UK: Expansion of 24-hour slot machine centers raises concerns from gambling opponents

Britain’s high streets now host over 300 slot machine adult gaming centers operating 24 hours a day, sparking concerns from charities about potential risks to vulnerable gamblers and prompting backlash from campaigners.

UK slot machine operators have expanded their footprint by opening numerous round-the-clock venues in vacant retail spaces across the country. Despite opposition from local residents in many cases, council planning committees have often failed to block these establishments. As a result, campaigners are now pushing for stricter regulations to curb the sector's growth.

Nick Harvey from Gambling with Lives, a charity supporting families affected by gambling-related suicides, criticized the expansion of 24-hour slot venues, describing it as having occurred "under the radar," reports The Guardian. Harvey stressed the need for councils to have the power to assess the cumulative impact of gambling when considering new applications.

“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,” Harvey stated.

The Association of Directors of Public Health and the Local Government Association have echoed these concerns, advocating for new powers to prevent the proliferation of these centers.

In a recent Greenwich council meeting, members reviewed an application for a new 24-hour slots center in Eltham, southeast London. Over 60 objections from residents and opposition from local Labour councilors were lodged, while a police officer cited multiple incidents of criminal damage and assaults at these venues. 

These concerns ultimately prompted the council to reject the petition. However, the council failed to decide within the statutory eight weeks, which led the operator to appeal.

B3 machines, which offer the highest payouts, have a maximum stake of £2 ($2.58) and a spin speed of two-and-a-half seconds, which opponents say allows for significant losses in a short time. 

A proposal from the last government to loosen rules for slot machine operators, including permitting debit card use and increasing the proportion of B3 machines, has faced scrutiny from gambling opponents. However, John Bollom, president of the British Amusement Catering Trade Association, defended adult gaming centers as “popular entertainment venues” with stringent regulations and responsible gambling measures.

“The gaming machines in these venues are low-stake and highly regulated by the Gambling Commission, and strict age checks are enforced," said Bollom, as per The Guardian. "[The centres] are a valued part of the high street and an essential component of the night-time economy."

“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 Department for Culture, Media and Sport reaffirmed its commitment to reducing gambling-related harm, while the Gambling Commission noted that councils could impose conditions to ensure fair and safe gambling practices.