24-Hour Gambling Establishments in Britain: Swift Expansion of Non-Stop Gaming Venues
Hollerin' 'Bout 24-hour Gambling Shops: The Booming Market in the UK and the Risks of Addiction
The UK is seeing a steep rise in the number of round-the-clock gaming arcades, commonly known as Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) (1). These spots, flaunting slot machines and bingo terminals, are taking over city centers and causing quite the commotion (1).
Merkur, a gaming powerhouse, has been unleashing over 100 new AGCs since 2020, with multiple outlets in Peterborough alone (1). They keep the punters hooked with complimentary chow and refreshments, making short work of betting shops that have been fading away (1).
But all this gambling fun doesn't come without serious consequences. The soaring AGCs are escalating gambling addiction risks (1). A pack of psychologists and addiction specialists are now clamoring for tighter laws and more preventive measures to curb the growing issue (1).
Enter the two-pound slot machines. Gaming companies are heavily relying on these cash cows, promising a decent annual revenue of over 30,000 quid a pop (1). With over 14,200 of these shiny slot machines scattered across the UK, the total yearly income clocks in at an impressive 463 million (1).
To make the most of their legal loopholes, gaming companies are pushing the envelope (1). They're snaking tablets as bingo terminals, giving them the liberty to pack more 2-pound slot machines (2). According to the UK Gambling Commission, with this sneaky tactic, only one in four machines must be a 2-pound slot machine (2).
Psychologist and Clinical Lead of the Northern Gambling Service, Dr. Matt Gaskell, expressed his concerns about the relentless AGC pulse on high streets, stating, "You can harm people's lives. They're designed for long gaming sessions, and that's what causes harm" (1).
Protests and lawsuits against the creeping AGCs might as well be a drop in the ocean (3). Thanks to Britain's "aim to permit" clause (3), authorities are obligated to approve new AGCs unless they violate existing rules (3).
Gaming titans like Merkur got the financial and legal upper hand, winning licensing procedures with the help of specialized legal teams (3). A recent violation of social responsibility regulations earned Merkur a hefty fine (3).
Local governments often come up short in the licensing game, overwhelmed and usually losing out (3). Gambling providers even appeal denied applications and frequently secure a win in the second round (3).
Pressure is mounting for a revamp of gambling policies, with politicians pushing for changes to stem the tide of AGCs in the UK (3). Yet, as the British Gambling Act remains untouched (3), expect the gambling empire to expand further and AGCs to keep multiplying on the UK's high streets.
- Burke, Angela. (2025, May 05). The rapid increase in 24/7 gaming arcades across the UK and the rising risks of addiction. Retrieved from https://www.ourwebsite.com/news/rapid-increase-in-247-gaming-arcades-across-the-uk-and-the-rising-risks-of-addiction
- UK Gambling Commission. (n.d.). Adult Gaming Centres. Retrieved from https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/consumers/types-of-gambling/adult-gaming-centre-agc/
- Gambling Act 2005, enacted on 7th September 2005. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/contents/enacted
- By 2025, the business of casino-and-gambling, particularly in the form of Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs), is projected to see a significant increase, with more providers seeking permits to open 24-hour gambling shops across the UK.
- The rise of AGCs has been fueled by gaming powerhouses like Merkur, who have been strategically opening over 100 new AGCs since 2020, with a particular focus on cities like Peterborough.
- Despite concerns about the risks of addiction associated with AGCs, the UK Gambling Act of 2005 requires authorities to approve new gambling businesses unless they violate existing rules, making it challenging to curb the expansion of these arcades.
- As the number of AGCs continues to increase, psychologists and addiction specialists are advocating for tightened laws and more preventive measures to address the growing issue of gambling addiction in the UK.
