The British government announced on Tuesday (11) a package of measures that could expand the power of local authorities to prevent the opening of new betting shops and gaming machine centers in commercial areas. The proposal includes reviewing a rule that currently restricts the ability of local councils to reject new gambling establishments.
The change is part of a strategy to increase communities' control over the businesses that occupy the UK's main commercial streets.
The focus is on the expansion of betting shops and Adult Gaming Centres, at a time when the government seeks to give local councils more autonomy to decide where these establishments can operate.
Rule that favors the approval of betting shops may end
One of the main measures is the intention to revoke the rule known as 'Aim to Permit', set out in the Gambling Act.
Today, the rule limits the ability of local councils to refuse new betting shops and establishments with gaming machines that are open 24 hours, even when there is strong community opposition.
With the change, local councils will have greater leeway to assess whether a new betting operation is appropriate for a given area.
The government argues that the current model contributed to the concentration of gambling establishments in certain commercial areas.
In the London borough of Brent, for example, there are more than 80 gambling establishments. In Harlesden, ten betting shops are located within a ten-minute walk, according to data cited in the announcement.
Gaming machine centers will need authorization
The so-called Adult Gaming Centres will also be affected by the new rules.
These establishments, aimed exclusively at adults and offering machines such as slots and fruit machines, will need to obtain planning permission before opening.
The government's forecast is that the new requirement will take effect at the beginning of next year. Currently, these businesses can be set up under rules similar to those used by shops and other commercial establishments.
The change creates a new regulatory layer for physical gambling operators and increases the influence of local administrations over the sector's expansion.
Government expands oversight of establishments
The package also includes measures against businesses associated with illegal activities.
The maximum period of so-called Closure Orders will be extended from six to 12 months, allowing police and local authorities to keep establishments closed for longer during investigations related to organized crime.
Although the plan also covers vape shops and other types of businesses, the changes to the Gambling Act and to the rules for Adult Gaming Centres represent a direct change in the way new in-person betting operations may be authorized in the UK.
