PLANS to turn Tenby’s former Poundland and Royal Playhouse cinema to a retro computer gaming lounge have been approved by the national park.

Following a takeover by investment firm Gordon Brothers, Poundland shut 57 stores last year, including Tenby’s branch on White Lion Street.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Matthew Mileson of Newport-based MB Games Ltd, sought permission for a change of use of the former Gatehouse (Playhouse) Cinema, with its Grade-II-listed front façade, most recently used as a Poundland store to a retro gaming lounge.

A supporting statement for the change of use scheme through agent Asbri Planning Ltd said: “The proposed retro gaming lounge will be inviting to all ages, including families, groups and individuals with no age restriction. The applicant has several similar premises across other parts of the UK and operates under a successful business model.

“This includes a fee being payable to enter the premises which thereby grants access to unlimited game time to all consoles/arcade machines. There will be no slot or coin-based reward games, so the proposal would not be considered/classed as gambling. The site will provide snacks and drinks (including alcohol) which will be canned/bottled drinks.

“The sale of such drinks would be ancillary to the overall function of the premises, and a separate alcohol licence will be submitted, accordingly.”

It proposes opening hours of 10-10, Sunday to Thursday, and to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tenby Town Council recommended approval despite concern at the loss of retail, but agreed it would be a welcome amenity to the town as a wet weather and family entertainment venue.

Tenby Civic Society had asked for a simpler form of lettering on external signage, and also raised concerns including the loss of retail space potential noise levels from gaming equipment.

Two objections from the public were also received, raising concerns including a potential impact on residential amenity and the principle of the change of use.

An officer report recommending approval said it was “widely recognised that the role of traditional retail is evolving, and that many town centres are facing challenges to their vitality and viability,” adding: “In this context, the proposed retro gaming arcade offers an experience-led use that can operate in all weather conditions, helping attract visitors to the retail area throughout the year. The development would therefore contribute positively to footfall, activity and the overall vibrancy of the town centre, in line with national planning policy objectives.”

Of the potential impact on neighbours, it said the noise would be contained within the building, controlled by “door closures which should be in operation at all times and maintained to ensure that the doors cannot be left open for any significant length of time”.

The proposal, along with related signage applications, was conditionally approved by Park officers.

Prior to being a Poundland, the site was the Royal Playhouse, which had its final curtain in early 2011 after running for nearly a century.

The cinema had been doing poor business after the opening of a multiplex in Carmarthen; in late 2010 the opening night of the-then latest Harry Potter blockbuster only attracted an audience of 12 people.

When it comes to using online slots, there is one term in particular that’s important to understand – RTP (return to player). If you’re new to gambling and you’ve never heard this term before, then read on to learn what RTP is and why it’s relevant to you. 

What is RTP? 

Return to player refers to the percentage of all wagered money a slot machine is programmed to pay back to players over a period of time. 

For example, an online slot with an RTP of 96% is, in theory, designed to return £96 for every £100 staked across thousands (or even millions) of spins. The remaining 4% (£4) goes to the operator. 

It doesn’t mean that if you as an individual stake £100, you are guaranteed £96 back. Slot games have random outcomes and an RTP’s sample size is significant, so it doesn’t reflect what an individual player will receive during a single session. 

How Does RTP Affect Gameplay? 

Slots with higher RTP percentages generally offer better long-term value. You can still lose but your money typically lasts longer. On the other hand, lower RTP games tend to favour the operator more, which can cause you to lose money faster. 

That being said, online slots are randomised. No RTP figure can override the unpredictability of gambling. Despite what some players believe, a game is never ‘due’ to pay out after a losing streak. This is a belief that causes many to fall into the trap of chasing losses. 

RTP should only ever be used as a rough guide and not considered a guarantee or promise. It does offer some insight into the game itself but it won’t change the fact that each spin and outcome is random. 

Improving Gameplay: The Importance of Understanding Odds and Probabilities

Having a basic understanding of odds and probabilities will also help you make more informed decisions. While you can’t guarantee success with any strategy, due to the random nature of online slots, choosing games with higher RTP percentages, setting clear spending limits, and understanding that all outcomes are chance, can keep gambling fun, responsible, and realistic. 

RTP is a Useful Tool For Gamblers 

RTP can be used as a tool to understand how a game works and make more deliberate moves, but by no means is it a ‘hack’ for winning. It’s still crucial to gamble responsibly, even when using online casinos with higher RTPs. 

BONUS offers are typically given to attract new players from Pembrokeshire and beyond, and reward and retain existing ones. They’re incredibly common across betting sites and any form of online casino or gaming platform, but they also regularly appear in other areas such as banking or retail. When it comes to online casinos, bonuses can include anything from free spins without a deposit to loyalty rewards that keep regular customers interested. 

These may sound great on the surface, but it is important to understand how they work and what you can do to maximise their benefits while staying safe and responsible. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about digital bonus offers. 

How Bonuses Work 

How a bonus works can vary slightly depending on the site, but most follow these key steps: 

1. Activate your bonus – this can be done in a variety of ways, such as entering a promo code or making a minimum deposit 
2. Receive credit – the platform will credit your account with bonus funds or free spins/bets 
3. Complete any wagering requirements – you may have to complete an action to access your bonus. Always check the wagering requirements 
4. Withdraw – once you’ve met any conditions that are set, you can withdraw your bonus or use your free spins/bets

Things to Look out For

• Game restrictions – some bonuses may only apply to certain games
• Minimum odds – free bet offers sometimes require you to bet at or above a specified set of odds 
• Maximum withdrawal limits – some no-deposit bonuses only allow you to withdraw a certain amount, even if you win more
• Deposit methods – some payment methods are excluded from bonuses 
• Time limits – some bonuses expire quickly

How to Maximise Bonuses 

When it comes to making the most out of the bonuses offered, there are a few things you can do. 

Compare Offers 

Not all bonuses provide the same value. A small bonus may seem less appealing at first glance, but when factoring in things like wager requirements, a larger bonus may be less beneficial in the end. 

Keep Notes 

This tip is especially important if you have several games and bonuses on the go. Make note of expiry dates, wagering requirements, and stake limits so you can make the most of your bonuses across every platform. 

Always Gamble Responsibly  

Gaming and acquiring bonuses can be fun, especially when you understand how they work and how to make the most of them. However, it’s important to remember that bonuses are there to encourage you to spend more, so it’s crucial that you take a responsible approach. 

Use trusted and licensed online casinos, stick to a budget and only deposit what you can afford to lose, and set yourself time-limits if you struggle to stop once you’ve got going.