Debate: Should Late-Night Gambling Arcades Exist in Britain? Certainly, We Can Think of More Engaging Activities Past Midnight
High Street Gambling Arcades in the UK Under Scrutiny Over 24-Hour Operations
In the heart of the West Midlands, I encountered an unexpected subject during my early morning visitβthe burgeoning proliferation of 24-hour high street gambling arcades. This issue was highlighted to me by an Irish friend residing in Abu Dhabi, who sent me a link to a story that had shocked him.
My friend, an ardent horse racing enthusiast, is no stranger to betting, yet he expressed concern over the expansion of these gambling establishments in parts of the United Kingdom. If such concerns alarm him, they should also serve as a wake-up call for the rest of us.
Land-based gambling venues, including arcades, have seen changes in their participation and revenue patterns over the years. Although traditional casinos have experienced a decline in footfall since 2018, arcades continue to make a substantial contribution to the overall Gambling Gross Gambling Yield (GGY), with a reported Β£663.9 million in 2023-2024 [2]. The number of active gambling premises, encompassing arcades, has decreased from 11,615 in 2015-2016 to 8,329 in 2023-2024 [2]. However, details regarding the specific operation of 24-hour arcades remain limited.
The extended hours of operation in these arcades have heightened concerns about problem gambling and associated harms. The UK Gambling Commission and government bodies closely monitor gambling participation, emphasizing responsible gaming measures to reduce risks related to land-based gambling [1]. Despite the surge in remote gambling (with GGY reaching Β£6.9 billion in 2023-24), high street arcades remain a frequented choice for certain demographics, necessitating ongoing vigilance and regulatory measures [2].
The importance of striking a balance between business advantages and minimizing social costs associated with gambling is underscored by recent policy consultations and legislation addressing gaming machines and mandatory conditions in casinos [1]. As such, the continued presence of arcades, including potentially 24-hour ones, demands the implementation of enhanced responsible gaming provisions such as self-exclusion programs, time and spending limits, and staff training to identify and assist at-risk players.
While the shift towards remote gambling is pronounced, high street gambling arcades, with their extended availability, present unique challenges for responsible gaming. Regulatory frameworks and industry efforts aim to ensure that these challenges do not exacerbate problem gambling, necessitating sustained focus on protective measures and careful monitoring of gambling-related harms [1][2].
Concerns about the proliferation of 24-hour high street gambling arcades have been raised, with an emphasis on casino games such as slots, given their significant impact on the overall Gambling Gross Gambling Yield (GGY). It's crucial for these establishments to implement responsible gambling measures to reduce the risks associated with problem gambling and potential harms, as highlighted by the UK Gambling Commission and government bodies.
