24-Hour Slot Machine Centre Receives License Despite Community Concerns

A 24-hour slot machine centre in Exeter has been granted a license, despite vocal concerns raised by local councillors on the facility's potential impact on the community. Merkur Slots, a gambling company with operations nationwide, wants to revamp a former pizza takeaway on Sidwell Street into an adult gaming centre, complete with slot machines and bingo.

Merkur Slots’ application received mixed reactions from residents and officials, especially due to the location on Sidwell Street. The 24-hour establishment will negatively impact the social community due to the anti-social nature of the centre where players will sit in isolation at the slot machines. 

Gambling is not uncommon in the UK, and many people access online casinos daily. Even if the Merkur Slots project is paused, the prevalence of reputable online slot platforms not listed on Gamstop means that gambling remains accessible to the Exeter community (source: ukslotsnotongamstop.com). There is, in essence, no need for a 24-hour gaming hall, since online platforms have made it possible for gamblers to access slots and other games from home, whenever they need.

Councillor Tammy Palmer, who represents the Duryard and St James ward, was very vocal about her concerns during the licensing meeting. She pointed out the street's location in relation to hostels, schools, and supported living accommodations. 

Palmer was not alone in her concerns, with residents and businesses on Sidwell Street also fearing that the centre would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviours. Nick Wedgery, who owns CareClean dryers on the street, said that the area already has regular disruptive incidents. He expressed worry that the 24-hour nature of the gaming centre will worsen these problems. “We’ve got enough issues already. I think the bingo centre is only going to make the situation worse—especially as it’s going to be 24 hours. It’s just going to escalate the problems we already have,” he said.

Merkur Slots defended their application, reassuring the community that measures will be put in place to protect the community from anti-social behaviour. Company representative Gerald Gouriet KC claimed that Merkur Slots prioritised the well-being of its customers and that there will be a strict no-alcohol policy and thorough staff training programmes to ensure the safety of the patrons. Staff members will be trained to identify problems, prevent underage people from entering the centre, and also require identification when someone is suspected to be underage. 

Merkur Slots, which was founded in 1972, runs other 24-hour gaming centres in Exeter and the UK and has not yet had any licensing issues. 

The company will also install CCTV along Sidwell Street in both directions in an attempt to address security concerns. Despite community and council member concerns, the Exeter City Council licensing committee approved Merkur Slots’ application, and included conditions to mitigate any risks. 

Merkur Slots expressed relief at the approval, however there is still plenty of controversy surrounding the project. Planning appeal is currently underway, but city planners are not entirely on board with the plan. They’re mostly concerned with the location of the gaming centre. Although they acknowledge the legitimacy of the establishment, they feel that Sidwell Street is not the best setting for a 24-hour business to operate.

A government inspector is going to review the case, and their ruling will decide whether the project can continue.