Hugely disappointing news that betting shops and casinos employing 1,300 in South Yorkshire will be forced to close their doors after the region was placed under Tier 3 #COVID19 restrictions. This is despite a lack of evidence that they contribute to the spread of the virus.

As well as employing over 1,000 people, South Yorkshire& #39;s betting shops pay £24m a year in tax and £6m in levy payments and media rights to racing, which is already struggling due to the lack of spectators.

The region& #39;s 3 Covid-secure casinos employ 270 people and pay £11.2m in tax to the Treasury every year. The Government must come up with a financial package to ensure their long-term future.