A recent documentary by BBC File on 4 Investigates has highlighted significant flaws in the self-exclusion schemes designed to prevent gambling addiction in 24-hour slot machine shops. The industry’s regulator, the Gambling Commission, described these flaws as “very concerning.” The Guardian has previously reported on how gambling operators are using favorable laws to saturate UK high streets with these “adult gaming centres,” which tend to concentrate in the poorest areas. These establishments are required to offer self-exclusion schemes to customers battling addiction, as slot machines are linked to higher addiction rates compared to other forms of betting.
The documentary revealed that in one city, 13 out of 14 venues failed to implement the self-exclusion scheme correctly. An undercover reporter signed up for exclusion from all venues within a 40km radius of a Game Nation slot machine venue in Portsmouth and was initially blocked from returning. However, he was then able to enter 13 other venues, including a branch of Merkur Slots just 100 meters away, where staff assisted him in using the machines and even offered snacks.
Merkur, the second-largest adult gaming centre operator in the UK, was fined nearly £100,000 this year for exploiting a terminally ill cancer patient. The Gambling Commission has stated that they take protecting consumers very seriously and will investigate the documentary’s findings urgently. The commission also noted that local authorities are responsible for licensing premises and inspecting gambling businesses in their areas to ensure compliance with gambling laws. Merkur has defended its actions, stating that it always follows best efforts to support customers who decide to enter into the industry’s self-exclusion schemes.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/17/adult-gaming-centres-failing-to-help-problem-gamblers-self-exclude
