Sports betting facilities to debut at Grosvenor Casinos in September, following a significant shift in legislation.
Grosvenor Casinos to Introduce Sports Betting Terminals in September
In a significant move for the UK gambling industry, Grosvenor Casinos, with over 50 locations across the country, plans to introduce sports betting terminals in September, subject to regulatory approval. This decision comes in response to a recent change in the rules that allows retail sportsbooks in land-based casinos.
Until recently, retail sportsbooks were not permitted to open in casinos, a rule that was found to be senseless given the ease with which people could place bets using their mobile devices within the casinos. The change in rules is a response to the increasing use of mobile devices for betting and aims to increase the availability of retail sportsbooks in the UK.
The change in rules may lead to a shift in betting habits, with more people choosing to bet in land-based casinos. Mark Harper, Managing Director of Grosvenor Casinos, believes this move will help attract more customers to their locations.
Meanwhile, the UK government has also allowed casinos to increase the number of high-jackpot "B1" gaming machines on their property. The maximum total number of B1 machines per casino venue is now 80, even if the casino holds multiple licenses at the same premises. Casinos must notify the UK Gambling Commission when planning to increase machine numbers, confirming compliance with premises size requirements.
This change, which aligns with amendments to the Gambling Act 2005 related to casino premises licenses in England and Wales, has generated debate about its compatibility with commitments to reduce gambling harms and the need for enhanced local authority control over slot gambling.
In summary, the chief recent change is the increase in the allowable number of B1 gaming machines in UK land-based casinos from 20 to 80 per venue, along with requirements for regulatory notification and adherence to conditions under the Gambling Act 2005 amendments. The impact on sports betting includes potential new permissions around terminals but requires regulatory clarity.
[1] Gambling Commission. (2023). Changes to B1 gaming machine entitlements in casinos. Retrieved from https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/for-the-public/news-action-and-statements/news/2023/changes-to-b1-gaming-machine-entitlements-in-casinos.aspx [2] Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport. (2023). Amendments to the Gambling Act 2005 related to casino premises licenses in England and Wales. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/amendments-to-the-gambling-act-2005-related-to-casino-premises-licenses-in-england-and-wales [3] Gambling Commission. (2023). Notification of changes to gaming machine entitlements in casinos. Retrieved from https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/for-the-public/news-action-and-statements/news/2023/notification-of-changes-to-gaming-machine-entitlements-in-casinos.aspx
[1] The introduction of sports betting terminals by Grosvenor Casinos in September could encourage more individuals to engage in sports betting within land-based casinos, rather than relying solely on mobile devices.
[2] The rise in the allowable number of high-jackpot "B1" gaming machines in UK land-based casinos from 20 to 80 per venue creates a potential shift in gambling habits, potentially influencing not only sports betting but also other forms of gambling.
