There are over 33,000 roulette machines around Britain. These machines allow shop owners to make on average £900 per day, per machines. The law to introduce these machines to the average shop was passed in 2001, but it has been a topic of discussion since. Store fronts are able to make an extra profit with relatively little effort.
However the stores are losing credibility as their shops are crowded with bright flashing lights and buzzers. Many believe that roulette is best played at casinos or at home, given the current easy access of online gambling platforms. And not in the local stores. But shop owners are happy to see the extra markup and, given that they are not illegal, chose to keep them in their shops.
Customers have mixed reviews to the availability of roulette gambling in local shops. Most regular gamblers, be that in casino style roulette or a betting on horse racing, believe that there is a huge difference between gambling, and roulette machines. They feel that the roulette machines can stay as they only provide a small, uninfluential markup.
Locals who use and visit the shops and shopping streets daily have a different opinion however. They feel that the roulette machines are a negative influence on the community. The roulette machines give the impression that gambling is okay and can be pursued as a daily activity. This is viewed as “taboo” as most people associate gambling with bankruptcy and minimal winnings.
The debate on whether the machines will stay in the shops or be outlawed is still a hot topic in the British legislation. Some politicians argue that the shop owners welfare must be taken into account, and that the shops will help them in future after they retire, while others state that roulette should be limited to casinos and should be removed by shop owners.
