Rank Group Cuts Jobs as UK Gambling Tax Hits 40%

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-07-17

**Rank Group Plc**, the company behind Grosvenor Casinos, Mecca Bingo, and Spain's Enracha Casinos, just announced staff reductions as it grapples with a massive tax hike from the UK government. The Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) jumped from 21% to 40% in April 2026 after the 2025 Autumn Budget. That's a nearly doubled tax rate for online gambling operators. This isn't just a small adjustment. It's a seismic shift that's forcing companies like Rank to rethink their entire business model. While the exact number of jobs being cut hasn't been shared, the company says these moves are part of a broader strategy to keep profits healthy and continue growing. ### What This Means for the Gambling Industry The UK's gambling tax increase is one of the steepest in recent memory. For context, the RGD is applied to gross gaming revenue from online slots, casino games, and bingo. Before the hike, operators paid about $0.26 on every dollar of revenue. Now they're paying $0.40. That's a big chunk of change. Rank Group isn't alone here. Other operators are likely watching closely and making similar moves. The tax increase could reshape the entire landscape of UK online gambling. Some smaller operators might struggle to survive, while larger ones like Rank are cutting costs to stay competitive. ### How Rank Group Is Responding Here's what we know so far: - **Job cuts**: Staff reductions are happening across the business, though specific numbers haven't been disclosed. - **Cost-saving measures**: Beyond layoffs, Rank is looking at other ways to trim expenses. - **Focus on growth**: Despite the tax hit, the company is still aiming to grow, especially in markets outside the UK, like Spain. The company's CEO, Richard, has emphasized that these changes are necessary to protect the business long-term. It's a balancing act between cutting costs and keeping the engine running. ### What's Next for Rank and Its Competitors The tax hike is a wake-up call for the industry. Operators will need to get creative. We might see more mergers, acquisitions, or even exits from the UK market. For players, this could mean fewer bonuses or higher wagering requirements as companies pass on costs. Rank's move to cut jobs is just the beginning. Other gambling giants like Entain and Flutter Entertainment are likely evaluating their own strategies. The UK government's decision to raise the RGD was a bold one, and its effects are still unfolding. ### The Bigger Picture This isn't just about one company or one tax. It's about how the gambling industry adapts to regulatory pressure. The UK has been tightening rules around online gambling for years, from stake limits to affordability checks. The RGD hike is the latest chapter. For Rank Group, the focus now is on survival and growth. Job cuts are painful, but they're part of a larger plan to stay profitable. Whether that plan works remains to be seen. *This article is based on information from World Casino News.*