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Cards to be Dealt Face Up in UK Casinos

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a sweeping effect on our lives till date. The consequences of the virus has affected our daily lives as well as the economy of countries across the world. In the United Kingdom, casinos were permitted to reopen on Saturday but with certain precautions only. New government regulation prohibits players from touching their cards in order to avoid the spread of coronavirus. The UK’s Betting and Gambling Council (BGC) has published new guidelines to open doors of casinos in the country.

For games such as blackjack, upwards-facing cards are standard practice, the players will now have to hand out all cards face up for safety measures. In games like three-card poker, hands are traditionally dealt face down, which means players will now be able to see each other’s cards, giving them a better chance of working out the strength of the dealer’s hand against other hands dealt. In spite of this advantage, casino operators say that it will not be significant enough to lead to major losses and players will still handle their own chips.  Simon Thomas, owner of London’s Hippodrome Casino said, “It gives customers a slight advantage but it’s a necessary move. We’ve put Perspex screens at the table and all gambling activities will be done seated. The key idea is to ensure everyone feels secure without it being oppressive.” 

Another game called craps, which is played in large groups gathered around a table will no longer be played since the new arrangements due to the coronavirus. Of course, as the UK government has decided to take this step, social distancing will be in place, so players will have to keep at least a hands distance apart from fellow players and casino workers. There will be strict capacities at card tables, and many tables will be closed to ensure social distancing. Chips will be regularly disinfected. Similarly, with slots, expect to see machines regularly cleaned and every other one unavailable to maintain distance. As players arrive at the casino, gamblers will have to get through a thermal imaging system and greeted by staff wearing face masks. For more updates on stories related to casinos around the world, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com!

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