Rank Group reported like-for-like net gaming revenue of £216.1 million for the three months to 30 September 2026, up 5% year on year. The casino and bingo operator said stronger trading was being offset by pressure on its physical venues. It also warned that a higher Machine Games Duty rate could threaten investment, jobs and future openings.

Digital and Grosvenor lead the rebound

Rank’s like-for-like digital net gaming revenue rose 6% to £64.9 million. Its UK digital business also grew 6%, with Mecca online up 7%.

Grosvenor casino revenue increased 6% to £108.1 million. Visits rose 1%, while spending per visit climbed 5%. Gaming machine revenue rose 14%, ahead of 3% growth in table gaming and 5% growth in electronic gaming.

  • Group net gaming revenue: £216.1 million, up 5%.
  • Digital: £64.9 million, up 6%.
  • Grosvenor venues: £108.1 million, up 6%.
  • Mecca venues: £32.2 million, unchanged.
  • Enracha venues: £10.9 million, up 7%.

Three venues have already closed

The trading update showed how quickly weak economics can affect Rank’s physical estate. The company closed venues in Swansea, Reading Central and Sunderland during the quarter after deciding they were not economically viable over the medium term.

Mecca’s venue revenue was flat. Customer visits fell 3%, although spending per visit rose 3%. Rank said prolonged hot weather contributed to the weaker footfall.

What the tax debate means

Machine Games Duty is charged on the net takings from taxable machine games. HM Revenue and Customs currently applies rates of 5%, 20% and 25%, depending on the machine’s cost of play and prize levels, for the 2026 to 2027 tax year.

Rank said its profit outlook assumes that the current UK tax regime remains in place. Chief executive Richard Harris warned that any increase in Machine Games Duty would raise costs, reduce venue viability, lead to closures and job losses, cut investment, and could reduce tax receipts.

“Any increase to Machine Games Duty will increase costs, reduce venue viability, lead to venue closures and job losses,” Harris said in the company’s 15 October announcement.

That warning reflects the company’s position, not a government decision. No final legislation or effective tax change is identified in the trading update. HM Revenue and Customs continues to list the existing Machine Games Duty rates for 2026 to 2027.

The physical market faces the sharper test

The figures show a clear split. Rank’s online business is growing despite the higher tax regime introduced in April 2026. Its physical venues remain more exposed to machine performance, customer visits and spending per visit.

That matters because licensed bingo and casino premises must operate within Gambling Commission rules and local premises licensing requirements. The regulator’s framework covers fair gambling, crime prevention, and the protection of children and vulnerable people.

The next test comes on 28 January 2027, when Rank is due to publish interim results for the six months to 31 December 2026. Those results should show whether the UK rebound is holding while the company faces pressure on its physical estate and uncertainty over future tax policy.