Return of gambling industry can help boost economy, MP says
A Black Country MP has urged Ministers to smooth the path for the "early return" of the British gambling industry.
John Spellar, the Labour MP for Warley, welcomed the return of live horse racing, which re-started last week for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown.
He said live sports would boost the economy as well as morale, saying racing supports more than 80,000 jobs, while the betting industry supports 100,000 jobs.
Highlighting its contribution of £3.2 billion in tax each year, he called on the Government to ensure an "early return for the properly-regulated, job-providing, successful, British-based gambling industry".
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston responded by saying "millions of people across the country" will be relieved to see racing back.
The past week has seen horse racing return to UK tracks including Newcastle and Yarmouth, with jockey Dane O'Neill riding a series of winners.
The sport had been suspended since March 18.
