A new application has been submitted for an Adult Gaming Centre at 574 High Road, Wembley (HA0 2AA).

If approved, it would add to a stretch of high street that already has more than a dozen gambling premises, many within a few doors of each other.

Across Brent, there are 81 licensed gambling venues, one of the highest totals in London. The council’s own data shows the cost of gambling harm has risen from £2 million to £14.3 million in the last decade, with higher levels than the national average.

This is not about gambling in principle. It’s about saturation.

Under the Gambling Act, the council must consider whether the application is consistent with:

• Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder
• Ensuring gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
• Protecting children and vulnerable people from harm

Residents are concerned because:

• These venues are already clustered in this area, including several within a very short distance of this site
• Higher concentrations are linked to increased crime and anti social behaviour
• It normalises gambling, especially for young people and those already under financial pressure

The applicant points to measures like CCTV, Challenge 25 and staff training. These are standard. They don’t address the bigger issue, which is whether this is the right location for another gambling venue.

Wembley Central is already saturated. This application should be refused.

If you agree, add your name.

Important: check your inbox and verify your email after signing. Unverified signatures will not be counted.

You can also object directly by emailing business.licence@brent.gov.uk and including 574 High Road, Wembley, HA0 2AA by Sunday 3rd May.

Even a short objection makes a difference, but make sure it clearly links to at least one of the licensing objectives: preventing crime or disorder, ensuring fair and open gambling, or protecting children and vulnerable people from harm.