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A new report by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) has raised alarm over the growing concentration of Adult Gaming Centers (AGCs) in some of the UK’s most economically deprived communities, prompting renewed calls for local licensing reform.
The study found that around one-third of all AGCs are located in the poorest 10% of neighborhoods, with Brent in North London used as a key case study. Brent, which has some of the highest rates of gambling-related harm in the country, has seen costs linked to gambling issues rise sevenfold since 2012.
MP Ms Butler described the findings as “deeply concerning,” arguing that current laws allow too many AGCs to operate in struggling areas, often against the wishes of local residents.
Dr. James Noyes, senior fellow at the SMF and co-author of the report, said AGCs “risk encouraging gambling amongst children and young people” and may “potentially encourage crime.” He added that councils remain “essentially powerless” to prevent new premises from opening due to existing licensing rules.
The report highlights a 7% national increase in AGCs between 2022 and 2024, with many clustered in already disadvantaged communities. The “aim to permit” rule—which obliges councils to approve most license applications—was identified as a major obstacle to effective local regulation.
In the report, Ms Butler wrote:
“Scrapping the Aim to Permit rule, among other measures, would ensure local communities are empowered to make a choice on the role that gambling plays in the make-up of their High Streets, and protect some of the most vulnerable in society from exploitation and harm.”
The SMF recommends six policy changes, including enhanced council licensing powers, greater involvement of public health directors, increased fees, and removal of the “aim to permit” rule altogether.
Brent Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Mili Patel, said the council has already called for “urgent reforms to put pride back into our ailing high streets” and restore local decision-making power to communities.
Source: Gambling News
