Councils demand new powers to curb spread of high-street slot machine venues

The Guardian reported that Local Authorities across England are urging the government to reform gambling regulations following record takings from high-street slot machine venues, amid growing concerns about their impact on vulnerable communities.

New figures from the Gambling Commission show betting and gaming revenues (excluding the National Lottery) soared to a record £11.5bn in the year to March 2024—a 3.5% rise. Of this, adult gaming centres (AGCs), largely run by Merkur and Admiral, contributed £623m, up 11% year-on-year. The expansion of AGCs helped push the number of slot machines on UK high streets to 74,523, the highest since records began.

Local leaders warn that AGCs are disproportionately concentrated in deprived areas and are exploiting licensing and planning loopholes to expand rapidly—many operating around the clock and offering highly addictive machines.

“These are high-stakes gambling venues, often open around the clock, targeting some of the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.

A coalition of more than 30 councils, led by Brent and supported by Labour MPs including Dawn Butler and Beccy Cooper, is calling for reform of the “aim to permit” clause in the 2005 Gambling Act. The clause requires licensing authorities to favour approval, making it difficult for councils to block new AGCs despite community opposition.

The government has paused proposals to allow more B3 machines—known for their rapid £2 spins and £500 jackpots—but campaigners want more decisive action. A recent white paper on English devolution includes suggestions to give councils stronger licensing powers, though advocates fear the measures may be dropped from final legislation.

Meanwhile, online slot machine losses also reached an all-time high of £3.56bn, up 11%, underscoring rising concerns about addictive gambling products both online and offline.

The AGC trade body, Bacta, defended its members, arguing they offer “low-stake entertainment in well-regulated, alcohol-free environments” and warned that changes to licensing rules could create legal uncertainty.