Casinos operated by Grosvenor to Introduce Retail Sports Betting Areas in September, Following Significant Legal Adjustment
UK Casinos to Introduce Sports Betting Terminals
In a significant move to modernize the gambling landscape, the UK government has recently changed the rules to allow land-based casinos to introduce sports betting terminals for the first time. This reform, passed in July 2025, follows the increasing trend of mobile and online betting in the UK and aims to improve casinos’ competitiveness.
Prior to this change, a longstanding ban on retail sportsbooks within these venues existed, while retail sportsbooks were widespread on the high street. However, lawmakers deemed this restriction outdated, given that customers could already place bets via mobile devices from within casinos, making the ban redundant.
Grosvenor Casinos, with over 50 locations in the UK, plans to introduce sports betting terminals in September, pending regulatory approval. The Managing Director of Grosvenor Casinos, Mark Harper, believes this move will attract more customers and help compete against Adult Gaming Centres.
In addition to the introduction of sports betting terminals, related reforms include an increase in the number of gaming machines that casinos can host. Many casinos are now permitted to have up to 80 high-jackpot B1 slot machines (up from 20), and small casinos allowed to operate up to five gaming machines per table. These legislative changes are part of broader efforts to update the 2005 Gambling Act.
The change in law is expected to generate additional revenue for the UK government from taxes on gambling activities in casinos. With the modernization of gambling provisions, the UK gambling landscape is set for a transformation, making it more competitive and appealing to a wider audience.
Sports betting terminals will be introduced by Grosvenor Casinos, a major player with over 50 UK locations, in September, following the UK government's July 2025 reform that permits sports betting within land-based casinos. This transformation aims to enhance casinos' competitiveness in a market increasingly dominated by mobile and online betting.
