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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 17 October 2008

Finsbury Park Labour councillor Phil Kelly wants residents to protest against plans for a casino

Storm over plans for ‘Vegas-style’ casino

HEADTEACHERS are backing a campaign opposing plans to turn an amusement arcade in Holloway into a “Vegas-style”, high-paying gambling casino.
Objectors are expected to attend an Islington Council licensing committee meeting hearing a bid by Agora Amusements (Leisure World UK) to increase the number of high- value £500 jackpot machines from four to 12 at the old Nag’s Head pub in Holloway Road.
Yerbury Primary School headteacher Mary Gibson said she was disappointed by plans to expand the arcade. She added: “I didn’t want the arcade to win the licence for gambling in the first place. But if they are allowed more of the bigger payout machines it will put a lot of pressure on hard-working and hard-up residents.
“It’s all right if you win the jackpot, of course. But very few ever do. The majority can spend hundreds of pounds or more just trying to win. These machines are aimed mainly at those who can’t afford them.”
Finsbury Park Labour councillor Phil Kelly has called on residents to join the protest at the 10am meeting on Monday at the town hall.
“They have dozens of small payout machines but the big high-value ones are the real earners,” he said. “Under a loophole in the law, Agora are able to have 12 big machines if they split the arcade into three distinct areas.
“It’s a cynical attempt to win more money from residents at a time of growing financial hardship. We’re not talking about penny arcade machines – this is Vegas-style gambling. It’s totally inappropriate for this area.”
Labour councillor Janet Burgess is fighting a similar battle in Archway, where Agora has acquired a shop at 31-33 Junction Road. She added: “Hundreds have signed a petition against change of use. It used to be a nice kitchen shop called Emily’s Home. Now they want another gambling den.”
A spokeswoman for Leisure World in Watford said there was no one available to comment yesterday (Thursday).

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