Plans For BDG Gambling Centre In Gloucester Rejected: “This Isn’t Las Vegas”
loucester Council Rejects Plans for BDG Game Centre
Plans to extend the opening hours of the BeLucky adult gaming centre on Westgate Street in Gloucester to operate 24 hours a day have been unanimously rejected by Gloucester City Council.
iLudo Limited, the company behind the application, sought to remove existing restrictions that limit opening times to:
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9am–12am Monday to Thursday
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9am–1am on Fridays and Saturdays
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Closing at 10pm on Sundays and bank holidays
🚫 Why the Proposal Was Denied
Although noise advisors and planning officers recommended approval, citing no technical objections, councillors expressed deep concern about the social impacts of gambling—particularly on mental health.
Key Concerns Raised:
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Councillor Andrew Lewis: Warned that approving the plan would be “pandering to addiction.”
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Councillor Stephanie Chambers: Referenced former MP Richard Graham, who dealt with at least three suicides in young men in Gloucester linked to gambling.
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Councillor Roseanna Marshall: Highlighted fears that late-night fast food customers from nearby McDonald’s would drift to the gaming centre, increasing loitering and antisocial behaviour.
Outcome
The council’s planning committee voted unanimously to reject the proposal, with many believing that extending gambling hours would harm local wellbeing and degrade the character of Gloucester’s historic centre.