Is Casino at Former Bank a ‘Fangtastic’ Idea for Whitby?

_{Whitby residents push back against plans to turn the town’s last bank into a 24-hour casino. (Image: travellinglight / Alamy)}

Locals in the quiet North Yorkshire town of Whitby have become involved in a heated debate, and it has nothing to do with Count Dracula—the charming subject of author Bram Stoker, who visited the town for inspiration and penned the book on the Dark Prince.

The town is also famous for its cobbled streets and charming seaside location. Most know it for its long-associated history with the bloodsucking count from Transylvania—the night-stalking, cloaked menace who hates garlic, mirrors and crosses. We can’t confirm whether the count was partial to a flutter, apart from his entourage of bats. What we do know is he has several slots named after him.

Northeast Vegas Not as Popular as Count Dracula

The hypothetical pitchforks are not wielded in fear of a potential bite on the neck from a vampire while indulging in a spot of sleep. Locals have raised concerns over a potential casino destination opening in a former Halifax building society.

The popular folklore evil count, we are told, frequented Whitby Abbey. Here, we are told, he gambled on which bedroom window in Whitby would be open for him to fly in and have a drink, and things went horribly wrong.

While the town does not seem to mind being the Dracula centre of the UK, it appears it wants to draw the line at becoming Northeast Vegas.

Last Bank Standing Due for Closure

The last standing bank in the town has been included in plans by Luxury Leisure to convert the building into a 24-hour casino. It is understood that it is not a casino in the real sense of the word, which conjures up roulette tables, poker players and blackjack tables, with folks wafting around in dinner jackets sipping martinis. This is a round-the-clock gambling venue.

The Halifax branch, located on Baxtergate, is set to close in mid-May. Despite the imminent closure and loss of jobs, Luxury Leisure has promised a £500,000 investment, which would create 12 jobs—tempting even for a count who is down on his luck, although he might prefer plans for a blood bank or sympathetic undertakers.

Becoming Northeast Vegas Not a Popular Option for Locals, Councillors and MP

Casino Applicants Defend Plans and Hope to Create Footfall and Employment

Luxury Leisure defended the planning proposal. A spokesperson said there would be "no noisy amusement arcade equipment which attracts under-18s and has an impact on amenity". The company has been applying for planning permission at vacant commercial premises across the UK.

Luxury Leisure will have 12 weeks to decide whether to appeal the council’s decision. The count, meanwhile, was last seen heading back to Transylvania for a Dracula Gaming Event, to be held on 6-7 May.