Around-the-clock surge in 24/7 gambling establishments across Britain
Unprecedented Uptick in UK's 24/7 Gaming Centres Amidst Concerns Over Gambling Addiction
The surge in the number of Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) across the UK has sparked attention and concern due to their potential to fuel gambling addiction. Operated by gaming giants such as Merkur, these centres are strategically positioned in city centres and often remain open 24/7.
Since 2020, Merkur has expanded its AGC presence in the UK, inaugurating over 100 new venues. In Peterborough alone, the company operates multiple AGCs close to each other. To lure customers into extended gaming sessions, these centres offer complimentary food and beverages.
As the number of betting shop branches declines, AGCs seem to be filling the gap. The rise of the gaming arcades, however, is causing unease among gambling addiction experts, who warn of increased risks associated with these establishments. Calls for stricter regulations and more prevention measures are growing louder.
Recent efforts by the UK government to lessen the risks of gambling addiction by loosening slot machine rules have been halted. The move aims to protect vulnerable gamblers and reduce their exposure to high-stakes gambling.
The revenue generated from £2 slot machines contributes significantly to the annual revenue of these gaming centres. With an average of over £30,000 in annual revenue per machine, these slots are becoming a mainstay for operators across the UK. The current count of these machines stands at over 14,200, generating a total annual revenue of over £463 million.
While the government strives to crack down on gaming providers, many are taking advantage of a loophole in the UK gambling regulations. By classifying tablets as bingo terminals, operators can install multiple £2 slot machines within a single AGC, exceeding the limit of one-quarter of such machines permitted under regulations.
Dr. Matt Gaskell, a psychologist and clinical lead of the Northern Gambling Service, raised concerns over the increased accessibility of AGCs, commenting that their availability on high streets is deeply concerning due to the harm they can cause. The growing number of AGCs coupled with the ease of access contributes to longer gaming sessions, which in turn can lead to gambling-related harms.
Despite public outcry and calls for harder regulations on the expansion of AGCs, the UK's gambling providers enjoy a significant financial and legal advantage. Frequently represented by specialized law firms, these companies often win licensing battles against understaffed local authorities.
Reforms to the current gambling rules are being advocated for to curb the increasing number of AGCs and protect vulnerable players. In the absence of any changes to the UK Gambling Act, the expansion of the gambling industry and the increasing number of AGCs in the UK looks set to continue.
Related Background: The British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta) has pushed for modernizing stake limits, game design rules, and venue licensing to better align with contemporary gaming trends. They believe such reforms will ensure the continuity of land-based venues in the face of the growing dominance of online gambling platforms.
Moreover, instances have emerged where AGCs failed to meet existing rules designed to safeguard consumers, exploiting regulatory gaps or refusing to participate in national self-exclusion schemes. Failure to implement harm reduction measures and safeguarding protocols has exacerbated the risk of addiction. Regulatory bodies are working diligently to enforce responsible gambling and address gambling harms through new consumer engagement frameworks.
- What's concerning about the rise of Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) is not only their potential to exacerbate gambling addiction, but also their alignment with casino-and-gambling trends, such as the proliferation of casino-games like slots.
- As these venues offer 24/7 operation and gambling trends continue to evolve, gambling-trends experts warn about the increasing risks associated with these establishments.
