Night-Time Economy Systems Maps
Mapping the night-time economy at a local level to reduce unequal harms
Gambling venues target the most vulnerable and deprived
Source of power:
Economic
Space of power:
GAMBLING AND ALCOHOL
Description:
Derby's gambling venues are located on the outskirts of the city centre and isolated from other venues. As a result, they are less safe for customers to visit but fewer people are exposed to their presence. There is a new, prominent, 24-hour gambling venue located near late-night licensed venues. There have been no policing or inspection issues, but there was concern this venue may entice those who are vulnerable. For venues such as this, licence applicants will provide evidence that they opened similar venues in other cities which have been well managed and have caused no problems. Pawn shops, payday loan providers and betting shops tend to "cluster" together in certain areas. Gambling venues intervene with customers who gamble for a long period of time; the council's licencing team have seen this at venues they have inspected, before the venue staff were aware they were being inspected. Gambling facilities are "highly regulated" and not frequented by children "unless they’re in the pub".
Quotes from participants:
~ "...from a safety point of view, they’re [betting shops] quite isolated… it doesn’t take long for you to go round a corner and you’re often quite alone"
~ "...it [casino] lights up like a Christmas tree... [if] you’ve had some drinks… there’s something about something big and shiny in front of you..."
~ "… who’s going to be using it [casino] at night, I think it’ll generally be vulnerable"
~ "… in terms of that 16 to 24 [year olds] thing being higher than average in terms of impact… we’ve got to do something about that."
~ "...gambling premises being more prevalent in, or established in, areas of deprivation..."
"…rather than just letting them [gamblers] gamble for hours on end... we’re seeing them engage with people before they even know that we’re from licencing..."