Gambling | Non-Remote Casino Sector | Legislative Changes

In April 2023, a White Paper was published by Conservative government outlining their plans for modernising the regulation of the gambling sector including a series of key proposals specifically relating to the land-based gambling sector.

Following consultation by the previous government carried out in 2023, in 2024 the new government reviewed the proposals in relation to modernising the rules for casinos and decided to implement the changes as outlined in the previous government’s consultation on this matter.

The following statutory instruments (effective from 22 July 2025) have been introduced to deliver the proposed changes for casino licensed premises:

• The Gambling Act 2005 (Commencement No. 6 and Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Order 2025
• The Casinos (Gaming Machines and Mandatory Conditions) Regulations 2025
• The Gambling Act 2005 (Premises Licences and Provisional Statements) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2025
• The Gambling Act 2005 (Gaming Tables in Casinos) (Definitions) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

The Gambling Commission have recently published guidance for the above describing the key changes arising by each new piece of statute, which can be found here. 

Amongst the changes are “extended” gaming machine entitlement for converted casinos (former 1968 Act Licences) which meet minimum size requirements (200m²).

Only two of the proposed reforms extend to Scotland, some parts of the regulatory framework for casinos are reserved while other aspects are devolved. While the powers to make changes to gaming machine entitlements are reserved, the protective measures that the government views as necessary accompaniments to any such change are devolved. The government has indicated that it will not proceed with the other deregulatory changes in Scotland without accompanying protective measures also being in place and is in ongoing discussions with the Scottish Government.