WATCH: Casino News Roundup - August 15, 2025

Our news reporter, Alan Evans, brings you the latest news from the casino industry on June 5, 2025.

Can't watch right now? Here's the full transcript:

"Welcome to the Casinos.com Weekly News Roundup, where we bring you the latest developments from the UK and beyond. 

"This week’s headlines cover everything from Rank Group’s double-digit profit growth and a high-profile Gala Bingo glitch to new innovations in cruise ship casinos and the launch of Cubeia’s Poker 2.0. 

"We also track key policy debates, market shifts, and major updates from Las Vegas to Royal Caribbean’s next big refit.

UK & Europe 

"Rank Group, parent of Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos, recorded a strong year ending June 2025, with net gaming revenue rising 11% and operating profit up 38%. Growth was driven by strategic investments in venues and digital segments, aided by recent reforms allowing more gaming machines and sports betting across sites. 

"Entain CEO Stella David cautioned that planned UK gambling tax increases could drive customers toward unregulated markets, pointing to the Netherlands as a cautionary example. 

"A technical error during Gala Bingo’s Summer Nights promotion saw hundreds of players mistakenly awarded prizes. Adam Wall from North Wales lost a £7,200 win he had earmarked for his wedding. Gala cited terms allowing winnings to be voided in case of malfunctions. 

"Labour MP Alex Barros-Curtis took part in a bingo charity event that raised £20,000 for local projects, showcasing bingo’s role as a community hub. 

"Economists predict the Bank of England’s recent rate cut could temporarily boost gaming venue revenues, though inflation and potential gambling tax hikes may offset gains. 

"Cubeia CEO Simon Isbäck spoke to Casinos.com about Poker 2.0, which brings a redesigned interface, faster feature rollouts, and player-driven innovations such as Poker Clubs and new game variants like Tennessee Hold’em. 

"PAF’s Georg Tsonoulis discussed operating gaming on 26 vessels, covering space optimization, compliance, cashless adoption, and the blending of gaming with onboard entertainment. 

"Strong sports betting and stable regulation drove higher revenues and margins for major operators in Italy during the first half of the year. 

International News 

"Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas will undergo a major refit in April 2026, including a larger casino, new venues like Sound Cellar and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, and an expanded Splashaway Bay. 

"Fires at two Las Vegas resorts were quickly contained with no injuries reported, and operations resumed shortly afterward.  

"Circa Sports has opened a new sportsbook at Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs, offering high-limit wagers and an extensive betting menu. 

"Golden Gate in Downtown Las Vegas will replace all live dealer tables with a fully electronic gaming pit, offering automated versions of popular table games."