BBC
Dave Ablett, who suffered with a gambling addiction but has been “clean” for a year, says there are too many slot machine venues
A gambling addict who has lost tens of thousands of pounds because of his habit says slot machine arcades are preying on the vulnerable.
Dave Ablett, from Hull, whose gambling problems started when he was a teenager, says the arcades – which can operate 24 hours a day – pose a risk to the community, particularly in more deprived areas.
There are a dozen adult gaming centres (AGCs) operating in the city, and an application has recently been submitted for another one.
Joseph Cullis, of the British Amusement Catering Trades Association (Bacta), said: “Adult gaming centres are safe, welcoming and alcohol-free entertainment venues where people can enjoy low-stake gaming in a controlled environment.”
Mr Ablett, 47, who has not gambled for the past year, told the BBC that having slot machine arcades in places with higher-than-average deprivation was like holding “an [Alcoholics Anonymous] meeting in a pub”.
His own losses were “upwards of tens of thousands over the years”.
“Because I’m an addict, you generally come out with either all or nothing. And the fact that they are 24 hours generally [means] you will come out with nothing. It’s about chasing that next win,” he said.
“It’s that never-ending chasing and chasing. You never win in the end – you never win.”
He said he had “spent upwards of £2,000” in a single gambling session.
Mr Ablett says his mother first contacted Gambling Anonymous with concerns over his behaviour when he was 15, and it had taken him decades (and two failed relationships) to successfully tackle his problem.
“I was a year off a bet, clean, in July this year,” he said. “It took me over 30 years. It was a constant chase, robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
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Zoë Osmond, chief executive of Gamble Aware, a charity, said: “We know that there is a disproportionate concentration of these sorts of venues in areas that are quite deprived, and we know that those people who are in those deprived areas are two times more likely to experience problem gambling than in the least deprived.”
But Bacta president Mr Cullis said AGCs were “controlled” environments.
“They are among the safest places to gamble, with experienced staff on hand to identify problems and provide support to customers,” he said.
“Player protection is central to our approach, and our machines are designed with inbuilt tools to encourage safe play and help prevent problem gambling.”
He added that the games in such venues were low-stake, “costing as little as 10p a spin”.
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Merkur has lodged an application for a new arcade in Hull
There are currently 12 slot machine arcades in Hull, and a planning application has been submitted by Merkur to convert the former Mica Romanie Mini Market in Spring Bank into another one.
A spokesperson for Merkur said: “We take our responsibilities as a licensed operator extremely seriously, particularly in relation to planning compliance, safer gambling and public safety.
“We are proud to invest in the high street, bringing vacant units back into commercial use and creating new local jobs.
“Our venues are designed to be well-managed, adult-only spaces offering low-stake, low-prize entertainment in a safe and regulated environment.
“We are committed to being a responsible local employer and community partner and we continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure we operate to the highest standards.”
The application has been made to Hull City Council.
“As a licensing authority, [we deal] solely with applications for premises licences from operators who are already licensed by the Gambling Commission,” the council said.
“We must follow rules set out in… the Gambling Act 2005, which requires us to ‘aim to permit’ gambling where it aligns with the act’s objectives.”