The UK’s land-based casino sector could soon see a significant regulatory overhaul, following the release of long-anticipated draft proposals by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Laid before Parliament on 12 May, the draft Casinos (Gaming Machines and Mandatory Conditions) Regulations aim to modernise long-standing rules surrounding machine allowances and gaming floor dimensions. If approved by both Houses, the new regulations are expected to come into force on 22 July.
Central to the proposed changes is a shift in how gaming machine entitlements are calculated. Rather than a flat allocation, the number of permitted machines will now be linked to a venue’s gaming floor size. For instance, a casino with a floor area between 380 and 400 square metres would be eligible to operate up to 28 machines, while the maximum allocation of 40 machines would apply to venues with a floor area of at least 500 square metres.
The draft legislation also introduces a new restriction: a firm cap of 1,500 square metres on the total size of designated gambling areas. Casinos that already exceed this limit as of 12 May will be allowed to maintain their existing floorplans, but further expansion will be prohibited.
These reforms stem from the UK government’s wide-ranging gambling review, which concluded in 2023. The resulting white paper, published in April that year, highlighted the need to update land-based casino regulations to better align with the current gaming landscape. Recommendations included expanding machine entitlements, applying new marketing safeguards, and offering greater flexibility around sports betting.
Industry reaction has been largely positive. The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), which represents operators across the UK gambling sector, welcomed the draft measures as a step in the right direction. Major casino groups, including Rank, have also voiced support, emphasising the importance of regulatory modernization to support investment, innovation, and competitiveness within the sector.
As the industry awaits Parliamentary approval, the proposed updates are being closely watched as a potential turning point for land-based gaming in the UK.
For further information Measures relating to the land-based gambling sector - GOV.UK
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