One hundred casinos could go bust unless Boris Johnson reverses a decision to keep them closed

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ONE hundred casinos could go bust unless PM Boris Johnson reverses a decision to keep them closed.

The Betting and Gaming Council warns venues such as Les Ambassadeurs in Mayfair — made famous in the Dr No James Bond film — and the London Hippodrome will have to shut permanently without more government support.

One hundred casinos could go bust unless PM Boris Johnson reverses a decision to keep them closed

Casinos, bowling alleys and ice rinks were due to reopen at the start of August, but the PM halts put the breaks on after a spike in cold cases.

A review is expected to take place this week, but venues are still in the dark – and need to prepare if they’re to welcome back customers this weekend.

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) said that “world famous” venues like Les Ambassadeurs casino which attracts wealthy tourists from across the world and the London Hippodrome casino – which was opened by Boris Johnson – have grave concerns about their future.

They are calling for an extension of the government’s furlough scheme as casinos are facing an additional £14 million bill following the government’s U-turn on opening – which puts 6,000 jobs at risk.

Casinos contribute over £300 million every year to the UK tourism economy.

BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher said: “World famous and iconic venues like the Hippodrome and Les Ambassadeurs are not just part of our proud past, they want to be part of economic revival in the future.

“They are not looking for a hand out – they are looking to help out.

“By reopening safely so they can play their part in contributing to getting the economy moving again and to contributing vital tax revenues to the Exchequer.

“Some of Britain’s most iconic casinos, who attract high spending visitors from around the world, are sitting idle whilst pubs and restaurants round the corner are open and doing a roaring trade.”

Bowling alley firm Hollywood Bowl said they have had “no indication on when they are likely to be allowed to re-open.

A spokesperson said: “We spent days and hundreds of thousands of pounds, un-furloughing teams, training them in the new Covid-secure measures, re-stocking and marketing the reopening of the centres.

“Given it was less than 24 hours until the doors were due to open, we had to then refund the numerous customers who had booked for the opening week.

“We were hugely disappointed at this unexpected delay to reopening. Our priority is first and foremost the safety of our customers and team members, and we remain fully confident in our ability to operate in the fully approved COVID-secure way once we are allowed to reopen.”

Les Ambassadeurs in Mayfair — made famous in the Dr No James Bond film — will have to shut permanently without more government support

Without government assistance London’s iconic Hippodrome also faces closure

Les Ambassadeurs Club and Casino in London

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