The Games Wharf: Kim Thurston
Licensed by the UK Gambling Commission since 2009 · Southsea
The Games Wharf is the name used by licence holder Kim Thurston, an individual based in Southsea. Under a licence from the UK Gambling Commission, The Games Wharf may run family amusement arcades that are open to all ages, with any over 18 machines kept in a separate area, and its current licence dates from January 2009.
What the licence covers
An arcade that offers gaming machines needs an operating licence from the Gambling Commission, and each venue needs a premises licence from its local council.
- Gaming Machine General Family Entertainment Centre (Non-Remote): Kim Thurston can operate licensed family entertainment centres: arcades open to all ages, with any adult-only machines in a separate area.
Venue and trading names
Kim Thurston trades under this name:
- The Games Wharf
Venues
The Gambling Commission premises register lists 2 adult gaming centres and 1 family entertainment centre for Kim Thurston.
- Family Entertainment Centre: The Games Wharf, Unit 1, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea PO5 3AA Map
Premises licence from Portsmouth City Council - Adult Gaming Centre: The Games Wharf, Unit 2, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea PO5 3AA Map
Premises licence from Portsmouth City Council - Adult Gaming Centre: The Games Wharf, Unit 3, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea PO5 3AA Map
Premises licence from Portsmouth City Council
Register changes
Between 18 January and 7 October 2026
- Non-Remote licence 001956-N-101987 has a new version in the register: 012 (was 011).
Questions and answers
Is The Games Wharf licensed?
Yes. The Games Wharf is a trading name of Kim Thurston, which is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission to operate licensed family entertainment centres. Kim Thurston holds Gambling Commission account number 1956. Its current licence started in January 2009.
Who owns The Games Wharf?
The Games Wharf is operated by Kim Thurston, a sole trader with a registered address in Southsea.
Is The Games Wharf for adults only?
The licence is for a family entertainment centre, which is open to all ages. Any adult-only machines must be in a separate area.
How many venues does Kim Thurston have?
The Gambling Commission premises register lists 2 adult gaming centres and 1 family entertainment centre for Kim Thurston. They are in Southsea.
Licence record
| Activity | Type | Status | Start | End | Licence number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaming Machine General Adult Gaming Centre | Non-Remote | Surrendered | January 2009 | September 2024 | 001956-N-101987-010 |
| Gaming Machine General Family Entertainment Centre | Non-Remote | Active | January 2009 | 001956-N-101987-012 | |
| Gaming Machine General Family Entertainment Centre | Non-Remote | Surrendered | January 2009 | September 2024 | 001956-N-101987-010 |