Is Your High Street a Gambling Trap? Councils Call for More Control Over Slot Machine Shops!

Local authorities like King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council are sounding the alarm about their lack of power to regulate 24-hour slot machine shops in their communities. A recent meeting has led to a proposal to urge the government to grant more control over adult gaming centres. This submission comes after two new centres were approved in King’s Lynn, leading to significant public concern. Residents fear these establishments are being targeted at low-income areas, a claim that Labour councillor Deborah Heneghan highlighted during the council session. According to the 2005 Gambling Act, councils can only issue licenses if basic criteria are met, leaving them with little recourse against local opposition.

The British Amusement Catering Trades Association (Bacta) defends these venues, claiming they are among the safest places to gamble. They argue that the establishments typically open in areas with existing foot traffic and are not specifically targeting disadvantaged neighborhoods. A report from charity GambleAware echoes concerns that residents in deprived areas are twice as likely to experience gambling harm, supporting the call for a reassessment of how these venues are licensed.

The council plans to join other authorities in seeking a coalition for reform. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is reportedly contemplating changes to strengthen council powers over licensing gambling shops. With this ongoing debate, the future of gambling regulations in local communities hangs in the balance.