Grosvenor Casino expansion, strong Q4 results, and regulatory adaptation fuel FY2025 growth
The Rank Group, one of the UK’s leading gambling operators, has announced a positive trading update for the fiscal year ending 30 June 2025, projecting a minimum operating profit of £63 million. This revised forecast surpasses earlier internal expectations and reflects the company’s resilience in the face of regulatory pressures and rising operational costs.
Strong Q4 Performance Powers 11% Revenue Growth
Rank reported an 11% increase in like-for-like net gaming revenue (NGR), reaching approximately £795 million ($1 billion) for the year. The robust performance was driven in large part by momentum in Q4, despite industry-wide headwinds.
CEO John O’Reilly praised the team’s execution during challenging conditions, noting that consistent consumer engagement and strong performance in both land-based and digital segments were key factors in the earnings upgrade.
Casino Machine Expansion: Preparing for July Reforms
Rank’s optimism is also closely tied to upcoming regulatory changes in the UK gambling sector. From 22 July 2025, revised guidelines under the Gambling Act will permit small casinos to increase the number of slot machines per table from two to five.
In preparation, Rank has revealed plans to deploy an additional 882 gaming machines across its Grosvenor Casino network, augmenting the current fleet of 1,367. If fully licensed and rolled out, this will bring Rank’s total machine count to 2,249 machines, a significant enhancement to its physical gaming portfolio.
Navigating a Shifting Regulatory Landscape
The upcoming legislative changes will also allow on-site sports betting and include enhanced ID verification protocols and a statutory gambling levy, further tightening industry oversight. Rank’s ability to thrive amid these shifts signals strong internal risk management and regulatory adaptability.
Additionally, Rank continues to diversify its digital offering, most recently partnering with game developer Octoplay, aiming to bolster its online casino presence and capture a broader customer base.
Outlook: Cautious Optimism Ahead of FY2025 Results
With its preliminary FY2025 results set for release on 14 August, all eyes will be on how Rank balances the cost implications of upcoming policy changes with the commercial potential of new machine revenue and digital growth.
The Rank Group’s improved forecast offers a promising outlook at a time when many operators are recalibrating in response to tightening regulation. Should it maintain this trajectory, Rank may well position itself as a benchmark for sustainable growth in the post-reform UK gambling market.
