Swansea may not open new casinos

The Grosvenor is the only working casino in Swansea.

Swansea’s ban on new casinos opening is set to be extended for another three years as the city council discusses the rule.

Back in 2014, the city council of Swansea approved a rule that forbade new casino openings in the city for at least three years. The decision came as a way to tackle poverty and, since the authorities consider gambling as a potential risk for “disadvantaged social groups”, it may be extended for another three years.

There is currently one casino operating in Swansea, the Grosvenor on High Street, even as there are three other licenses in force in the city. Back in 2012, the Aspers venue was the biggest venue in the city but the £13 million casino was not commercially viable and had to be shut down.

“Previous research has shown that disadvantaged social groups who experience poverty, unemployment, dependence on welfare, and low levels of education and household income are most likely to suffer the adverse consequences of increased gambling,” explained a report to the full council on Thursday. It also detailed the potential consequences of problem gambling in a person’s life and also its impact on communities, “particularly those already experiencing the stresses of life on a low income.”

The city has recently eased on restrictions imposed on alcohol selling venues but might just not be as benevolent with casinos. In case it passes, the ban will be extended until 2020, when it would be reviewed again.