The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has laid the Casinos (Gaming Machines and Mandatory Conditions) Regulations before parliament, marking the first major overhaul of Britain’s land-based casino rules since the 2005 Gambling Act.

The reforms convert promises made in the government’s April 2023 gambling reform white paper into law.

Key measures include raising the ceiling on Category B machines to 80 per venue, permitting sports betting in all casinos, reducing the minimum gaming-table area for “small” 2005-Act casinos, and setting a 5:1 machine-to-table ratio for both 1968 and 2005-Act properties.

Thomas told NEXT.io: “The casino industry has been disadvantaged for years, with restrictions on numbers of gaming machines and sports betting that were widely agreed to be archaic.

“The changes, whilst modest compared to any international competitors, will allow casinos to better meet the demands of their customers and also help the growth agenda.”

Casinos already generate 13 million visits per year, employ more than 10,000 people, contribute £800m to the UK economy and £300m in taxes, he outlined.

Thomas argues that fresh capital will amplify those numbers and aid city-centre regeneration.

He said: “Implementing these policy changes will unlock millions of pounds in investment into city centres and high streets, allowing businesses to modernise, innovate and grow.”

 “This was as discussed in the consultations and made clear in the white paper, so there is nothing to be unhappy about.

 “DCMS has managed this process well and delivered what are quite complicated regulatory changes in a clear and concise way, and should be applauded for their efforts.

“Casinos are a vital pillar of the UK’s leisure, hospitality and tourism sector. The industry is delighted to welcome these modest modernisation reforms. They’re not revolutionary, but they’re the green light we’ve been waiting for.”

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