A recovering gambling addict said he feared high streets were being "flooded" with slot-machine arcades, known as adult gaming centres.
Andy May, from Dersingham, Norfolk, who was jailed for stealing £1.3m from his employer to fund an online gambling addiction, said he was concerned about the increase in the arcades, some of which operate 24 hours a day.
"It's like an unstoppable flood at the moment," said Mr May, who now works as a recovery coach for other problem gamblers.
British Amusement Catering Trades Association (Bacta), which represents owners of gaming centres, said they were "among the safest places to gamble".
There are nearly 1,500 adult-only gaming centres in Britain, where players can spend up to £2 per spin to win jackpots of up to £500.
