Residents Demand Action Against Growing Betting Shops in London

Residents in Earl’s Court, West London, are voicing strong concerns about the increasing number of betting shops and gambling establishments in their area. Local activists, including resident and Co-Chair of the Earl’s Court Society Planning and Conservation Group, Andrea Level, have expressed frustration over what they describe as a proliferation of these venues, which they argue contribute to anti-social behaviour and degrade the community’s character.

Level stated, “In Earl’s Court we have faced a huge uphill battle trying to rein in the proliferation of betting shops and fast food takeaways. These businesses like to operate 24/7 and bring nothing but ASB [anti-social behaviour] to the community.” Her worries reflect a broader trend across London, where the number of gambling machines has surged from approximately 171,000 to 202,000 since the onset of the pandemic.

The situation in Earl’s Court is echoed in other parts of London, including Brent, where local councils have highlighted the public health implications associated with gambling. A recent council assessment indicated that residents living near a higher concentration of licensed gambling venues experience elevated rates of problem gambling. The findings raised alarm among local officials and residents alike.

Residents in Earl’s Court have noticed the clustering of gambling venues, particularly near Earl’s Court Station. Within a short distance, there are several establishments, including William Hill, Coral, and Admiral. Last year, local politicians and community members successfully opposed a proposal for a SilverTime casino to operate 24/7 in a former bank building on Earl’s Court Road. Despite this victory, concerns about the cumulative impact of these businesses persist.

Level believes that the community would benefit from a more diversified range of businesses. “What Earl’s Court needs is more businesses serving the local community – everything from our local pubs to independent cafes such as Over Under,” she said. Her sentiments were echoed by fellow resident Sandra Yarwood, who also serves as Co-Chair of Planning and Conservation. Yarwood noted that the proximity of multiple gambling establishments is detrimental to the local High Street’s appeal.

Local councillor Linda Wade, representing the Liberal Democrats, indicated that the issue is part of a larger challenge facing high streets across London. “The reality is that these adult gaming and betting operators tend to target areas that already suffer from deprivation,” Wade remarked. This trend is evident not only in Earl’s Court but also in surrounding areas like Uxbridge Road and Notting Hill Gate, where residents have similarly raised concerns.

In Uxbridge Road, one resident highlighted the presence of nine betting shops in the vicinity, including one situated next to a primary school. They expressed a desire for these venues to be repurposed for community-serving businesses. “We want Shipley’s hours to be significantly reduced and ideally closed down and repurposed for something in the community that actually serves the residents,” the resident stated.

Meanwhile, Joe Powell, the Labour MP for Kensington and Bayswater, is advocating against the proposed SilverTime casino in Notting Hill Gate. He emphasized the need for the council to take decisive action to prevent the expansion of gambling venues. “Thousands of residents have backed my campaign to say they do not want more slot machines and gambling establishments on our high streets,” Powell said.

Challenges faced by local councils in controlling the number of betting shops are compounded by the existing regulatory framework. Recently, Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, described the effort to manage gambling establishments as “a losing battle.” A letter submitted to the UK government by 36 councils and two mayors underscored the limitations of current laws, which often prevent local authorities from intervening even in the face of community opposition.

Calls for reform include changes to the government’s ‘Aim to Permit’ framework, which requires councils to prioritize the approval of gambling licenses. Powell urged for reforms that would empower local authorities to oppose new licenses more effectively. “I would also like to see the Government and the Gambling Commission reforming regulation of gambling shops and casinos,” he asserted.

When asked about the concerns regarding gambling establishments in Earl’s Court, a spokesperson for Kensington and Chelsea Council stated that while there is no direct evidence linking anti-social behaviour to betting shops, they are working in collaboration with police to address community concerns. They noted the introduction of a public space protection order aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour in the area, citing the issuance of 1,050 fixed penalty notices since April 2024.

According to the Gambling Commission, the Gambling Act 2005 mandates that both the Commission and local authorities focus on regulating gambling in a manner that aligns with licensing objectives. Hammersmith and Fulham Council has recently reviewed its gambling policy, revealing a connection between clusters of gambling venues and areas of high deprivation. The council has since implemented a new policy aimed at exercising more control over the establishment of new gambling premises.

A spokesperson for Hammersmith and Fulham Council stated, “We share residents’ concerns about the number of betting shops and gambling premises on high streets. That’s why we’re leading the way locally and nationally in clamping down on those businesses which prey on some of the most vulnerable people in society.” They further noted that the local authority is prepared to defend its tougher gambling policy against legal challenges.

The ongoing debate around gambling establishments in London highlights a growing clash between community interests and regulatory frameworks. As residents and local leaders continue to push for change, the conversation about the role of betting shops in urban areas remains critical, reflecting broader societal issues related to public health, community well-being, and economic development.