, along with the GAA inter-county championships, as they are regarded as professional and elite sports.
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More lockdown news as Greater Manchester’s betting shops and casinos will again close as the region moves into the government’s Tier 3 of COVID restrictions.
Calls for more financial support for those affected have been made by local leaders and MPs, and backed by The Betting and Gaming Council. The BGC has repeatedly urged the UK government to adopt a package of financial measures to help businesses survive through autumn and winter.
The measures, which come into force at midnight on Friday, will see more than 400 betting shops and 12 casinos close their doors.
