Campaigners are raising concerns over the risk of problem gambling as more than 300 24-hour slot machine centres have appeared on Britain’s high streets. The proliferation of these adult gaming centres, operated by leading firms Merkur and Admiral, poses a significant threat to vulnerable gamblers.
The Rapid Expansion of 24-Hour Slot Machine Venues
More than 300 slot machine adult gaming centres are running 24 hours a day across Britain. Merkur and Admiral, two of the leading operators, have opened dozens of new around-the-clock outlets in vacant retail units nationwide over the past few years. These two firms alone operate over 500 venues across the UK, with most now open 24 hours a day.
Despite local residents’ vigorous opposition to these venues opening, council planning committees have frequently failed to block the applications. This has led campaigners to call for a crackdown on the sector’s expansion.
Concerns from Campaigners and Local Authorities
Nick Harvey from the charity Gambling with Lives, which supports families bereaved by gambling suicide, said the rollout of 24-hour slot machine venues had been “under the radar.” Campaigners want new powers to allow councils to assess the cumulative impact of gambling when considering applications.
Harvey stated, “Slots venues contain the most addictive gambling products out there, causing misery to communities while bringing little to no economic benefit to the local area.”
In response to figures from the Observer, the Association of Directors of Public Health and the Local Government Association have called for new powers for councils to halt the “proliferation” of 24-hour slot machine centres in some towns.
Increasing Problem Gambling
The concerns raised over the rapid expansion of the sector come as the Gambling Commission prepares to publish its research on gambling harm this week. Preliminary findings published last year found that 2.5% of the adult population might be suffering from problem gambling, a significant increase from the previously estimated 0.3%.
At a recent Greenwich council planning committee meeting, members considered an application for a new 24-hour Merkur Slots centre in Eltham, southeast London. Despite more than 60 objections from residents and an open letter from Labour councillors Lauren Dingsdale and Sammy Backon, the application was refused. However, Merkur has already lodged an appeal due to the local authority’s delay in reaching a decision.
Calls for Stricter Regulations
An Observer investigation this year questioned the regulatory oversight of these centres. The last government proposed loosening the rules for slot machine operators, including allowing the use of debit cards on machines and increasing the proportion of B3 machines in arcades and bingo halls.
John Bollom, president of the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta), defended adult gaming centres as “popular entertainment venues” that are “among the safest places to gamble.” He emphasized the supervision by experienced staff and strict age checks enforced in these venues. Bollom added, “A small minority of players can have problems, and we are committed to ensuring the highest possible standards of social responsibility and that help is offered to players if needed.”
The Need for Legislative Change
An LGA spokesperson highlighted the severe consequences of problem gambling, including spiralling debt, homelessness, and relationship breakdowns. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport expressed its commitment to reducing gambling-related harm. The Gambling Commission noted that councils could impose conditions, such as reducing hours, if gambling is not being provided in a fair and safe manner.
As the debate continues, the urgent need for new powers and stricter regulations to protect vulnerable individuals from the risks associated with 24-hour slot machine centres becomes increasingly evident.