Grosvenor Casino Thanet Expands Slots After UK Gambling Law Update

_{Slot machines inside a UK land-based casino, as it expands its electronic gaming floor following changes to gambling regulations. (Image: Stephen Barnes/Entertainment/Alamy)}

Grosvenor Casino Thanet at Westwood Cross has significantly increased its slot‑machine presence, adding 30 new terminals and 90 new electronic games after the UK government implemented reforms that allow land‑based casinos to boost machine numbers for the first time in nearly two decades. The changes are part of a broader update to casino regulations intended to modernise the sector and drive long‑term growth.

Under the new rules, casinos may install up to 80 gaming machines as long as the number does not exceed five times the number of gaming tables on site and the gambling floor meets minimum space conditions. This represents a shift from the previous ratio, which permitted far fewer machines in many venues, and reflects amendments to the Gambling Act 2005 brought into force on 22 July 2025.

For Grosvenor’s Thanet casino, the expansion is part of a nationwide rollout: the operator, Rank Group Plc, which owns the Grosvenor Casino brand with 51 venues across the UK, has announced plans to add hundreds of additional slot machines across its estate in response to the revised regulatory framework.

Modernising a Constrained Sector

Land‑based casinos in the UK have faced stringent machine‑number limits under previous legislation. The recent regulatory package, which amends how gaming machine allowances are calculated and aligns machine‑to‑table ratios with broader industry practice, was designed to help revitalise casino floors and make them more competitive with international counterparts.

The changes follow a comprehensive review of the Gambling Act, with the government describing the reforms as a way to support the “long‑term growth” of the land‑based casino sector and to ensure that regulations remain fit for a market shaped by digital competition and changing consumer habits.

New Regulatory Safeguards

At Thanet, the new installations are intended to enhance the gaming experience and attract a broader range of visitors. The additions include a mix of popular and new game titles aimed at both casual players and regulars. The casino destination continues to offer traditional table games like blackjack alongside its expanded electronic gaming floor.

Alongside machine allowances, the broader regulatory overhaul introduced new player protection measures, requiring affordability checks for individuals with significant losses within defined time frames and “passive” checks for more moderate losses, as part of efforts to balance market growth with responsible gambling safeguards. 

A mandatory research, education and treatment levy for operators and a new independent gambling ombudsman were also included in the reforms. (Note: these safeguards are part of the wider reform package and not specific to machine count changes.)

Expansion Possible Through Policy Shift

The expansion at Grosvenor Casino Thanet reflects a significant policy shift in the UK’s approach to land‑based gambling, with the first substantive easing of slot machine restrictions in nearly 20 years. For local economies and hospitality sectors, the updated rules may translate into increased footfall and revenue from nightlife and entertainment. 

For players, the changes offer a wider range of gaming options in physical venues. However, the reforms also reignite debates around gambling availability and responsible play, underscoring the ongoing balance policymakers seek between economic growth and social protections.