Game over: UK arcades face closure threat as energy bills soar by 1,000%

Jeremy Godden, who runs a number of amusement arcades in Kent. Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian

The bright illuminations and chaotic sounds of amusement arcades are an essential part of the British seaside experience, but the lights could soon start going out as owners warn of eye-watering energy bill increases of up to 1,000%.

The jump in costs driven by soaring wholesale gas prices has had a severe impact on a sector that has barely recovered from Covid restrictions, leaving many operators looking at slashing their opening hours or closing completely.