Rank Group has welcomed the UK Government's response to measures relating to the land-based gambling sector. 

As part of the response, there will be an increase in the number of gaming machines permitted from 20 per licence up to 80 machines, and Rank have said this will lead to Grosvenor Casinos broadly doubling its B1 gaming machine numbers from the current number of 1,361. 

Also, sports betting will be permitted in all casinos, and the company has said that various sports betting concepts will be added in several Grosvenor venues. 

Operators will be allowed to site two Category B3 machines for each Category C or D machine, which is estimated to increase Rank’s current Category B3 cabinet numbers by around 500 machines. Rank believes it will be able to the reduce the number of cabinets across its Mecca estate. 

Rank has also welcomed the UK Government’s decision to remove the prohibition on direct debit card payments on gaming machines, alongside the introduction of appropriate player protections. 

Rank Group Chief Executive John O’Reilly said: "Today's Government response to the land-based consultation is good news for Rank. Providing the legislation is on the statute books by recess in late July, we are looking forward to improving the customer proposition in our venues with a roadmap of investments and improvements in the months and years that follow.  

“The legislative modernisations cannot come a moment too soon, so we are pleased with the progress contained in today's announcement." 

The BGC has also announced its backing for plans for the modernisation of casinos after the DCMS’ White Paper consultation response on land-based betting and gaming, calling for a swift implementation.