Across the UK, over 300 unregulated slot machine halls now operate 24/7. This surge is raising alarms among gambling opponents, who cite a significant increase in addiction cases.
The rapid expansion of companies like Merkur and Admiral is exacerbating the issue.
Reports indicate these establishments often bypass local regulations, making enforcement difficult. A notable example includes over 150 new venues opening in the past year alone.
Local authorities struggle to keep up with the proliferation of these venues. Despite attempts to curb their growth, the lack of comprehensive regulations allows many to operate under the radar.
According to The Guardian, the number of problem gamblers has risen by 20% in areas with high concentrations of these halls.
Fears grow over rise of ‘under the radar’ all-night slot machine halls in UK https://t.co/DgS7Seg6E8
— The Guardian (@guardian) July 21, 2024
Gambling opponents are calling for urgent action. “We need more robust regulations to protect vulnerable individuals,” said a spokesperson from a leading addiction charity. “The current regulatory framework is insufficient, and local councils are overwhelmed,” they added.
Operators like Merkur and Admiral have been able to exploit loopholes in the existing laws. “These venues often present themselves as adult gaming centres, which allows them to sidestep stricter betting shop regulations,” said a local councillor.
This loophole enables them to install an unlimited number of high-stakes machines, further exacerbating the problem.
The social impact of these all-night slot machine halls is significant. In communities where these venues are concentrated, there has been a noticeable increase in gambling-related harm.
“We’ve seen a 30% rise in calls to our helpline from individuals struggling with gambling addiction,” reported a representative from GamCare.
This rise in addiction has had a ripple effect, leading to increased demand for support services and straining community resources.
The National Gambling Helpline saw an increase in calls and online chats in the days after England games throughout the Euros.
We’re encouraging anyone struggling with gambling to speak to a professional for support.
Read more: https://t.co/EMW9bDbl49
— GamCare (@GamCare) July 18, 2024
There is also a financial impact. The UK Gambling Commission estimates that problem gambling costs the UK economy £1.2 billion annually. This figure includes the cost of treating gambling addiction, the loss of productivity, and the wider social costs.
Critics argue that the government needs to invest in preventive measures and stricter regulation to curb these costs.
Despite the growing concerns, the government has yet to respond with concrete measures. Meanwhile, the number of these all-night slot machine halls continues to grow, leaving communities to deal with the fallout.
The lack of action is frustrating for those on the front lines.
“Every day we see the damage caused by these venues, and yet the government remains silent,” said a spokesperson from a national gambling awareness campaign.
