A new bingo and adult gaming centre operated by Cashino Gaming Ltd., also known under the Merkur Slots brand, is set to be established in Cleveleys following official permission for the project was given by Wyre Council.
The gambling operator had asked Wyre for permission to operate the slots arcade centre in a Victoria Road West-based premises that previously hosted a Coral betting outlet. The betting shop, however, has been inoperable since 2019 and the premises have remained empty so far.
Cashino Gaming’s Bingo Premises Licence application sought to allow the company to offer slot machines and bingo services at the aforementioned premises. It was considered by the Wyre Council sub-committee engaged with the licensing procedures and got the desired approval under several conditions to make sure the venue’s visitors would be protected and the adult gaming centre does not operate after midnight.
The application for the bingo and arcade game centre faced a total of seven letters of objection to the project, with campaigners sharing their concern that the operation of such a venue would result in an increase of gambling-related harm to the community.
In its application filed to the Wyre Council, Cashino Gaming explained that it has always cooperated with the responsible authorities when it comes to the operation of its premises. The company further noted that it always makes consultations with the local police before filing new applications. It also reminded that, so far, none of its bingo premises licences had been reviewed.
Gambling Operator Claims the Bingo and Slot Venue Would Bring More Visitors
As stated in the application letter that Cashino Gaming submitted to Wyre Council, the proposed new adult gaming centre would make the vacant unit viable and help it contribute to the city centre by bringing the premises back into operation, since it has been empty for about a year. The company explained that the venue will operate during typical shopping hours. According to the operator, the opening of the adult gaming centre would bring more visitors to the centre, too.
For the time being, the gambling operator that trades under the Merkur Slots brand operates a total of 162 adult gaming centres on the territory of the UK, as well as other entertainment venues such as amusement arcades. The company is part of the global gambling operator Gauselmann Group. Of its adult gaming centres, 73 are bingo premises on high streets, and there are 5 bingo clubs.
The company has revealed that the gambling and entertainment venue that is set to operate in the premises on Victoria West Road is set to feature a great variety of bingo-themed slot machines and live caller sessions. The gambling operator also noted that under the provisions of its bingo licence, it would not be able to offer any high-stake slot machines that have been considered dangerous to vulnerable people.
As Casino Guardian previously reported, Cashino Gaming had filed a similar adult gaming centre application in Blackpool, but it was rejected by Blackpool City Council at the beginning of July. The company wanted to take over another former Coral betting shop premises on Abingdon Street but its application raised fears about the possible negative impact that gambling could have on more vulnerable people.
- Author
Olivia Cole
