Wondering About a Whitby Casino

The seaside town of Whitby in North Yorkshire is in for a change. Known for its cobblestone pathways and vintage vibe, plans have been officially submitted to introduce a Whitby casino where the bank currently stands.

Not just that, but the Halifax bank, situated on Baxtergate, is the last official financial building in this picturesque and quaint little town, and it’s closing its doors officially by mid-May. The proposed casino plans also state that this will be a 24/7 casino, spearheaded by a company well-known for its adult gaming centres. It has promised not only £500,000 towards the development of the casino, but also job opportunities for the people of Whitby.

Pushback on Whitby Casino

Despite this, there has been some pushback from businesses and community members who are concerned that Whitby’s distinct charm will be tainted and that not-so-desirable elements may be tempted to take up residence in and around the area.

Both councillors and traders alike are in agreement that a “quaint fishing village” is not the place for a casino that’s open all day, every day. This is despite owners assuring the community that the games and services offered will only attract adults, and that the machines will in no way resemble any type of arcade entertainment that may be a lure for the younger generation. They have also promised that the gaming equipment will not produce any unnecessary noise, maintaining some of the peace small villages are known for.

As valid as those concerns may be to an older generation that has lived in Whitby their entire lives, we should also understand that no one particularly likes change. The unknown is scary and can make many feel that their safety and even their livelihoods may be under attack.

However, there is also a positive side to change that every generation inhabiting Whitby can benefit from. Let’s discuss further.

Casinos and the Economy

The truth is that a casino will definitely boost the local economy of Whitby by creating more foot traffic other than just tourists who have come to the town for its surroundings to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Tourists may extend their stay as there is more entertainment in the village and a social aspect that was previously missing.

This means the local hotels and bed and breakfasts can be assured of year-round business. People can now come to soak up the tranquillity Whitby can provide, and also be entertained on other days (and nights) when the mood hits them. The truth is, people these days rarely have the attention span needed to just sit in a beautiful village and soak up the scenery. They need some form of social interaction that a 24/7 casino may provide, even if it’s just in the form of restaurants, bars and shows.

This brings us to another point. Local performers and restaurant owners will have a place where their businesses can thrive. Although the owners have only proposed a gambling area for now, it’s safe to say that, if successful, they may want to include food, beverages and other live entertainment as a way of bringing in more revenue.

Finally, local people can be trained as croupiers, waiters or bartenders to service the casino, contributing to the overall economy of the village in a significant and positive way. It is the same for local restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and shops. Whitby’s tourist attractions will see a boost, as will the local shops that cater mainly to tourists.

Whitby Casino Development

Overall, the positives outweigh the negatives when it comes to developing a land-based casino in a smaller town. You may think it’s not needed as, these days, people have access to online casinos, which is generally preferred. This is because it provides a similar level of engagement and enjoyment, with the added benefit of the convenience factor.

However, Whitby’s casino will boost the local economy, providing jobs and giving locals and tourists more opportunities to mix socially. In the long run, that does outweigh the fear of change some residents seem to have.