Betting Shops Reopen Amid Royal Ascot and Premier League

Strategic Insights -

As the UK slowly emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, betting shops have reopened just in time for the Royal Ascot and the resumption of the Premier League. The likes of Flutter Entertainment Plc, William Hill Plc, and GVC Holdings Plc are set to gain valuable insights into their "new normal" as crowdless sporting events ramp up significantly this week. The reopening of betting shops comes with strict social distancing measures, including limiting numbers, introducing time limits, and installing protective equipment and sanitiser dispensers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The reopening of betting shops coincides with the start of Royal Ascot, one of the premier weeks of racing in the calendar, and the resumption of the Premier League.
  • Betting shops have implemented social distancing measures, including limiting numbers, introducing time limits, and installing protective equipment and sanitiser dispensers.
  • The first two fixtures in the Premier League's resumption, dubbed "project restart" or "the festival of football", will take place on Wednesday, with Aston Villa vs Sheffield United and Manchester City vs Arsenal.
  • The Premier League fixtures will run back-to-back until late July, followed by the completion of the FA Cup and European competitions.
  • The bingo sector could be a possible opportunity for companies in the gaming sector.
  • Gambling businesses have been desperate for things to wager on, with some operating virtual reality horse and greyhound races earlier in lockdown.
  • Domestic horse racing has been back for a number of weeks, but the start of Ascot marks an increase in calibre.

Statistics:

  • 92 games will be broadcast to Britain's betting public as part of the "festival of football".
  • Betting shops have been closed since March 20, with some operating virtual reality horse and greyhound races.
  • Royal Ascot is expected to attract significant betting activity, with some analysts predicting a 100% increase in turnover.
  • The Premier League resumes with Aston Villa vs Sheffield United and Manchester City vs Arsenal on Wednesday.
  • The Premier League fixtures will run back-to-back until late July, with a total of 92 games to be played.
  • European competitions, including the Champions League and Europa League, will follow in the summer.

Sources:

  • "Britain's push for 'new normal' jolts non-essential business into action" (The Hacker News)
  • "GVC Holdings - reorganisation of gaming business to support underprescribed customers" (GVC Holdings PLC, 2020)