Flashing Lights, Ringing Coins, and Skyrocketing Addiction Risks: The Rise of UK's 24/7 Gaming Arcades
Non-Stop Gambling Spikes in Britain: Growing Number of Round-the-Clock Gambling establishments
The thrill of flashing lights, ringing coins, and the promise of a big win has made its way to the streets of the UK in the form of 24/7 gaming arcades, aka Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs), and they're taking over.
These arcades, filled with slot machines and bingo terminals, are the new hot spots for gamblers and providers alike. Adorning city centers and often open round the clock, they're easy to find and hard to resist.
Gaming giant Merkur has led the charge, opening over 100 new AGCs since 2020. In some cities like Peterborough, they've even planted multiple venues mere minutes apart. To keep patrons coming back for more, they offer free food, drinks, and a non-stop gaming session. Notably, the number of betting shops has declined.
But as these arcades multiply, so too do concerns about gambling addiction. Experts warn of the dangers, calling for stricter laws and more prevention programs. Recently, the UK government halted plans to loosen slot machine rules to minimize addiction risks and safeguard vulnerable gamblers.
The Allure of £2 Slot Machines
AGC providers are zeroing in on £2 slot machines. These machines allow players to wager up to £2 per round, making them an attractive goldmine for operators. With an average annual revenue of over £30,000 per machine, it's no wonder they're becoming a staple of the gaming landscape.
There are currently over 14,200 £2 slot machines scattered across the UK, raking in a whopping annual revenue of £463 million. Combined with £1 slots, AGC providers bring in an impressive total annual revenue of over £500 million.
Loopholes, Lobbies, and the Push for Change
Many providers are taking advantage of a legal loophole to increase the number of £2 slot machines. By labeling tablets as bingo terminals, they manage to skirt the rule that no more than one in four machines in AGCs can be £2 slot machines. As these tablets fall under the category C (£1 slot machines), operators can offer more of them to pack in more £2 slots.
Dr. Matt Gaskell, a psychologist and the clinical lead of the Northern Gambling Service, isn't impressed. He warns of the danger these arcades pose, "They're designed for long gaming sessions, and that's what causes harm. Their increasing availability on high streets is extremely concerning."
The Battle Against the Odds
Resistance against the growing tide of AGCs is an uphill battle. The UK's legal system, known for its "aim to permit" clause, obliges authorities to approve AGCs unless they violate existing laws. This gives gambling providers like Merkur, who are both financially and legally well-equipped, an advantage.
Despite various protests and legal proceedings, Merkur was recently fined for violating social responsibility regulations. Not that it slowed them down – British local authorities often find themselves outmatched in licensing procedures. When denied applications are appealed, operators often prevail in the second round.
British politicians are urging for changes to gambling laws to rein in the ever-growing number of AGCs. But with no alterations to the British Gambling Act on the horizon, it seems like more 24/7 gaming arcades are set to dominate the UK landscape.
- As the UK experiences a surge in 24/7 gaming arcades, Germany is also showing an interest in online casinos, indicating a broader global trend in casino-and-gambling.
- While arcades offer games like slots and bingo, online casinos provide a more accessible form of casino-games for people in Germany, bypassing the need for permits and physical venues.
- In general, gambling trends are shifting towards online platforms, with providers continually improving the quality of their games and bonuses to attract more players.
- By 2025, it's expected that the average annual revenue from online casino-games in Germany could rival or even surpass the current revenue generated by UK's AGCs.
- As concerns about gambling addiction continue to rise, governments and regulatory bodies are reviewing laws and implementing stricter measures to ensure responsible gambling practices, including setting limits on gaming sessions and promoting education and prevention programs for at-risk individuals.
