Research has revealed that individuals living in deprived areas of Dudley are at an increased risk of gambling-related harm. According to a report from the BBC’s Shared Data Unit, the borough’s two licensed Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) are situated in regions classified among the 20 percent most deprived in mainland Britain. The findings have sparked concerns from gambling support charity GambleAware regarding the implications of such establishments in vulnerable communities.
The presence of AGCs, which can operate 24 hours a day and feature gaming machines that can pay out substantial sums, raises alarms about gambling exposure in these areas. Anna Hargrave, the transition CEO of GambleAware, emphasized the dangers, stating, “Our research has shown those in the most deprived areas are two times more likely to experience gambling harms.” She further noted that the clustering of gambling venues in these locations is particularly troubling.
GambleAware’s research highlights that all forms of gambling carry inherent risks, but there is a specific concern linked to gaming machines. The study indicates that one in two individuals who used gaming machines in the past year reported experiencing “problem gambling.” This statistic underscores the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures in areas with limited economic resources.
The two AGCs in Dudley—the Quicksilver in High Street, Brierley Hill, and Shipleys Mirage Centre in Hagley Street, Halesowen—are licensed by Dudley Council. The gaming industry argues that AGCs operate under stringent regulations designed to mitigate risks associated with low-stake gambling. Allastar Gair, communications director at the trade association BACTA, stated, “A new AGC does not open without a full licensing process, council oversight, and a detailed risk assessment.” He added that operators do not intentionally target deprived areas but rather occupy long-term vacant units in need of regeneration.
Dudley stands out as one of only 12 authorities in the BBC research where all AGCs are located in areas of high deprivation. Among these, Bolton has the highest number, with six AGCs in the 100 percent category. Overall, across England, Scotland, and Wales, 48 percent of AGCs are found in the two most deprived areas, with 435 located in the first most deprived areas and 229 in the second.
In addition to the two AGCs, Dudley is home to 26 betting shops, six bingo halls, and one casino, according to the Gambling Commission’s register of licensed gambling premises. This concentration of gambling facilities in economically challenged areas raises significant concerns about the potential for increased gambling harm among residents.
As discussions surrounding gambling regulations continue, the need for a balanced approach that considers both the economic benefits and the risks to vulnerable populations remains critical. The information presented by GambleAware and the BBC underscores the importance of monitoring gambling practices and ensuring that vulnerable communities receive the support they need to mitigate potential harms.
