UK proposes casino reform allowing more slot machines, Rank Group plans expansion

The UK government has published long-anticipated draft reforms that would overhaul regulations governing land-based casinos, potentially allowing operators to significantly expand their gaming machine offerings.

The proposed changes, submitted to Parliament by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on May 12, are part of the government’s broader implementation of the Gambling Act Review. If approved, the new rules would take effect from July 22.

The draft Casinos (Gaming Machines and Mandatory Conditions) Regulations introduce a tiered framework linking gaming machine entitlements to casino floor space. Casinos with 500 square metres of gambling space could be permitted to operate up to 40 machines. Additionally, updated entitlements for casinos converted from the Gaming Act 1968 allow for as many as 80 machines, provided that the number does not exceed five times the number of gaming tables and the floor space exceeds 500 square metres.

A hard cap of 1,500 square metres on gambling areas has also been proposed, with casinos currently exceeding this limit restricted from further expansion.

“The BGC is delighted to welcome these modest, mission critical modernisation reforms, so our members can better meet customer expectations and thrive,” a spokesperson for the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) told to iGB. “Much needed reforms on gaming machine allocations and allowing all casinos to offer sports betting should strengthen the sector to better meet the needs and expectations of their customers.”

The regulatory package is detailed in Annexes B and C of the DCMS proposal. Annex B updates machine entitlements for so-called “converted casinos,” while Annex C introduces new requirements for floor plans that clearly delineate table gaming and other gambling areas.

Rank Group, one of the UK’s largest casino operators, welcomed the reforms and announced plans to add 882 gaming machines across its 51-venue Grosvenor estate. The company currently operates 1,367 machines and aims to increase this number to 3,112 within two to three years.

“We are well positioned to optimise the opportunities afforded by the UK government’s planned land-based regulatory reforms which will hopefully be implemented through the passing of secondary legislation,” said Rank CEO John O’Reilly.

The changes mark a shift from provisions originally carried over from the legacy 1968 Gaming Act, reflecting calls from the industry for greater flexibility and commercial viability in land-based operations.

Although the reforms have been welcomed by the industry, the government has yet to confirm a definitive timeline for implementing the secondary legislation.