UK regulator to probe self-exclusion failures at slot machine centres

A BBC investigation has revealed widespread failures in the self-exclusion scheme designed to protect problem gamblers at adult gaming centres (AGCs) in the UK, prompting urgent scrutiny from the Gambling Commission.

13 out of 14 AGCs visited by a BBC File on 4 undercover reporter in a city near Portsmouth allowed him to enter and play slot machines, despite his prior enrolment in a self-exclusion programme covering all such venues within a 40km radius. Only one location, operated by Game Nation, enforced the ban.

Under Gambling Commission rules, any breach of self-exclusion is expected to alert staff at nearby venues — including those run by other operators — to prevent further access. Despite this, the reporter was able to gamble at another property just 100 metres from the compliant site.

“The findings of the documentary were very concerning and we will be taking urgent steps to investigate what has happened,” a spokesperson for the Gambling Commission said. “We take protecting consumers extremely seriously.”

The Guardian previously reported that AGCs, which offer 24-hour access to slot machines, are concentrated in the UK’s poorest communities — a trend the publication says is enabled by permissive planning and licensing regulations.

The Gambling Commission also underscored that oversight responsibilities are shared with local authorities.

“Local authorities licence premises in their local areas and are funded, through the licence fee they charge, to inspect gambling businesses in their area to ensure those businesses are compliant,” the Commission said.