In an update to Rank Group’s preliminary 2025/26 results, CEO Richard Harris has urged the government not to increase taxes, warning an increase in MGD would “cast clouds” over the UK bingo sector and “a material impact” on Rank’s own commercial viability.
The Rank Group CEO Richard Harris updated the company’s latest results to warn against proposals to further hike taxes in the UK, which would “cast clouds” over the bingo sector, lead to club closures, and impact local communities.
In the revised preliminary report for 2025/26, Harris appeared to reference recent claims by the Social Market Foundation that increasing MGD to 40 percent would add £460m to the Treasury’s coffers, but highlighted the knock-on effects for businesses.
“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,” said Harris.
“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. The government has supported bingo clubs like ours in recent years and any tax increase would have a material impact on commercial viability.”
The report itself highlights that Rank enjoyed a 5 percent increase in NGR to £835m during the period, however pre-tax profit fell 15 percent to £39m.
During the past year, Rank has been reducing its Mecca bingo retail portfolio, citing an “oversupply” of clubs, to leave “a much healthier estate of core clubs and flagship venues, well-placed to compete more effectively in their marketplaces.”
Empty houses
Richard Harris said… “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…
Originally published on Coinslot on August 24, 2026. Republished with permission.