Controversial Bingo And Gaming Centre Plan In Hastings Heads To Licensing Panel

Plans for a new bingo and gaming centre in Hastings will go before councillors on Monday (1 December), as a national gambling chain seeks permission to open a 24-hour venue in Queens Road.

Merkur Slots Ltd has applied for a bingo premises licence for 209–210 Queens Road — a move that would allow unlimited gaming machines onsite and round-the-clock operation for most machines.

Up to 20% of those could be higher-stake Category B3 machines, with payouts of up to £500.

Rival Company Lodges Strong Objection

The application has drawn a formal objection from The Godden Gaming Organisation, which runs Palace Amusements and The Deluxe on Hastings seafront.

Godden argues Merkur aims to create a “machine-led environment” where bingo is secondary — something national licensing rules are designed to prevent.

The company claims Merkur uses bingo licences primarily to increase the number of gaming machines allowed at a venue.

It says the licence should be refused or approved only with strict conditions.

Merkur Rejects Claims, Says Bingo Will Be Integral

Merkur Slots denies the allegations.

In a statement, its legal representative said the company — which operates more than 230 sites — applies for bingo licences only where it intends to offer bingo alongside gaming machines.

The company insists its Hastings site is expected to have a “very popular” bingo offer, in line with local licensing rules.

Concerns Over Crime, Deprivation and Previous Planning Refusal

Godden also argues the plans fail to address Hastings’ “specific localised issues”, including high levels of crime and antisocial behaviour in the town centre.

Those concerns echo reasons behind a planning refusal last month, when the council rejected a separate bid to convert the same premises into an adult gaming centre.

Planning officers at the time warned the proposal could negatively affect the wellbeing of residents in an area already facing high deprivation, and add to an “over-concentration” of gambling venues.

The planning refusal cannot be considered by the licensing panel, as planning and licensing are governed separately.

Gambling Commission Penalty Cited

Godden has also pointed to a Gambling Commission penalty issued to Merkur Slots earlier this year for failing to properly intervene with a vulnerable customer.

Merkur says the incident related to one site over a two-day period, and that it carried out extensive improvements to policies, staff training and safeguarding processes across all its premises.

Decision Expected After Monday’s Hearing

Monday’s hearing will give all parties the chance to make their case before councillors decide whether the new centre can open.

Any decision can be appealed in court.