Surrey Casino Granted 24/7 Licence Despite Local Opposition and Restrictions

Golden Slots (Southern) Limited has applied for a 24/7 gambling licence for an adult gaming centre in the former Barclays bank building on Church Street, Ashford, Surrey, despite strong local opposition and previous refusals of planning permission by Spelthorne Borough Council. The council's refusals were overruled on appeal, with the government planning inspector approving the scheme under conditions including limited opening hours from 09:00 to 23:00 and requirements for sound insulation and management of late-night disturbances. The casino operator plans to comply with these planning conditions regardless of the 24/7 licence status, using an electronic lock to restrict access between 22:00 and 08:00, alongside 24-hour CCTV, staff training, a 'Think 25' age verification policy, and self-exclusion tools to mitigate harm. The application acknowledges the site's proximity to schools, care homes, ATMs, and other gambling premises, but risk assessments suggest a low risk of harm due to the proposed safeguards. Meanwhile, local councillors have supported a motion urging the government to modernize gambling laws, granting councils stronger powers to protect communities from gambling-related harm and improve support for gambling addiction. Residents and local authorities have until late August 2025 to submit comments on the licence application.