Rank Group CEO Warns Anti-Gambling Campaigners 'Cast Clouds' Over Bingo Sector
Rank Group chief executive Richard Harris used the operator's FY2025/26 results, published on Thursday, August 13, 2026, to push back against renewed calls for higher gambling taxes.
He warned that anti-gambling campaigners had "cast clouds" over the UK's regulated online casino and bingo sector.
Harris' comments follow a report from the Social Market Foundation calling for increased duty on higher-risk Category B electronic gaming machines, and come in a year that has already seen UK remote gaming duty rise from 21 percent to 40 percent.
Prime minister Andy Burnham has also sought to give local councils more powers to restrict Adult Gaming Centres.
"Tax proposals from anti-gambling campaigners continue to cast clouds over a regulated industry that is proud to support jobs across the country, deliver great hospitality experiences to millions of customers, and Rank paid over £225 million in taxes and duties last year," Harris said, according to Rank Group's FY2025/26 results statement.
Warning On Bingo Hall Closures
Harris argued further tax rises would ultimately prove counterproductive for the Exchequer.
"Tax increases for clubs like ours, with high levels of supervision and operating on tight margins, will swiftly lead to lower tax receipts as much-loved bingo halls and casinos will be forced to close, impacting customers in local communities," he said, adding that government support for bingo clubs in recent years would be undermined by a further increase.
The comments come as UK land-based operators continue to warn that successive duty increases are squeezing venues already competing with a growing online betting and gaming market, with retail bingo and casino operators arguing they face a materially higher cost base than digital-only rivals.
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