Following the UK’s release of draft land-based gambling reforms allowing operators to expand their gaming machine allocations, Rank Group moves swiftly to respond.
The UK government has released long-anticipated draft proposals aimed at reforming regulations for land-based casinos. These new measures would allow operators to increase the number of gaming machines permitted on-site, though within certain limits based on casino floor space.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) submitted the draft Casinos (Gaming Machines and Mandatory Conditions) Regulations to Parliament on 12 May. If approved by both Houses, the changes could take effect as early as 22 July, giving casinos the opportunity to expand their machine offerings under updated space requirements.
The UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has released a set of interrelated statutory instruments as part of its draft reforms to the regulatory framework for land-based casinos. These proposals address key elements such as casino size, gaming floor area, and the ratio of betting positions to available space.
The new rules aim to redefine how many gaming machines can be installed based on floor size. For example, casinos with a floor area between 380 and 400 square metres would be allowed up to 28 machines, while the maximum of 40 machines would apply to venues with at least 500 square metres of gaming space.
The draft also sets a cap on gambling area size, stating that casino gaming floors must not exceed 1,500 square metres. Any casino that already exceeds this size as of 12 May will not be permitted to expand further.
BCG welcomes ‘modest’ land-based reforms
The UK government concluded its extensive review of national gambling laws in 2023, culminating in a white paper published in April of that year. The document outlined a range of proposed regulations aimed at player protection, including tighter rules on marketing, bonuses, and land-based operations.
Among the key recommendations were relaxed restrictions for land-based casinos, allowing both small and large operators to adjust the number of gaming machines they offer and to provide sports betting services.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the UK gambling industry’s leading trade body, has expressed strong support for the newly published draft reforms. Alongside casino operators like Rank Group, the BGC had long advocated for these changes.
In a statement to iGB, a BGC spokesperson said:
“These long-overdue reforms—such as increased machine allocations and permitting all casinos to offer sports betting—will help the industry better meet customer demand. Adopting these changes could unlock millions of pounds in investment in city centres and high streets.”
The BGC added:
“We are pleased to support these modest but essential modernisation efforts, which will allow our members to thrive and align more closely with customer expectations.”
Rank Group set to add more machines following reform
Rank Group is preparing to add 882 new gaming machines to its Grosvenor casino estate across the UK in response to the recently announced land-based gambling reforms.
The Grosvenor estate currently comprises 51 venues offering a mix of casino table games, electronic roulette, and gaming machines. At present, Rank operates 1,367 machines across these properties. With the planned additions, the total number could rise to 2,249 machines in the near term—and potentially reach 3,112 over the next two to three years.
In a Wednesday investor update, Rank confirmed its intention to engage with government authorities in Scotland as well, with the aim of expanding its machine offering there in line with the new regulatory framework.
Rank CEO John O’Reilly previously stated that the company is well positioned to capitalize on the changes proposed in the Gambling Act white paper.
“We are ready to take advantage of the UK government’s land-based reforms, which we hope will be implemented soon through secondary legislation,” said O’Reilly.
Rank’s Grosvenor casinos were also highlighted as the group’s leading revenue driver in its third quarter results for the period ending 31 March. The venues generated £90.4 million ($120.7 million) in revenue—a 13% year-on-year increase—boosted by a 14.5% rise in table game revenue and a 9.5% increase in electronic roulette earnings.
Overall, Rank reported total revenue of £195.6 million ($261.3 million) for the quarter.
