Objectors to a new arcade said their high street was at risk of resembling the Las Vegas Strip as the council approved its gambling licence.

Brent Council granted a licence for a 24-hour adult gaming centre in Kilburn High Road on the site of a former bookies.

This was despite opposition from those living nearby, who said its introduction could contribute to increased crime and disorder in the area.

Objector Josie Warshaw said Kilburn High Road could soon look like the Las Vegas Strip, given the proximity of another adult gaming centre.

She also expressed concerns that the site could attract street drinkers – who would utilise the nearby off-licence – and issues with people taking up street space by loitering near the entrance.

This was based on past issues at the betting shop, which, she said, led to “local people suffering”.

“They’ve failed to understand the issues of the local area – there’s an off-licence, a pawnbrokers and homeless hostels nearby,” she said.

“That’s a toxic formula for the troubles that lie ahead for us.”

She was supported by local resident Benet Brandreth who argued that this type of premises was unsuitable for this area given previous problems and surrounding amenities.

“Research by the council itself says the licensing objectives cannot be met by gambling premises in this area – do not disturb the status quo and the push for a better Brent,” Mr Brandreth said.

But Andrew Woods, representing the applicant Future Leisure Limited, said there is a clear distinction between AGCs and betting shops.

This, he explained, includes staff mixing with customers, a lack of fixed odds betting terminals, limited stakes up to £2, and almost a 50-50 split between genders using the sites.

“There’s no evidence before you to suggest that AGCs cause crime or don’t protect the vulnerable,” he told the council’s licensing committee.

He added that the applicant is “experienced” in the industry who has interests at other local sites and would not want to jeopardise his licence with the gambling commission.

And he pointed out that both the police and the council’s licensing team, despite being aware of the issues in the area, said there was “not enough to object [to the proposal] with conditions put in place”.

These include the installation of CCTV, extensive staff training, building a relationship with local traders and the police, a system barring entry for drunk people, and protection for under 18s.