Thomas applauded the DCMS for submitting this proposal which outlines crucial and “quite complicated regulatory changes” in a clear and concise way
Simon Thomas, the executive chair and majority shareholder of The Hippodrome Casino in the UK has weighed in on the country’s ongoing gambling reforms, expressing optimism about upcoming changes to how land-based casinos are regulated.
DCMS Proposes Key Changes to How Casinos Are Regulated
In an interview with gaming news outlet NEXT.io, Thomas weighed in on the planned overhaul of Great Britain’s land-based sector. The proposed changes, which are consistent with the Gambling Act white paper, were just submitted to parliament by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
The DCMS’s Casinos (Gaming Machines and Mandatory Conditions) Regulations proposal envisions certain changes that, according to Thomas, would make Britain’s casino sector able to compete with the country’s growing iGaming space.
Among other things, the proposed overhaul would raise the cap on Category B machines to 80 per venue. At the same time, the minimum gaming-table area for “small” 2005-Act casinos will be reduced. The changes furthermore propose setting a 5:1 machine-to-table ratio for both 1968 and 2005-Act properties.
Additionally, sports betting will be allowed across all land-based casinos, providing properties with access to an important revenue stream.
Simon Applauded the DCMS’s Delivery
In his interview with NEXT.io, Thomas regretted that the casino industry has been “disadvantaged” for years and expressed excitement about the changes. While he admitted that the changes are somewhat “modest” compared to international competitors, he was convinced that they would make brick-and-mortar properties more competitive than they currently are.
Thomas also asserted that the policy amendments would be an important economic stimulus to city centers and high streets as businesses would finally be allowed to modernize and innovate.
Casinos are a vital pillar of the UK’s leisure, hospitality and tourism sector. The industry is delighted to welcome these modest modernization reforms. They’re not revolutionary, but they’re the green light we’ve been waiting for.
Simon Thomas
Thomas applauded the DCMS for submitting this proposal which outlines crucial and “quite complicated regulatory changes” in a clear and concise way.
UK Gambling Participation Drops
In the meantime, a recent survey suggested that gambling participation in Great Britain has taken a noticeable dip. Compiled by the National Centre for Social Research, the recent study suggested that in the three months covering September 2024 and January 2025, 46% of adults engaged in a form of gambling. This figure represented a decline of 3%
