Croydon Casino Faces Backlash Over 24-Hour Opening Bid
Hundreds of residents in Croydon have united to oppose a casino's application to operate 24 hours a day, warning that extended gambling hours would inflict significant social harm on the local community. The Admiral Gaming Centre on Westow Hill in Crystal Palace has submitted a request to Croydon Council to remove current licensing restrictions that limit its operations to between 8am and midnight daily.
Community Petition Gains Momentum
Approximately 600 petitioners have urged the council to reject the proposal, arguing that a 24-hour gambling venue would add nothing to the Crystal Palace Triangle area. This neighborhood currently has no existing gambling premises operating around the clock, making this application a contentious first.
The petition, launched by the Croydon Liberal Democrats, highlights concerns about vulnerable individuals and potential increases in antisocial behavior. Local resident Nigel Dingley expressed skepticism about whether the council will heed these warnings, stating, "Residents have told us again and again that extending these hours will hurt local vulnerable people. But will the council listen?"
Political Opposition Mounts
Councillor Claire Bonham, Liberal Democrat representative for Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood, emphasized the community's stance, saying, "I am pleased that the local community is making its voice heard loudly and clearly on this issue; 24/7 gambling in the Triangle is excessive and not wanted. The social harms of gambling are well known, and we should be looking to protect local communities from this harm."
Lib Dem campaigner Yusuf Osman added that extended hours would primarily benefit the casino's profits, noting, "24/7 gambling has the potential to aggravate antisocial behavior in and around the Triangle. It is very clear to me that extending these hours only benefits Admiral's profit margin and adds nothing to our local town centre."
Opposition has also emerged from Labour MP for Beckenham and Penge, Liam Conlon, who has initiated a separate petition. Backed by Rowenna Davis, Labour's candidate for Croydon Mayor, Conlon criticized round-the-clock gambling centres as predatory, pointing out that Luxury Leisure, Admiral's parent company, was recently fined £1 million for failing to safeguard vulnerable people.
Licensing Details and Council Response
Luxury Leisure's application seeks to amend staffing conditions to specify that "there will be no single staffing after 8pm until 8am the following day, every day," which campaigners interpret as a clear intent to open 24 hours daily. A spokesperson for Croydon Council stated that residents can view the application online and submit written comments as part of the legal process.
The deadline for public comments is midnight on Monday, March 2, 2026. Submissions can be made via email to licensing@croydon.gov.uk or by post to the London Borough of Croydon's Licensing Team. Admiral Gaming Centre was approached for comment but did not respond, leaving community concerns unanswered as the decision looms.
