North Devon Council Passes ‘No-Casino’ Resolution

_{North Devon's community takes a stand against gambling harm. (Image: North Devon council's website)}

North Devon Council has passed a No-Casino Resolution, effectively prohibiting the establishment of new casino destinations within the district. 

The resolution, which followed a public consultation where 82% of respondents expressed support for the policy, represents a substantial victory for advocates concerned about the harmful effects of gambling.

The resolution was approved during the Full Council meeting on November 20^th. 

Local media reported that the resolution transcends existing legislation by ensuring that North Devon will remain casino-free, irrespective of any future changes to national laws.

Rationale Included Consumer Protection

The rationale behind the involved apprehensions around gambling addiction, the adverse effects on families and individuals, and the broader potential detriment to the community played a pivotal role in garnering such overwhelming support.

Councillors unanimously agree that this decision aligns with their objectives to promote community pride, drive prosperity, and enhance well-being. Consumer protections are already in place within the very rigidly regulated industry.

When asked for a comment, North Devon Council said: "Details on the consultation and the responses can be found in the agenda document for our Licensing and Community Safety Committee on 10 September (from page 19).

"As you can see from those results, there were only 13 responses from members of the public. 

"The consultation was publicised on our website, through a press release, and also with a notice at Lynton House, where our Barnstaple customer service desks are. In addition, emails went to all Responsible Authorities, all of our gambling licence and permit holders in the district and the following bodies: 

• Betting and Gaming Council
• British Amusement Catering Trade Association (BACTA)
• Association of British Bookmakers
• The Bingo Association
• North Devon and Torridge Community Safety Partnership
• Gamblers Anonymous
• Gamcare
• Gamble Aware
• Mencap
• NSPCC
• Citizens Advice
• Devon Licensing Officers Group
• North Devon Voluntary Services
• MIND
• Young Minds
• YSMART
• Mencap
• Devon MASH (Multi-Agency Safe Guarding Hub)
• Freedom Community Alliance Barnstaple."

Casinos Low Down on List of Popularity for Gambling

According to YouGov statistics, Grosvenor Casinos is at 19% popularity while the lottery, bingo and scratchcards lead the race above the likes of Coral and Betfred.

The implications of North Devon's resolution may inspire greater scrutiny of casino operators and may encourage other councils to adopt comparable policies. 

Currently, casinos face extremely strong regulation from the Government and the Gambling Commission. This said, more local authorities may choose to implement similar measures. 

North Devon Council's commitment to addressing local deprivation also underscores the significance of this resolution. 

With 11% of the district's population facing income deprivation and seven neighborhoods ranking among the top 20% most deprived in the country, the No-Casino Resolution is viewed as a crucial step toward fostering a safer, healthier, and more prosperous community.

Councillor Louisa York, Chair of the Licensing and Community Safety Committee, emphasised that the resolution prioritises the well-being of local residents.

York said: "The No-Casino Resolution ensures we are putting the well-being of our residents first.

"By adopting this policy, we’re protecting our community from the risks associated with casinos while supporting our goals for a safer, healthier, and more prosperous North Devon."

Council Asked for Comment

We contacted North Devon Council for comment. We wanted to find out if they had misused the term 'casino' with the resolution intending to cover businesses within their scope, i.e. gaming centres and arcades. We also wanted to find out who proposed the resolution and why. 

Additionally, we asked how many people were consulted and if the casino industry were involved in the consultations. We did not receive a response. 

It is essential to note the legal context surrounding UK casinos. The legislative framework outlines that licenses for casinos are granted only in designated permitted areas. Casino operators must hold a license in an existing permitted area before they can even consider opening a venue. 

Presently, North Devon is not classified as one of these permitted areas, and there has been no indication that a casino operator has sought to establish a venue in the district, given the restrictions set by the Gambling Act 2005.

A Betting and Gaming Council spokesperson said: “This resolution misunderstands the way casino licenses operate in the UK.

"No BGC member currently operates a casino in North Devon, however, casinos can only operate in areas permitted by Government, and they are currently not permitted in North Devon.

“For a casino to open in this area, it would require an Act of Parliament, and this resolution would not prevent it.”

Unfortunately, some reports on North Devon's decision overlook this crucial legislative detail.