UK’s poorest areas flooded with gambling venues targeting vulnerable residents
Over half of the UK’s Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) are concentrated in deprived or disadvantaged communities. These venues often target vulnerable individuals who face a higher risk of gambling-related harm. Local authorities have powers to limit their spread—but many struggle to act decisively.
Around 664 of the UK’s 1,400 licensed AGCs sit in areas with high levels of deprivation. Research shows that people in these communities are more likely to develop compulsive gambling habits. Financial strain, limited support networks, and fewer resources for recovery worsen the problem.
Impulsive gambling in these areas leads to wider societal costs, including mounting debt and fractured relationships. Critics argue that AGCs deliberately exploit vulnerable groups who may make riskier decisions. Local planning authorities hold tools to restrict these venues under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Options include zoning rules, development controls, and stricter planning policies. Yet some councils hesitate, claiming they cannot outright block businesses from setting up in neighbourhoods.
The concentration of AGCs in disadvantaged areas raises concerns about exploitation and long-term harm. While local authorities possess legal means to curb their growth, enforcement remains inconsistent. Without stronger action, vulnerable communities will continue facing disproportionate risks from gambling-related issues.
