Gamblers in Hounslow spent nearly £80 million on fixed-odds terminals last year, figures show, as efforts to reduce the spread of betting shops continue.
Punters across the borough ploughed an estimated £79,665,752 into the machines during 2014, according to pressure group the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, losing £15,136,493.
That equates to a loss of £1,842 for every gambler in the borough using the machines, which critics claim are so addictive they have dubbed them the 'crack cocaine of gambling'.
Hounslow is one of 63 local authorities demanding greater planning powers from the Government to prevent the spread of betting shops, under the Sustainable Communities Act. The proposal also has the backing of London mayor Boris Johnson.
At present, betting shops are classed as A2 financial services, the same category as banks and estate agents, making it difficult for councils to refuse planning permission.
The Campaign for Fairer Gambling wants them to be given their own category, making it easier for local authorities to oppose new outlets, especially in areas where they are already clustered.
A spokesman for Local Works, which promotes the use of the Sustainable Communities Act, said: "The proliferation of betting shops has caused an increase in gambling addiction, leading to family and social breakdown as well as an increase in crime.
"It is great to see 63 councils joining forces and using the Sustainable Communities Act to address this – now government has to sit up and listen."
The Campaign for Fairer Gambling wants a curb on the number of betting shops allowed to open but would also like to see the maximum stake on fixed odds machines reduced from £100 to £2.
