Residents Rally Against Betting Shops in Earl’s Court, London

Concerns over the proliferation of betting shops in Earl’s Court, London, have sparked strong opposition from local residents and officials. Andrea Level, a vocal community member and Co-Chair of the Earl’s Court Society Planning and Conservation Group, has expressed frustration over the increasing presence of gambling venues in the neighbourhood, stating, “These businesses like to operate 24/7 and bring nothing but anti-social behaviour to the community.”

The issue is not isolated to Earl’s Court. According to a report from ITV News in April, the number of gambling machines across the UK has surged from approximately 171,000 to 202,000 since the onset of the pandemic. In North London, the Brent Council has raised alarms about a rise in bingo licences for venues that effectively function as betting shops or adult gaming centres (AGCs). Their assessment labelled gambling a “public health issue,” indicating a correlation between high concentrations of licensed venues and increased rates of problem gambling among local residents.

In Earl’s Court, the landscape is marked by several betting establishments within a short distance of each other. For instance, within a few hundred metres of Earl’s Court Station, there are multiple venues including a Coral and Admiral Casino, as well as a William Hill. Local politicians and residents successfully opposed a proposal for a 24/7 SilverTime casino in the area last year, but concerns linger about the cumulative impact of these gambling premises.

Level argues for a “reasonable terminal hour” for such businesses, suggesting midnight as a cut-off time to align with local licensing policies. She notes, “What Earl’s Court needs is more businesses serving the local community,” highlighting the value of local pubs, cafes, and shops over gambling establishments which she believes “prey on our most vulnerable neighbours.”

Sandra Yarwood, also a Co-Chair of Planning and Conservation in the Earl’s Court Society, shares Level’s sentiments. “They are all very close to each other and completely degrade the High Street,” she said, referencing the clustering of slot machine establishments and traditional betting shops. Yarwood envisions a revitalized area with more independent restaurants and coffee shops.

The issue extends beyond Earl’s Court as similar concerns are echoed in nearby areas such as Uxbridge Road in Shepherd’s Bush and Notting Hill Gate. On Uxbridge Road, a resident reported the presence of nine betting shops in close proximity to a primary school, raising alarms about their impact on the community. The resident called for the closure of one venue, Shipley’s Bingo, which has recently been granted a premises licence despite being located in a high anti-social behaviour area.

Local MP Joe Powell, representing Kensington and Bayswater, has actively campaigned against the establishment of a 24/7 SilverTime casino in Notting Hill Gate. He stated, “Thousands of residents have backed my campaign to say they do not want more slot machines and gambling establishments on our high streets.” He urged Kensington and Chelsea Council to utilize all available powers to prevent further gambling venues from opening.

In response to growing concerns, Cllr Linda Wade of the Liberal Democrats stated, “The issue is wider… It is around the changing faces of our high streets.” She noted that adult gaming and betting shops often target areas facing economic deprivation, exacerbating existing social challenges.

The Leader of Brent Council, Cllr Muhammed Butt, described efforts to manage the increasing number of gambling establishments in the borough as a “losing battle.” A letter from 36 councils and two mayors submitted to the government highlighted the limitations local authorities face in regulating new gambling premises, even in the face of strong community opposition.

One significant change being advocated by local councils is to amend the Government’s ‘Aim to Permit’ framework, which currently obliges local authorities to prioritize approval of gambling licences. Powell emphasized the need for reforms to enhance local authorities’ ability to oppose new gambling licences effectively.

Kensington and Chelsea Council responded to concerns by indicating that while there is no direct evidence linking anti-social behaviour specifically with betting shops, they are committed to addressing the issue through their public space protection order, which has allowed them to issue 1,050 fixed penalty notices since April 2024. They acknowledged that under national law, councils must operate under the ‘Aim to Permit’ requirement, limiting their power to reject applications outright.

The Gambling Commission, which oversees gambling regulations in the UK, reiterated that the law requires both the Commission and licensing authorities to allow gambling as long as it aligns with licensing objectives. Hammersmith and Fulham Council has recently reviewed its gambling policy, identifying links between clusters of gambling premises and areas of high deprivation and crime. They have introduced a new policy aimed at exerting greater control over the establishment of new gambling venues.

A spokesperson for Hammersmith and Fulham Council stated, “We share residents’ concerns about the number of betting shops and gambling premises on high streets,” emphasizing their commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the community.

The legal landscape surrounding this issue is complex, with trade associations like The Bingo Association and Bacta challenging new policies that they argue overreach local authorities’ regulatory powers. Joseph Cullis, President at Bacta, asserted that existing laws should be applied fairly and consistently rather than creating new regulatory hurdles.

In contrast, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) highlighted the economic contributions of betting shops, stating that they support 46,000 jobs and contribute approximately £1 billion in taxes annually. They argue that the majority of gamblers participate responsibly, with only 0.4 percent of the adult population identified as problem gamblers according to the most recent NHS Health Survey for England.

As the debate over gambling establishments continues, the voices of local residents and officials underscore a growing desire for community-focused development that prioritizes the well-being of residents over the expansion of betting venues. The situation in Earl’s Court serves as a microcosm of broader concerns surrounding gambling in urban areas, prompting calls for action from both local authorities and community advocates.