Three petitions containing 329 signatures were presented to councillors this week objecting to plans to open a small casino.
Hastings Council hopes a casino would create 300 jobs and attract visitors and businesses to the area, but some residents think otherwise.
Two lead petitioners addressed the Conservative cabinet and expressed the concerns of residents who had signed the petition.
Matt Carter, a Baptist minister, said the town already suffers from addictive behavioural problems and a new gambling opportunity would exacerbate the problem.
He said: "Reports in to gambling show it is far from conclusive that the town will derive any benefits from gambling."
Sue Warren, a teacher, spoke to the cabinet about the concerns of Ore residents. She collected 111 signatures in less than two hours.
She said: "Gambling is a negative, destructive activity based on avarice and materialism.
"A casino will lead to an increase in the prevalence of gambling. This will increase debt problems, social problems and crime. There is not enough protection from the vulnerable and statistically, the number of vulnerable people in the area is high."
Councillors were divided on the issue with members of all three parties speaking for an against a casino.
Former leader Jeremy Birch said: "I think a casino could offer real economic opportunities. But we have to make sure we get the best deal from any casino, in terms of jobs, regeneration, and safety measures."
Council leader Peter Pragnell agreed with Cllr Birch saying casinos are the most regulated and heavily monitored form of gambling and the council has the power to revoke a licence.
The cabinet did not support the petitioners for these reasons but said it welcomed further debate. The council will be informed whether its application has been successful in January.