Croydon raises concerns about gambling outlets

Residents of Croydon have questioned the number of gambling outlets in the borough.

UK.- Despite the recent clampdown on gambling in the UK, the modality seems to expand in the territory. Croydon residents are concerned over the expansion of gambling outlets in the territory, as they link them with an increase in crime.

Townhall chiefs of Croydon, a town in London, issued a licence last month in a borough that already had 61 establishments with betting licences, London News Online reported. A committee discussed these permits at a meeting last week.

Ward councillor Oliver Green said: “The proliferation of gambling establishments on our high streets is a concern for many communities in the borough and that is particularly a problem in New Addington.

“We see a lot of people street drinking. I think there is a risk that if we are putting in gaming establishments, we exacerbate some of these problems. I think having establishments like this where you can spend long periods of time can increase crime and antisocial behaviour.”

A spokesman for the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) said: “Betting shops contribute greatly to the local economy in Croydon. They employ nearly 400 people. More than 90% of the economic benefits of the shops stay local, too, helping enrich communities.”