Rank Group Cuts Jobs as UK Gambling Taxes Skyrocket to 40%

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-07-17

Rank Group Plc, the company behind Grosvenor Casinos, Mecca Bingo, and Spain's Enracha Casinos, has confirmed a round of staff reductions as it adjusts to the UK government's increased Remote Gaming Duty (RGD). The duty jumped from 21% to 40% in April 2026 following the 2025 Autumn Budget, forcing operators to find ways to cut costs across their businesses. While Rank hasn't shared exact numbers, the job cuts are part of a broader strategy to protect profitability and keep growth on track. It's a tough move, but one that many in the industry saw coming after the tax hike was announced. ### Why the Tax Hike Hit Hard The UK government raised the RGD to bring in more revenue, but for operators like Rank, it means a massive increase in operating costs. Before the change, a casino operator might have paid $21 in tax for every $100 of remote gaming revenue. Now, that same operator pays $40. That's nearly double the tax burden, and it eats straight into profits. For a company with a large physical and digital presence, the math gets ugly fast. Rank had to make some hard choices to stay afloat and keep investing in growth areas. ### Job Cuts: A Painful but Necessary Step Reducing staff is never easy, especially for a company that prides itself on its people. But when your tax bill jumps by billions of dollars, something has to give. Rank is streamlining operations to become more efficient without sacrificing the customer experience. - **What we know:** The cuts are happening across the business, but exact numbers haven't been released. - **What we don't know:** Which roles or locations are most affected. Rank is keeping those details close to the vest. - **The bigger picture:** This isn't just about Rank. Other UK operators are likely facing similar pressures and could announce their own cost-saving measures soon. ### Growth Plans Stay on Track Despite the cuts, Rank isn't hitting pause on growth. The company is still investing in new products, technology, and markets where the tax environment is more favorable. For example, its Enracha brand in Spain operates under a different tax regime, which helps balance the books. > "We're making these changes to protect our future and keep delivering for our customers," a Rank spokesperson said. "It's not easy, but it's necessary." Rank is also focusing on expanding its digital offerings, which have become a bigger part of the business since the pandemic shifted player habits. The company sees opportunity in online gaming, even with the higher tax. ### What This Means for the Industry The UK gambling market is going through a major shift. The RGD increase is one of the biggest tax changes in recent memory, and it's forcing operators to rethink their strategies. Here's what we're likely to see: - **More consolidation:** Smaller operators may struggle to absorb the tax hike and could be acquired by larger players. - **Innovation in cost efficiency:** Companies will look for ways to automate and streamline operations. - **Focus on high-margin products:** Operators might push games and services with better margins to offset the tax. For players, the impact might be subtle at first. But over time, higher taxes could mean fewer promotions, smaller bonuses, or even higher minimum bets. It's a ripple effect that touches everyone. ### The Bottom Line Rank Group is navigating a tough environment with a mix of tough decisions and strategic investments. The job cuts are a sign of the times, but they don't tell the whole story. The company is still betting on growth, even as the taxman takes a bigger slice. For now, all eyes are on how other operators respond. If Rank's approach works, we might see others follow suit. If not, the UK gambling landscape could look very different in a few years.