UK's Gambling Landscape Set for Shake-up with Revamped Casino Regulations
The UK's gambling landscape is set for a shake-up, with proposals for revamped regulations for land-based casinos. The Gambling Commission and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have been working together to present these changes, which aim to modernise the sector while maintaining fairness and safety.
The DCMS's proposals include reducing the minimum gaming area for smaller casinos and setting a machine-to-table ratio for both 1968 and 2005 Act properties. Notably, sports betting will be allowed across all land-based casinos under the new rules. Meanwhile, a recent survey indicates a dip in gambling participation among British adults, with 46% reporting involvement in the three months between September 2024 and January 2025, a 3% decrease.
Simon Thomas, executive chair of The Hippodrome Casino, welcomed these changes. He believes they will make brick-and-mortar casinos more competitive and stimulate economic growth in city centres and high streets. The DCMS has proposed raising the cap on Category B machines to 80 per venue, a move that could significantly boost casino offerings.
The proposed changes to land-based casino regulations in the UK aim to balance modernisation with safety and fairness. With a reduction in minimum gaming areas, a machine-to-table ratio, and the allowance of sports betting across all casinos, these reforms could reshape the UK's gambling scene. The DCMS's proposals have been welcomed by industry figures like Simon Thomas, who sees them as a boost for brick-and-mortar casinos and city centres.
