The Social Market Foundation (SMF) – an independent cross-party public policy think-tank based in Westminster – [on October 30] published a report into the proliferation of AGCs [adult gaming centres] across the country and put forward recommendations for reform. The report was sponsored by Brent Council, which has been campaigning for changes to the industry, and used the borough as a case study.
Brent is among the most economically-deprived boroughs in London, whilst also having one of the highest numbers of gambling premises – clustered in some of the most disadvantaged communities of Harlesden, Wembley and Kensal Green. Rates of gambling-related harm in the borough exceed the national average and the estimated cost of that harm has risen sevenfold since 2012, according to a council assessment.
