Rank Group Lifts Q1 NGR 5% to £216.1 Million While Warning of Closures from Further Machine Games Duty Rises

Rank Group increased net gaming revenue by 5% to £216.1 million ($290 million) in Q1 FY2027. The operator of Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca Bingo cited growth across venues and digital but used the update to caution that any further rise in Machine Games Duty would trigger closures, job losses and lower tax receipts.

Richard Harris, CEO, said the group made a strong start to the financial year and remains confident in delivering operating profit in line with market expectations. He added that HM Treasury recognised the economic case against duty increases last year and that the right conditions would allow its casinos and bingo clubs to support the government’s growth agenda.

Grosvenor and Mecca Results Show Divergence

Grosvenor Casinos produced £108.1 million ($145 million) in like-for-like NGR, a 6% rise. Gaming machines led with 14% growth while table gaming rose 3%. Customer visits increased only 1%, with the balance coming from a 5% lift in average spend per customer. The operator closed three venues in Swansea, Reading Central and Sunderland after determining they were no longer economically viable over the medium term.

Mecca Bingo held revenue flat at £32.2 million ($43 million). A 3% decline in visits was offset by a 3% rise in spend per visit, which the company linked to unusually hot weather. The Spanish Enracha business grew 7% to £10.9 million ($14.6 million).

Digital Resilience and Tax Pressure

The digital division reported £64.9 million ($87 million) in like-for-like NGR, also up 6%. UK online operations matched that pace despite the higher gambling tax regime that took effect in April 2026. Mecca online delivered 7% growth.

Harris highlighted the resilience of the UK digital business and the improvement in gaming machine performance. His comments mirror those from Entain CEO Stella David last month, as reported by Casino.org. The update follows Rank Group’s £5 million ($6.6 million) regulatory settlement with the United Kingdom Gambling Commission over anti-money laundering and social responsibility failures at three land-based casinos.

The Budget Risk for Venue Viability

Any increase in Machine Games Duty would raise costs and reduce venue viability, according to Harris. The outcome of the upcoming Budget will determine whether operators continue to absorb fiscal pressure or accelerate site rationalisation. Rank Group will release its H1 FY2027 results on 28 January 2027.

Reporting: Casino.org News

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