The government has enacted several land-based casino reforms into law, such as allowing more gaming machines per venue and permitting casinos to offer betting through self-service betting terminals (SSBTs).
According to Harper, applications are now under review, and approvals from the Gambling Commission are anticipated to begin by September.
Betting now allowed in UK casinos
In the past, casino patrons were allowed to place bets using their mobile phones while inside a casino, but were not permitted to do so through self-service betting terminals (SSBTs) within the venue itself.
Under the new rules, the number of SSBTs allowed will depend on the size of the gambling area. However, Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, Baroness Fiona Twycross, told the House of Lords in June that the updated regulations will create greater opportunities for casino investment.
“The existing regulatory structure prevents these casinos from offering betting products, while those licensed under the 2005 Act can,” Twycross said during a debate on the reform. “This restriction is illogical, as customers can already place bets on their phones inside the casino but not directly through the venue.”
She added that the change would not only allow casinos to introduce a new gambling product but also invest in venue enhancements such as sports bars.
As part of the broader land-based reforms, licensed converted casino venues can now install up to 80 gaming machines, provided their gaming floor is at least 280 square meters and the number of machines does not exceed five times the number of operational gaming tables.
Land-based reforms ‘transformational’ for Grosvenor
Harper views the recent land-based gambling reforms as potentially “transformational” for the UK casino industry, and says Grosvenor is in a strong position to take advantage of the changes.
“We’re particularly well positioned due to our scale, prime locations, and the large floor space available in our venues,” Harper told iGB.
He added, “We’re ready to make the most of the opportunity presented by increased slot machine allowances to meet customer demand, while also introducing sports betting to broaden the appeal of our casinos. These changes have already sparked new investments across our business over the past year.”
The timeline of land-based casino reform in the UK
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) aimed to update UK gambling laws through its 2023 white paper, which included several proposals focused on the land-based sector.
Among the updates were measures to increase gaming machine allowances and permit betting within casinos. These changes were released in May, approved by both houses of Parliament in June, and came into effect on 22 July.
Harper anticipates that licences will be issued by late August, allowing Rank to begin introducing more slot machines and self-service betting terminals (SSBTs) across its venues from September.
“With the addition of more slot machines, we expect to see an immediate boost in revenue. For the first time, customers will have better access to slots on busy nights like Saturdays. At the same time, the introduction of sports betting will broaden our audience,” Harper says.
Land-based reforms spark heavy Rank investment
In 2024, Rank completed major upgrades at seven of its casinos, with plans to invest in six more venues this year.
“We’re making significant investments, driven by the belief that land-based reforms are the key to meeting customer demand and expanding the appeal of casinos,” Harper explains.
“At the same time, we’re using this opportunity to modernise our spaces—creating warm, inviting, and exciting environments for our guests.”
