Third 24-hour casino in Week Street, Maidstone could replace JenningsBet
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A third 24-hour gambling centre could be opening in a 150ft stretch of a troubled town centre street.
If plans are approved, the mini Vegas-style casino would replace JenningsBet in Maidstone.
Week Street - which has been plagued by violent night-time incidents over the past year, leading to one councillor to describe it as "lawless" - already has Merkur Cashino Slots and Game Nation which are both open 24/7.
Proposals were submitted at the beginning of July to takeover the betting shop and replace it with an "adult gaming centre".
Named Little Vegas, it would be near McDonald's, KFC, Savers, Tesco Express, Maplin, Yorkshire Building Society, Burger King and Subway.
A new shop front and slight changes to the floor space to allow more room for customers are the only changes proposed to the building itself.
A planning statement on Maidstone Borough Council's website said: "The proposed adult gaming centre use will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing activity in the town centre supporting the evening and night-time economy.
"There will also be increased natural surveillance as a result."
The applicant explained the casino would be a "low-key" attraction for the town centre.
The planning document continued: "The proposed use is quite different from amusement arcades found 'on the front' in seaside resorts in appearance, facilities, clientèle and impact.
"It would not have 'amusement only' machines such as video games and pinball tables, which are deliberately noisy.
"The premises will be fully enclosed, low-key and 'shop like' in appearance and effect and will be complementary in this town centre location.
"The premises will be carpeted and attractively fitted out."
Former council leader Martin Cox (Lib Dem), who sits on the council's planning committee, revealed he's not a supporter of gambling machines giving the current cost of living crisis.
"I really think people have better things to do with their money," he said.
"Obviously we can't stop people using them, but I'm against gambling machines in general.
"They are better off spending their money on living. The only winners, and people who benefit from machines like that, are the shops."
You can view the application here, with reference 22/503003/FULL.
If given the go ahead, 10 jobs would be created - six full-time and four part-time positions.
