The UK government is moving ahead with new legislation to ease restrictions for land-based casinos, and Rank Group is already preparing to expand. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport published the draft changes on May 12, with the updated rules expected to come into force by late July.
For Rank, which currently runs 1,367 machines across its 51 Grosvenor Casinos, the proposal opens the door to adding another 882. If all goes ahead as planned, the group could operate 2,249 machines within the next two to three years, pending approval.
The proposed reform is simple: small casinos would be allowed five machines per gaming table instead of two. The overall cap of 80 machines per site would still apply, but the shift gives operators more room to adjust layouts and meet demand.
It’s part of a broader effort to update the Gambling Act 2005 and bring land-based rules closer to how the rest of the industry already operates.
At the same time, most of the actual play is still happening online, and with that comes a different set of expectations. People want the basics to work without friction, especially when it comes to payouts. Even with more options in play, finding the quickest payout online casino remains the priority for most players. All they want is to deposit some funds, start playing, and enjoy their winnings within a few hours rather than waiting for days, or even a week.
And while all of that plays out behind the scenes, the push to adapt is showing up in boardroom decisions.
Rank’s chief executive John O’Reilly welcomed the move, framing it as a chance to boost the customer experience while also supporting jobs and local investment. He pointed to a broader investment plan already in motion—one the company now expects to accelerate under the updated rules.
Markets responded fast. Rank’s share price jumped nearly 8% following the announcement, reflecting renewed confidence in its long-term position, especially as it continues to post solid growth. In Q3 of fiscal 2025, the group reported a 10.9% year-on-year rise in net gaming revenue, fuelled by steady interest from high-rollers and strategic spend across both physical venues and digital platforms.
The new rules apply only to England and Wales for now, though Rank is already engaging with Scottish officials to pursue similar changes.
It’s part of a broader strategy to loosen regulations in targeted sectors and unlock new investment. In Scotland, any attempt to extend the same reforms will require coordination with the devolved government and the Gambling Commission. Rank, which operates Grosvenor Casino Merchant City in Glasgow and another venue in Aberdeen, has already opened discussions to bring those venues under the same framework.
The broader legislative momentum isn’t limited to slot machine allocation. A new statutory levy is being introduced across the UK, expected to raise £100 million annually. Land-based operators like Rank will be taxed at 0.5% of their gross gambling yield, while online platforms will face up to 1.1%. The levy will fund research, prevention, and treatment—part of a broader move to tie growth to accountability.
Further updates set to take effect on August 30 will tighten ID verification rules for all licensees. Test purchasing for underage access will become mandatory, and the age threshold for ID checks will rise from 21 to 25. While some operators see these steps as added friction, others view them as long overdue standards that reflect where the industry is headed.
As reforms roll out in phases, companies like Rank are being forced to navigate a patchwork of regional rules while still trying to scale. The changes vary, but the direction is clear. For operators with a footprint in physical venues, staying competitive means adjusting as the rules evolve, not after.
