Fears grow over rise of ‘under the radar’ all-night slot machine halls in UK

Monday, July 22, 2024 7:36 PM
Photo:  Shutterstock
  • Tom Parry and Jon Ungoed-Thomas, The Observer

More than 300 slot machine adult gaming centres are running 24 hours a day on Britain’s high streets, despite warnings of the risks they pose to vulnerable gamblers.

Two of the leading slot machine operators – Merkur and Admiral – have opened dozens of new around-the-clock outlets in empty retail units across the country over the last few years. The two firms operate more than 500 venues across Britain, with most now open 24 hours a day.

In many cases, local residents vigorously opposed the venues opening, but council planning committees failed to block the applications. Campaigners are now calling for a crackdown on the sector’s expansion.