The UK’s disparate tier system continues to hamper casinos and betting stores as London prepares to enter another lockdown.

London casinos, including the Hippodrome, are set to close on Dec. 16 as the English capital moves into Tier-3 restrictions. (Image: The Arcadia Online)

The English capital will go into Tier 3 on Wednesday, following what Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock has called a “new variant” of COVID-19.

Moving London into the highest tier means all non-essential businesses, including casinos, will shut for the festive period. The move comes as betting stores in Scotland returned to business after another national lockdown.